8 Forgotten Ford Models | CarBuzz




While rebooting the full-size Bronco SUV, Ford also released the Bronco Sport. It’s a downsized take on its big brother, but just as rugged and happy to go play off-road. It’s also not the first time Ford brought something like it to market. The Bronco II arrived in 1984 to a warm reception from automotive critics. That’s where the similarities end, hopefully, because the Bronco II had some serious issues.The problem was with the stability control that could, and did, leave the shiny side down. What’s scary is that Ford knew the Bronco II had rollover issues. Engineers suggested fixes, but widening the track or lowering the center of gravity would have delayed its launch. When those issues went public via Consumer Reports, that was the beginning of the Bronco II’s end. Legend even has it that Geico refused to write policies for the Bronco.Ford sold around 700,000 models, and estimates for the death toll through rollover accidents range between 500 and 800 people. Its replacement was the 1991 model year Explorer, which also had rollover issues, and those weren’t fixed until it got a wider track and independent suspension for the 2002 model year.



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