Driving 101: Behind the Wheel of a 1996 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is one of those cars that will always be cool. As one of the last old-school SUVs that were made, these vintage vehicles are still very popular on the market today. There were five generations of the Ford Bronco until they ceased production. 1996 was the last year that this SUV was being made until they brought it back for 2021.
Of the five generations, the cars made between 1992 and 1995 were in the last category. The fifth generation was designed with the original body style that the first generation cars had. It replicated the first generation of Broncos from 1966 to 1977. This was the shape that car enthusiasts fell in love with. However, they did create a cleaner line on the front end, enhanced the aerodynamics, and a new collection of paint colors for the fifth generation. Even though the outside of the car looked like the original, the inside got some extra upgrades. They had a premium sound system, auto-dimming mirrors, an overhead console, and a cargo net for the back. After some safety concerns in earlier models, by 1996 there were more safety features in the Bronco than before like the seat belts for rear passengers and front airbags. They also had removed the ability to take off the hardtop. The 1996 Bronco was the first Ford vehicle to incorporate a turn signal light into the side mirrors.
In the year prior, Ford introduced the XLT Sport package which included a monochromatic paint package in either Bright Red Clearcoat or Oxford White Clearcoat. This model had a luxurious interior with a rugged exterior. It was only offered in 1995 and 1996. There was also an Eddie Bauer edition that was outdoor-themed with a few defining features.
After 30 years of the Ford Bronco, they had developed quite a reputation. They were capable on lots of terrains, durable for off-roading, and well equipped. There were a few reasons why the Bronco was so widely used. Unlike other collector cars, it had an elevated frame to help with off-roading along with four-wheel drive, the ability to carry passengers, lots of cargo space, and fairly high safety levels. By 1996 it had become the car of choice for rangers with the US Forest Service as well as Border Patrol Agents. The V8 engine and choice between automatic or manual transmission were key features for them.
The very last 1996 Ford Bronco was completed on June 12, 1996, in Wayne, Michigan. Ford said the discontinuation had nothing to do with the O.J. Simpson car chase that had occurred in a Bronco two years prior but there was still some speculation that the publicity negatively affected sales and Ford saw a decline in demand.
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