The Ford Bronco II is a two-door compact-sized four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was manufactured by Ford from 1983 to 1990. The original compact-sized Ford Bronco was marketed from 1966 to 1977, but became the full-size Bronco from 1978 to 1996. The Bronco II used the Ford Ranger pickup platform with a 94-inch wheelbase.
The first Bronco II was developed in parallel with the Ranger pickup truck. The Bronco II was introduced in March 1983, and marketed as a "vehicle for men, single people, or young couples ... almost like John Wayne vehicles ... that gave people the sense that they could conquer anything ..." Using the Ranger platform helped Ford lower production costs by using one assembly line for both vehicles.
The restyling of the Bronco II and Ranger was introduced in 1988, but ended for the Bronco II with the end of production on February 7, 1990, replaced by the larger Explorer. The restyling is marked not only by difference in physical appearance, but also improved structural support.
