How many 1987 Ford Broncos were made?
Estimates place the production in the tens of thousands, commonly cited around 60,000 units, though Ford did not publish an official year-by-year tally, and figures vary by source.
In 1987, Ford introduced the fifth generation of the Bronco, a redesign that shaped the model through 1991. Because model-year tallies can differ depending on how data is counted—whether you include export variants, VIN-year alignment, or production date—the exact total for 1987 remains a matter of interpretation rather than a single official figure.
Understanding how production counts are assembled
Production tallies for classic vehicles like the 1987 Bronco are not always published in a straightforward year-by-year ledger. Researchers must reconcile factory records, catalog histories, and enthusiast databases, which can define "1987" differently (calendar year vs. model year, domestic vs. export, 2-door vs. 4-door configurations, etc.). The result is a range rather than a precise count.
What the sources say
Several reputable references compile Bronco production figures from archived factory data and period catalogs. The list below outlines common estimates and the caveats that accompany them.
- Hemmings and other classic-vehicle databases frequently place the 1987 Bronco production in the tens of thousands, with estimates typically described as around 50,000–70,000 units.
- Ford’s official production records are not publicly broken out by model year for the Bronco, so exact tallies by year are not readily available to the public.
- Enthusiast databases and club publications sometimes provide specific tallies or VIN-based counts for 1987, but values differ across sources due to counting methods and export considerations.
Conclusion: There isn’t a single, universally accepted figure published by Ford. The consensus among credible references places the 1987 Bronco production in the tens of thousands, with a commonly cited ballpark near 60,000 units; however, exact numbers vary by source and counting method.
The 1987 Bronco in context
The 1987 model year marks the launch of the Bronco’s fifth generation, which introduced a more squared, updated design and new interior features. Availability included several trims and engine options, reflecting Ford’s broadened appeal for both utility and family use. For collectors, this year is notable not just for raw production totals but for its place in the Bronco lineage and the equity tied to early fifth-generation examples.
Why the numbers matter to collectors
Production tallies influence rarity perceptions and, in turn, collectible value. While a precise 1987 total may be elusive, broadly speaking, bronco models from the late 1980s remain desirable, with value affected more by condition, originality, and options (such as trim level and drivetrain) than by a precise production count alone.
What changed in the 1987 model year
As the first year of the fifth generation, 1987 Broncos featured styling updates and interior refinements that distinguished them from earlier models. Engine options commonly included V8 options alongside inline-six choices, with trims ranging from basic to more feature-rich configurations that appealed to both outdoor enthusiasts and daily drivers.
Bottom line for the question
There is no single official tally from Ford for how many 1987 Broncos were produced. Most credible sources converge on a figure in the tens of thousands, with a typical ballpark around 60,000, acknowledging that the exact number depends on counting conventions and what variants are included.
Summary
The precise production count for the 1987 Ford Bronco is not officially published by Ford, and figures vary by source. The best-known estimates place the number in the tens of thousands, commonly around 60,000, but differences in model-year definitions, exports, and VIN-year alignment mean no universally agreed-upon total exists. For collectors, the most actionable takeaway is that 1987 Broncos are historically significant as the debut year of the fifth generation, with value driven more by condition, originality, and trim than by a fixed production figure.
