Sporty four-wheel drives are hot with Gen Xers and millennials.
Among the hottest? Ford’s iconic, boxy, Bronco. About a decade ago, prices for the already popular 1966-’77-vintage Broncos went skyward. That triggered a surge in demand for the 1978-’79, second-generation trucks, which have also shot up in popularity and price. Meanwhile, the 2021-model-year introduction of the new (two- and four-door) sixth-generation Broncos created waiting lists at Ford dealers nationwide and the number of eager buyers has continued to easily match or outstrip supply.
But one nice thing about Broncos of any vintage is that they’re plentiful (except maybe the new ones for the moment). So, if you’re flexible and patient, you can find something in your price range. Among the more affordable, and still plentiful, are the 1980-’86 third-generation Broncos. These “bullnose” Broncos, as they’re called among their fans, are also significant trucks because of the innovations they ushered in—like independent front suspension and port fuel injection.
The 1980 Bronco might not have looked completely different, but it was a ground-up redesign as a result of stricter government standards and consumer demand for more car-like road manners.
For some insight into these third-generation trucks,. Todd is also a contributor to enthusiast magazines, including .
