Add Bronco To Today's Ranger Return Rumor
Ford may bring back the Bronco name as a Ranger-based SUV if production returns to the U.S. in 2018, Bloomberg is reporting.
The Bronco would be based on a mid-sized pickup frame, unlike the current Explorer. A Bronco could be targeted at Jeep, either Grand Cherokee — or Wrangler.
Ford ended production of its Bronco in 1996.
According to the Bloomberg report, both Ranger and Bronco could be built at Ford’s plant in Wayne, Michigan, which will lose production of the C-Max and Focus to Mexico in 2018. Adding the production of those trucks to that plant would replace production to appease the United Auto Workers during contract negotiations.
It’s unclear how the addition of a Bronco would fit into the Ford lineup, but I’m guessing Mark Stevenson has a good idea.
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I just don't see this happening given other vehicles of this ilk are being killed off. IIRC the only real vehicle left in this space is the 4Runner - correct? The xTerra is dead and no one else is in the game.
I miss the 1998 Ranger that got me through my 20s. I got rid of it because it was deeply obsolet my the time I sold it in the winter of 2011. I replace it winh a new Ranger, because a new one would still have been obsolete, and also bacause my needs changed when I became a dad. I'll take a good long look at the new Ranger. My next car purchase is likely to be an electric ca. EVs will take care of my driving on most days, but there's room in my driveway for a vehicle that will do everything the EV can't. If that EV ends up being as capable a family car as Model X is rumored to be, then my 2nd very well be a Ranger or a diesel GMC Canyon. If the EV is less capable (like the Leaf), then I'd better keep my old minivan. These are interesting times indeed!
If I had the cash, I'd buy a 'new' old Bronco. Google 'Icon BR Series' and see for yourselves.
Agree, the older Rangers are still good trucks and are fairly easy and inexpensive to maintain. The same is true with my 99 S-10 even though it was discontinued over a decade ago. The mpgs are not too bad with the I-4 and a 5 speed manual.