FORD Bronco 1980-1986 Photos, engines & full specs

Ford spent $700 million in the downsizing program at the end of the '70s, and the Bronco received them to get better fuel efficiency and provide a more comfortable ride.

Looking at the third Bronco generation and comparing it to its predecessor wouldn't tell you where that money was gone. They seemed so similar that it might be considered just a facelift. Yet, it was a completely new vehicle that replaced another vehicle that lived just a couple of years on the market. But Ford was proud of the 1980 Bronco, like it was the best vehicle in its class. And it wasn't.

The third Bronco was still a body-on-frame vehicle built for rough off-road situations, but the carmaker enhanced its aerodynamic to lower the wind noise and improve the fuel-efficiency. But the flat front area with squared headlights and a fence-like grille didn't seem to be very aerodynamic. Its windshield was raked even more than on its predecessor, and that was truly an improvement.

Inside, the carmaker made a roomy interior, but it was noticeable that its designers burned the midnight oil to finish the car in time and overlooked the driver's visibility. Apart from the optional rear spare-wheel, there was the B-pillar that blocked the view. Once inside, though, everyone on-board could enjoy the bird-eye-view over the traffic.

The real improvement was on the front suspension, which received an independent system with coil springs. In the back, there was still the same axle carried over from the Ford F-150. The Bronco was available with two engine options, a transfer case and low-range gear, which helped the car handle really well in off-road situations.