When was the Bronco 2 discontinued?
The Bronco II was discontinued after the 1990 model year.
Here's a fuller explanation of when it ended, why Ford retired the compact SUV, and what moved in to fill the gap in Ford's lineup.
Timeline of the Bronco II
Ford's compact Bronco II had a relatively short run in the 1980s. The following timeline highlights its launch, lifecycle, and end.
- 1983: Ford introduces the Bronco II as a compact, two-door SUV based on the Ranger pickup platform.
- 1990: Production ends after the 1990 model year; Ford discontinues the Bronco II.
The Bronco II's ending reflected a shift in Ford's strategy toward safer, more versatile SUVs in the early 1990s.
Causes and consequences
Several factors contributed to the decision to discontinue the Bronco II, including safety concerns, changing consumer preferences, and corporate strategy changes.
- Safety and reputation: The vehicle faced scrutiny and rollover concerns in the late 1980s, prompting recalls and a reputational hit.
- Market shift: Demand moved toward larger or more car-like SUVs, and Ford focused resources on the Explorer family.
- Product strategy: Ford aligned its lineup around newer designs and the Explorer, reducing emphasis on the Bronco II's compact, body-on-frame platform.
These dynamics culminated in Ford ending the Bronco II after the 1990 model year, freeing space for newer generations of SUVs.
What replaced the Bronco II
Ford redirected its SUV strategy toward the Explorer and other crossovers, signaling a broader industry move away from small, traditional body-on-frame SUVs toward more versatile, car-based designs.
Explorer’s launch and role
The Ford Explorer, introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year, became the main family-friendly SUV in Ford's lineup, absorbing much of the Bronco II's market.
Long-term impact
In hindsight, the discontinuation of the Bronco II is seen as part of a broader shift in the SUV market toward safer, more versatile crossovers rather than compact trucks-based SUVs.
Summary
In short, Ford ended the Bronco II after the 1990 model year, choosing to focus on the Explorer and other newer SUVs. The move reflected evolving consumer tastes, safety considerations, and a broader industry transition that shaped the SUV landscape for decades to come.
