1990-1996 Ford Bronco Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Ford Bronco. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Ford Bronco.

1990-1996 Ford Bronco Review

Ford's full-size 4-wheel-drive utility vehicle could hold more than 100 cubic feet of cargo or seat six people in a roomy interior. It could also haul as much as 7800 pounds. Essentially a Ford F-Series pickup truck with expanded passenger area and fiberglass rear-roof section, Broncos came only in a 2-door body style, with a 2-way tailgate. Antilock rear braking was standard by the late 1980s, operating only in 2WD. A 4-speed automatic transmission edged aside the 3-speed unit, starting during 1990 as a running change. Base engine until 1993 was a 4.9-liter inline 6-cylinder, packing 150 horsepower, with a choice of optional V8s. A 185-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 was standard on the Eddie Bauer edition, optional on others. Also available: a 210-horsepower 5.8-liter V8, offered only with 3-speed automatic. Standard on-demand, part-time 4WD (not for use on dry pavement) had a conventional transfer-case shift lever on the floor.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Ford Bronco: An anniversary-edition model marked the Bronco's 25th season. The 3-speed automatic transmission had disappeared, making an electronically controlled 4-speed unit available with all engines.

1992 Ford Bronco: Front ends featured a new grille and rounded sheetmetal. Mirrors also were new. The 5.8-liter engine dipped from 210 to 200 horsepower. An XLT Nite model flaunted a monochrome black exterior and Nite insignia, but would last only a single season.

1993 Ford Bronco: Four-wheel ABS was installed in '93, replacing a 2-wheel setup. The 5.0-liter V8, at 185 horsepower, became standard. This year, the regular XLT got a monochromatic exterior (but black was not the only color offered). All but the Custom could have Touch Drive, which required an automatic transmission.

1994 Ford Bronco: A driver-side airbag came in '94. The 5.0-liter V8 added 20 horsepower and the 5.8-liter reverted to 210 horses.

1995 Ford Bronco: A new sport trim package for the XLT included a body-colored grille and bumpers, new running-board steps, and deep-dish aluminum wheels. The Eddie Bauer got a new bumper with air intakes.

1996 Ford Bronco: As an industry first, Broncos got optional futuristic mirrors that displayed turn-signal pointers in the glass surface. Bronco was replaced by the New Ford Expedition for 1997.

1990-1996 Ford Bronco Road Test

Pros	Cons

Trailer-towing capability	Fuel economy

Cargo room	Ride/handling

4WD traction	Maneuverability

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Even the 6-cylinder engine provides sufficient power for adequate acceleration, though we prefer V8s for their stronger performance. Best all-around choice is the 5.0-liter, providing satisfying acceleration and relaxed cruising ability, without using much more fuel than a six. Gas mileage with either V8 is poor. A light throttle foot is needed to keep from dipping into single-digit figures in city driving, and 20 mpg on the open road is about the best most drivers can hope for. Four-wheel antilock braking is safer than 2-wheel, maintaining better steering control in panic stops. It works when the vehicle is in 4WD, when conditions may make it most beneficial. Capping the rear portion of the Bronco's cabin with a fiberglass shell promoted squeaks, and offered much less isolation from road and wind noise than the full-metal body of a Blazer or Yukon. Space for six adults, ample cargo capacity, heavy-duty towing power, and rugged off-road capabilities are Bronco's main attractions. Minuses include unwieldy size (clumsy in urban driving), a jouncy ride, and poor fuel economy. Tall and bulky, a Bronco is difficult to maneuver through dense traffic. Occupants also face a rather tall step-up into the interior.

Value for the Money
With only two side doors, a Bronco is less convenient for family use than a 4-door Grand Wagoneer or smaller Cherokee/Wagoneer.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Ford Bronco 5.0-liter	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	2

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	2

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	6

Value within Class	4

Total:	36

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1996 Ford Bronco Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: Whining noises in the radio speakers are caused by the gas tank fuel pump. An electronic noise filter must be installed on the fuel pump. (1990-96)

Automatic transmission: Shifting problems occur when water seeps into the sensor that reports the position of the shift lever. A service kit is available to fix it. (1990-94)

Brakes: The parking brake pedal spontaneously drops to the floor because the adjustment pawl does not engage. (1992-94)

Brakes: The transmission may be able to shift out of park without the brakes being applied if the center high-mount stoplamp is burned out or missing. (1994-95)

Engine knock: A knocking sound on startup on 5.8-liter engines is likely due to a problem with the secondary air pump. (1995-96)

Engine knock: A knocking noise on vehicles with the 4.9-liter engine may be due to insufficient oil requiring a new filter mounting insert and antidrainback oil filter. (1990-95)

Engine noise: The drive belt on 5.0- and 5.8-liter engines chirps because of misalignment caused by the water pump pulley. (1990-94)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$405

Alternator	$280

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$830

Brakes	$280

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$580

Exhaust System	$325

Radiator	$415

Shocks and/or Struts	$240

Timing Chain or Belt	$210

Universal Joints	$280

NHTSA Recall History

1990-91: Ignition switch could short-circuit, causing smoke and possible fire.

1992: Door latch mechanism may malfunction in below-freezing temperatures.

1992-94 w/manual shift: Parking brake pawl can slip; brake might not hold.

1993 Bronco w/speed control system: The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.

1993 w/Touch Drive: Transfer case can slip out of 4x4 high-gear position during coasting in forward gears or with power applied in reverse.

1994-96: Cruise-control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

1990-1996 Ford Bronco Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
Bronco	$1,300-1,800	$800-1,100	$200

1991
Bronco	$1,500-2,100	$1,000-1,400	$200-300

1992
Bronco	$1,700-2,300	$1,100-1,500	$300

1993
Bronco	$1,900-2,800	$1,300-1,900	$300-400

1994
Bronco	$2,200-3,200	$1,600-2,300	$400-600

1995
Bronco	$2,600-3,800	$1,900-2,800	$500-800

1996
Bronco	$3,200-4,600	$2,500-3,600	$800-1,200

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1996 Ford Bronco Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	104.7

Overall Length, in.	183.6

Overall Width, in.	79.1

Overall Height, in.	74.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	4616

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	101.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	32.0

Seating Capacity	6

Front Head Room, in.	41.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.1

Rear Head Room, in.	39.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Since 1993, when the 6-cylinder engine disappeared, 5.0- and 5.8-liter V8s have been the sole engines. The 5.0-liter V8 gained 20 horsepower in 1994, but put out 10 fewer horses with automatic than with manual shift. By 1996, that engine was rated 199 horsepower with either transmission. Auto-lock front hubs were standard by 1994, with manual hubs a credit option. Upscale Broncos with automatic might have pushbutton-controlled Touch Drive. Others use a floor lever to shift the transfer case. The 5.8-liter V8 came only with 4-speed automatic; others could have manual shift.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv I6	4.9 / 300	145-150	260-265	5-speed manual: 14/17 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 14/18	5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V8	5.0 / 302	185-205	270-275	5-speed manual: 14/17 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 13/17	5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohv V8	5.8 / 351	200-210	300-328	3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 12/16	3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1996 Bronco

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Ford Bronco Road Test

Ford Bronco Reliability

Ford Bronco Prices

Ford Bronco Specs & Safety

Ford Bronco Photos

Ford Bronco Full Review