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Best Ford Bronco Years to Buy Used

  • Reintroduced in 2021, the Ford Bronco revived a storied name dating back four decades.
  • The latest Bronco rides atop a modern platform with impressive off-road credentials.
  • Modest changes to the newest Bronco make buying used almost as attractive as buying new.

After spending more than a decade in retirement, the Ford Bronco re-emerged as a viable alternative to the Jeep Wrangler. In its latest, or sixth, generation, you’ll find the best years to buy it used. Unlike the original concept, the newest Ford Bronco SUVs offer a choice of two or four doors, a hardtop or convertible roof, and a bevy of high-tech features.

If you’re all about rolling old-school, there are still a few older-generation Ford Bronco models running around that can easily tow a boat and venture far off the paved road. Find one in mint condition, and you’ll have a future collectible on your hands. During the 1980s, Ford also made a smaller SUV called the Bronco II. While the name is similar, nothing else about this little Bronco relates to its larger sibling. Based on the compact Ranger pickup truck, the Bronco II ran from 1984 until 1990.

Read on to find out about the best model years to buy a used Ford Bronco, all about the older generations, which years to avoid, and more.

What Is the Best Model-Year Used Ford Bronco? 

The best generation to buy used in the latest one running from 2021 to the present. This is the Bronco most used buyers seek, as it offers the best combination of value, safety, reliability, and off-road prowess. However, we would steer clear of the 2021 and 2022 models only because they did have some first-year issues, such as poorly fitting plastic roof panels, electrical and engine hiccups, and more than their fair share of interior rattles and squeaks. For those seeking an older classic Bronco, we’d aim for the fifth generation as these models will likely have the least miles and the most safety system for the time (think driver’s airbag and ABS brakes.)

See used Ford Broncos for sale in your area

Ford Bronco By Generation: Which Should You Buy? 

Sixth Generation (2021-Current)

2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend in Cactus Green with snow capped mountains in the background.

Most used Bronco shoppers are looking at the sixth-generation model. That’s because there’s more than a 25-year gap between it and the fifth-generation Bronco. Ford offers a dizzying number of trims, allowing buyers to opt for everything from basic off-roader to ultra-capable off-roader peppered with a healthy dose of luxury features. The standard engine is turbocharged, a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder good for 300 hp (275 hp when using regular gas). A 7-speed manual comes standard, with a 10-speed automatic optional. Four-wheel drive (4WD) comes standard, as does Ford’s Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes. All Bronco models offer an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine providing 310 hp. Two-door models come only with a modular hardtop that includes removable roof panels. The 4-door Bronco comes with a convertible top but can be upgraded to have both the convertible and the modular roof.

Optional features worth noting include a 12-inch touchscreen, upgraded seats, a Bang and Olufsen audio upgrade, and a 360-degree camera. Opting for the automatic transmission brings Trail Control (a low-speed off-road cruise control) and Trail Turn Assist. Climbing the trim ladder brings more features, such as Trail One-Pedal Driving, upgraded suspension choices, locking front and rear differentials, and larger wheel/tire packages. The popular Sasquatch Package adds 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, electronic locking axles, more ground clearance, a HOSS suspension, and Bilstein position-sensitive shocks.

Read more here for an in-depth look at each Bronco trim and its contents.

Model-Year Changes:

2025: The Base model returns along with a new Stroppe Special Edition trim. The Black Diamond, Wildtrak, and Everglades trims get removed from the lineup.

2024: Ford eliminated the base Bronco Base trim, making the Big Bend the new entry-level model.
2023: The retro-themed Heritage Edition trims debut. They feature white wheels, grille, and top, plus retro colors from the original 1960s-era Bronco.
2022: The Sasquatch Package is offered with a manual transmission and two new trims debut: Everglades and Raptor.

See 2021 to 2025 used Ford Bronco models for sale near you

The Original Ford Bronco: First to Fifth Generations

1992-1996

1992 Ford Bronco parked on the street.

The fifth-generation Bronco adds more styling cues and safety features, such as a driver’s side airbag. A V8 engine was the only option. After 1996, Ford discontinued the full-size 2-door Bronco in favor of a new, 4-door SUV, the Expedition.

1987-1991

1988 Ford Bronco in maroon.

The fourth-generation Bronco grows in size and power, becoming more luxurious and capable. Fuel injection and anti-lock brakes debut.

1980-1986

1981 Ford Bronco parked on sandy roads.

The third-generation Bronco shrunk slightly, using the new F-150 platform as its base. These models are probably the least desirable Broncos due to weak frame issues and underpowered engines.

1978-1979

1979 Ford Bronco parked on rocks.

Originally slated to debut in 1974, the second-gen Bronco was delayed until 1978 due to a downturn in the economy and the OPEC oil embargo. Although it only saw a few years of production, the second-gen Bronco made big strides in safety, comfort, and power. The V6 engine option was dropped, leaving two fuel-thirsty V8s. Sadly, the former generation’s removable rear roof cap didn’t carry over.

1966-1977

1966 Ford Bronco parked on grass.

The Bronco started life in 1966 as an answer to the Jeep CJ and International Scout. It was a handsome 2-door SUV with a removable top, a more civilized ride, and V6 or V8 power. Now highly desired by collectors, the odds of finding a used first-gen Bronco for a low price are slim, even one that needs restoration. Related: Classic Ford Bronco: A First Generation Buying Guide

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Which Ford Bronco Is Right for You?

Sticking with the current sixth-generation Bronco, buyers have many choices. Upon its introduction, Ford offered no less than seven trims, which swelled to ten by 2023. Most trims provide the option of two or four doors. Two-door Bronco models come only with a modular hardtop with removable panels. The 4-door models can have either a convertible top or a modular hardtop roof.

The Base trim is the way to go for those looking to keep the price down. It features all the essentials for off-roading and has a surprisingly long list of standard equipment, including 4-wheel drive (4WD) with Terrain Management, Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Co-Pilot360 technology (forward collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking, auto high-beams, and hill descent control), 16-inch wheels, and push-button start. Adding the 10-speed automatic brings Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist. Moving up to the Big Bend brings an additional mode for Mud/Ruts, 17-inch wheels with 32-inch all-terrain tires, and LED fog lights. Ford’s Mid Package starts with the Big Bend, adding more driver assists such as a blind-spot monitor and lane-keeping assist.

Those seeking a nice combination of features and off-road ability should look to more upscale trims like the Black Diamond, Outer Banks, and Badlands. Here, you’ll find features like locking differentials, a 12-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, heated seats, and the B&O sound system. The Badlands includes desirable off-road features such as a disconnecting front sway bar and upgraded suspension.

The ultimate Bronco (which will cost the most) is the Raptor, which features coil-over Fox off-road shocks, 13 inches of ground clearance, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 good for 400-plus horsepower.

Should You Buy a Used Ford Bronco? 

A used Ford Bronco makes a lot of sense, especially as the new version’s price has jumped significantly since its introduction. We’d opt for a 2023 or newer model, as Ford worked out most of the kinks. Even if you go for a 2021 or 2022, recalls and warranty repairs fix many of the known issues. These include some electric issues with wiper systems, poor fitting roof panels that leaked, cam phaser issues on the 2.7-liter engine, and complaints about the subwoofer on the B&O system vibrating and making noise.

As with any off-road vehicle, be sure to have a used Bronco inspected by a qualified mechanic, preferably a Ford-certified one. You’ll want to check the suspension for damage and the transmission and engine for proper servicing. If the previous owner has added upgrades like larger wheels and tires, be sure to have the tie-rods checked for damage or wear.

Is the Ford Bronco Reliable? 

As SUVs go, the Bronco is in the middle of the road regarding reliability. It has an average rating on Repair Pal and a 4.8-star consumer reliability rating on Kelley Blue Book, our sister site. That puts it in the same league as the Jeep Wrangler, behind the Toyota 4Runner, but with better reliability than more expensive SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery. 

Used Ford Bronco Model Years to Avoid 

Again, there are no significant issues with the first two model years; it’s just the issues that do come up seem to start here. Ford has addressed many of the complaints with recalls or service bulletins. If you want to avoid them in the first place and your budget allows, just go for a 2023 or newer Bronco.

Can You Take a Ford Bronco Off-Roading? 

The Bronco is built for off-roading. Its Terrain Management system features G.O.A.T modes that allow for various types of terrain such as slippery, sand/snow, and mud/rut. More advanced versions add things like Baja and Rock Crawl. The 7-speed manual is actually a 6-speed with one additional gear for low-speed rock crawling. The 10-speed automatic is probably the better choice, as it brings features like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, the latter making it easier to navigate challenging terrain by reducing the Bronco’s turning radius at low speeds.

The Bronco’s off-road ability limits depend on the trim level and its various upgrades. The Badlands trim may be the most logical, adding underbody protection, locking front and rear axles, and a disconnecting front sway bar. It also features more ground clearance than the base Bronco and better wheel and tire packages.

Can You Tow With a Ford Bronco?  

Yes, the Bronco can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with either the 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder or the 2.7-liter V6 engine and up to 4,500 pounds for the 3.0-liter V6 found in the Bronco Raptor.

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