1996 Ford Bronco Consumer Reviews

No Regrets

Written by: TruckGal on 04/26/2006

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

After comparing trucks for almost a year, this Portofino Blue & Silver Bronco caught our eye. We bought it the next day. It had 49,000 miles on it and had never seen a dirt road until we got a hold of it. It's still stock except for the addition of an AirHog filter and SuperWinch manual hubs; a brush guard is coming soon. It came with the optional 265/75-15 tires. And it still rides and looks great! My husband loves the tight turn radius; I'm fond of the agility in snow and rain. No hesitation at all when we need some oomph, either; the beast just picks up and goes. There is nothing quite like a Bronco.

Favorite Features

Style! Looks better than most of the newer trucks out there. Everyone loves riding in our truck and we get compliments all the time, usually from strangers, or dealers asking if we want to trade it in. (NO!) Also, it's just plain fun to drive. This isn't a wimpy truck, it eats the road with command.

Suggested Improvements

We had to change the radius arm bushings at 55k. Major pain but cheaper than dealer repairs. MPG stinks (15), but it's a V8 Bronco. Nobody buys a Bronco for fuel economy! And of course, the fender rust. It's 10 yrs old and we're just now getting a fender bubble so I guess I can't complain.

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Bronco

Written by: John Adamo on 04/12/2005

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr XL 4WD Utility

Review

I have never unsure about the performance of this truck. Any time I need to pull out into traffic, I am sure to merge very effectively with plenty of horse power and great visiblity of the road. The truck has been well maintained and and is in excellent running condition!

Favorite Features

Automatic lock-in hubs has been a very convenient feature as well as the operation of the back seat. Whether you take it out or fold it over or just use it for passengers, it is never in the way.

Suggested Improvements

None.

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My Second Ford Bronco

Written by: G Martin on 03/05/2005

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

The truck has been "bullet proof", never been towed, never any major mechanical failure. Regular maintenance is average to high, but that goes with owning a 4WD truck. I keep it well tuned and regularly serviced, so I guess I shouldn't expect problems operating it. It is the perfect vehicle for hunting or fishing, carries 4 good sized adults comfortably with all their gear. Good towing capacity as well, nicely stowed. Its a shame that none of the auto makers consider a vehicle like this. I'd be in line to buy a new one tomorrow.

Favorite Features

The features that I love about it are the exceptionally large cargo area with rear seat folded, the drop-down tailgate, and the retractable rear window. Captain chair front seats, V-8 power.

Suggested Improvements

Make a 2005 Model!

14 out 14 people found this review helpful

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Best never rest

Written by: michael jennings jr on 12/25/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

I'm glad I own my '96 Bronco XL. It's the best vehicle I have ever had. I love when I put the posi rear to work. It is also the most reliable vehicle I have ever had. It never falls on its face. It loves the snow more than I do. The aftermarket parts include: both rear ends are full posi, a cold air intake, true dual exhaust, headers, computer chip, a complete roller motor, rear disc brakes, shift kit, underdrive pullys, 302 bored and stroked to a 372.

Favorite Features

All the features i put in the page above.

Suggested Improvements

All the aftermarket parts.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Sweet truck

Written by: ronbs on 12/05/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

This truck is so awesome. I have a Ford expedition, and this truck is faster, and drives way better. The turning radius is so small I love the way it drives and the fuel milaege is not bad for an SUV. I can't wait to take it off road, and have some fun in the snow with it. I wish they still made trucks like this. It runs great for the mileage, and hope it continues to do so.

Favorite Features

Everything, but I must say I think it is one of the better looking trucks. The power is great, and the handling is too.

Suggested Improvements

I guess maybe make the interior out of higher quality materials, but that really does not matter to me as long as it runs, and drives well.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Big, reliable but somewhat uncomfortable

Written by: bigtimebroncoowner on 10/10/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

I have owned this Bronco since 1998. It had 45,000 miles on it and now (10/2004) has 114,000. At 60,000 miles I did many of the recommended service items. Other than that I have replaced the idler pully, change to man. hubs and brake shoes. Body wise, it has shown signs of rust in the typical places including the bottoms of the doors, the top and bottom of the tailgate and the leading edge of the hood. My bronco also has painted bumpers and they do show signs of time. Overall, this has been a great vehicle. It tows very well. The suspension is a bit tight and going done the highway the truck will jump a bit. This could be improved by changing to a different tire.

Favorite Features

Turnsignals in the exterior mirrors and push button transfer case.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the maual locking hubs. They have proven to be unreliable

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I love Bronco's

Written by: MuddyBronco13 on 10/01/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr Eddie Bauer 4WD Utility

Review

I have had 2 broncos, an 82 and a 96, they are my favorite kinds of SUV's, i love them and would never be w/o one

Favorite Features

4x4, V8 power, very roomy, great cargo room, removeable top, roll down rear window

Suggested Improvements

none

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Mine Rocks!

Written by: buckin' Bronc on 04/23/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

Let me explain, stock it's a great truck, with a little work it's a work of art. Add a K&N kit Flowmasters, a little suspension, tuck some 35X12.50 into the wheel wells and start driving anywhere and everywhere. This truck is a real looker as well to keep the look origional I had to have some brackets made to keep the stock bumpers.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Owner x 6 yrs

Written by: gertrude fillmore on 12/02/2003

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr XL 4WD Utility

Review

Bought @ 16000 and drove it the next wk. to Alaska and back. Not one problem. Poor gas mileage? Yea but i did not get it for MPG. I bought for safety, dogs, camping and general usefullness and I think its just cool. Only problems have been with the quality/craftsmanship of interior. Hell, a grab handle would have been nice. Once every few months, must retighten all interior screws. Changed oil regulary, have had no problems w/engine...yet. Changed to manual locking hubs, much better. Back window scratches because you must roll into tailgate to open back.

Favorite Features

high clearance, 4WD, large interior for packing stuff, engine (302, 5L, V8)., towing capability, feel safe driving it.

Suggested Improvements

Tilt steering wheel, Poor design w/back window - sratches from repeated rolling down. (replaced twice due to visibility issues). Air cond. vents are at level of the 10 and 2 posistion of hands on steering wheel. Must move hand posistions to get air to face.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Ford needs to bring back BRONCOS

Written by: micaiah on 08/16/2003

Vehicle

1996 Ford Bronco 2 Dr XLT 4WD Utility

Review

Bought this truck used with 36000 miles on it for 12,500 and never have regretted it since. I had just got rid of a 98 4.6 and my dad had just purchased a new 5.4 and i drive both of them around. the 5.8 bronco outspeeds and outpowers both of those brand new trucks. it is the best lookin manliest suv on the road. and even though the 2 door is a drawback to some i like to have the option. they should bring the bronco back with the big block engine 5.8 and offer 2 or 4 doors.

Favorite Features

definitely the 5.8 engine . one of the biggest engines around besides the dodge 5.9 without goin extreme like diesel or something

Suggested Improvements

offer 2 or 4 doors and have a switch on the inside of back for the back window.

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