The Ford Bronco II was a compact sport utility vehicle that was sold between the years of 1984 and 1990 and served as a smaller option to the full size
Ford Bronco. Built to compete, the Bronco II was in the same league with the
Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and the Jeep Cherokee. While the Bronco II was similar to the
Ford Ranger pickup mechanically speaking, it had a 94-inch wheelbase and was enclosed in the rear.
A 2.8-liter V6 engine powered the 1984 and 1985 models and in 1986 a 2.9-liter EFI V6 engine was added. This particular engine was trouble from the beginning with its design flaws that resulted in premature cylinder head failure and loss of valve train lubrication. Even though the 1989 model did away with the troubled engine, consumers were well aware of the Bronco II and the fact that it had been plagued by problems and as a result it wasn't as attractive. The fact that the Ford Bronco II was known to tip over wasn't an attractive idea to most consumers, either. Finally, the Ford Bronco ceased production in 1990 because of poor sales and safety criticism. Though the days of the Bronco II were over, the vehicle was redesigned and released as the Ford Explorer in 1991.
Despite the safety concerns, the Bronco II is still a compact SUV that is attractive to many people looking for a cheap, durable sport utility vehicle. Luckily, the Bronco II proved to hold up well for many, so you'll still see them on the road more than 15 years after they stopped being produced.
