2020 Ford Bronco – Unbridled Wild Horses Roam in the Boundless Freedom of Nature

Date: June 17, 1994 Time: 6:35 PM Location: Santa Ana Freeway

As the final hours of a busy day wound down and evening embraced Southern California, a white Bronco suddenly broke the usual calm, speeding northward while ignoring traffic laws, trailed by a fleet of police vehicles. In the skies above, seven helicopters captured this heated pursuit live, with an audience of 95 million Americans watching the event on television.

Though police chases are common, what drew such intense attention was the fleeing passenger: O.J. Simpson, a beloved NBA star. Just two days earlier, Simpson had been named the main suspect in a double murder case involving his ex-wife. Ignoring the arrest warrant, he was on the run, with his friend driving the Bronco. Simpson, armed and seemingly suicidal, confessed these thoughts in live phone conversations. Many fans lined the freeway, showing their support with signs. Finally, after a two-hour chase, Simpson was taken into custody near his mother’s house.

Months later, in a controversial verdict, Simpson was found not guilty despite significant evidence against him, including blood stains in the driver’s seat of the white Bronco. This chase, later called “The Bronco Chase,” became the longest television commercial for the Ford Bronco. As a result, the Bronco became one of America’s most popular cars for a time. Demand for Broncos surged, but two years later, Ford halted its production, as consumers were shifting to larger vehicles, leading Ford to replace it with the Ford Expedition and Explorer models.

Fast forward 24 years, and Ford brought the Bronco back to the market, unveiling it on July 9—O.J. Simpson’s birthday, though they later changed the date to July 13. The reintroduction captured the classic character of the Bronco while adapting it for the modern age, similar to how Range Rover rejuvenated its Defender model. Blending traditional design with new features, Ford successfully revived the Bronco’s legacy, creating a serious rival to the Jeep Wrangler.

The new Bronco, with fresh styling and a lineup of modern models, was engineered not only for aesthetics but also to challenge the Wrangler in capability. Since Henry Ford first introduced the Model TT truck in 1917, off-road capability had been key, and the Bronco held a unique place as a vehicle built to conquer both highways and rugged terrains.

Initially branded under the code name “Bronco” to represent its ability to “go over any terrain,” Ford marketed it alongside its Mustang as a rugged yet adventurous SUV. The name “Bronco” eventually won out over other suggestions like Bravo, Caballero, and Trailblazer. In 1966, the Bronco hit the market in Roadster, Wagon, and Sport Utility models, featuring removable doors and roofs, with customization options for various consumer needs.

Due to the 1973 economic downturn and fuel crisis, Ford had to abandon plans for a new Bronco but later introduced an upgraded version in 1978, and even used a special Bronco in Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1979. The smaller, more fuel-efficient Bronco 2 was produced from 1980 to 1986. However, with the rising popularity of larger SUVs, Ford ultimately ceased Bronco production in 1996.

After 24 years, Ford relaunched the Bronco as a competitive alternative to models like the Jeep Wrangler, Range Rover Defender, and Toyota Rav4. They introduced a new four-door Bronco Sport, becoming a cultural icon once again. Despite the lack of a V8 engine, the new model boasts powerful options: a standard 2.3L turbocharged engine with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque or a twin-turbo V6 producing 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Doors and roofs are removable, and the cabin features durable, water-resistant materials.

All Broncos come with a four-wheel-drive system adaptable for different terrains like sand, snow, mud, and rocks. Models include Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, and First Edition, offering a range of options for customers.

In summary, Ford Bronco is back, and despite a challenging market, Ford seems to be enjoying a solid 2020. However, off-road enthusiasts might have to wait a bit longer to enjoy the full freedom of driving a Bronco through open landscapes, but when that day comes, the Bronco—with its removable doors and roof—will be the perfect choice for an ultimate experience of nature and freedom.