Which came first, Ford Bronco or International Scout?
The International Scout came first, debuting in 1961, years before Ford introduced the Bronco for the 1966 model year (unveiled in 1965).
Both vehicles emerged to fill a growing demand for rugged, compact four-wheel-drive utility vehicles. The Scout was developed by International Harvester as a versatile off-road and family vehicle, while Ford launched the Bronco to compete with Jeep's CJ models and other early light SUVs. This article traces the historical sequence and what each vehicle represented in its era.
Timeline of introductions
The following entries show the key public introductions of each model, illustrating which came first in the market.
- 1961 — International Harvester introduces the Scout 80/Scout line, marking IH's entry into compact four-wheel-drive utility vehicles.
- 1965–1966 — Ford unveils the Bronco for the 1966 model year; production begins in 1965, making it Ford's entrant into the small SUV segment.
In brief, the International Scout predates the Ford Bronco by about four to five years, establishing an early blueprint for compact, go-anywhere utility vehicles that would influence later SUVs.
Context and impact
Origins and market expectations
The Scout and Bronco emerged in the same era of expanding American suburban life, rural work, and a growing interest in outdoor recreation. International Harvester pitched the Scout as a versatile work-and-family vehicle, while Ford framed the Bronco as rugged transportation with modern conveniences for the everyday driver who wanted off-road capability.
Despite different corporate trajectories, both programs helped popularize the compact SUV format and sparked a long-running competition among automakers to offer more capable, smaller four-wheel-drive vehicles than the large, truck-based platforms of the era.
Summary
Answer: The International Scout came first, with its introduction in 1961, predating Ford's Bronco, which appeared for the 1966 model year (unveiled in 1965). The Scout thus set an early standard for compact, capable 4x4s, while the Bronco followed a few years later as Ford's answer to Jeep-era competition. Both vehicles helped define the early SUV segment and influenced generations of off-road vehicles.
When did Ford Bronco first come out?
1966
Making its grand debut in 1966, the first Ford Bronco was a utilitarian two-door vehicle with available wagon, roadster, and pickup body styles, all of which offered four-wheel drive for enhanced off-road capability. Over the decades, the Ford Bronco evolved, growing in size and customization options.
When did International Scout come out?
The release date for the original International Scout is 1960, with production ceasing in 1980. The new, all-electric Scout vehicles are scheduled to begin production in late 2027, with the first models being the Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra pickup truck.
Original International Scout
- First released: 1960
- Production ended: October 21, 1980
New Scout vehicles (Scout Motors)
- Production start: Late 2027, though this is subject to change.
- First models: The Scout Traveler SUV and the Scout Terra pickup truck.
- Note: Some production delays are possible, with some current reservations potentially not being fulfilled until the 2029 model year.
What came first, the Scout or the Bronco?
Created as a competitor for the Jeep CJ, the Scout was the precursor of more sophisticated SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Blazer, and the later Jeep Cherokee.
Was Scout owned by Ford?
Scout Motors Inc. is an American division of German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen Group and a member of the Volkswagen Group companies. Volkswagen AG obtained the Scout brand after acquiring American truck manufacturer International Motors (previously Navistar) in 2021, and the Scout brand was relaunched in 2022.
