Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Ford Bronco III 5.8 V8 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic
Overall Rating
Ford Bronco:
The Ford Bronco is a model line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2021 model year. The nameplate has been used on other Ford SUVs, namely the 1984–1990 Bronco II compact SUV, the 2021 Bronco Sport compact crossover, and the China-only 2025 Bronco New Energy.
Originally developed as a compact off-road vehicle using its own chassis, the Bronco initially competed against the Jeep CJ-5 and International Scout. For 1978, Ford enlarged the Bronco, making it a short-wheelbase version of the F-Series pickup truck; the full-size Bronco now competed against the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Ford Bronco (III). All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The 1980-1986 Ford Bronco III was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, therefore no official rating is available. Safety features were basic by modern standards.
5.8 V8 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate power for its size and era, offering decent torque for towing and off-road use, though not built for speed.
Fuel Economy
Typical for a large V8 SUV of the early 80s, fuel consumption is high by modern standards but acceptable for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road capability and rugged durability.
- • Wide range of robust V8 and I6 engine options, including the legendary 300 I6.
- • Classic American SUV styling with a strong enthusiast following.
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity for its time.
- • Relatively simple mechanicals, making maintenance and repairs manageable.
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across the entire engine lineup by modern standards.
- • Ride comfort can be harsh, especially on rough terrain.
- • Outdated safety features and technology compared to contemporary vehicles.
- • Prone to rust, particularly in older models.
- • Steering and handling can feel vague and ponderous.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1978 - 1979).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Bronco |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.8 V8 (156 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1980 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 156 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 27.1 Hp/l [69mm less] |
| Engine Model/Code: | 351M More details about the engine 351M |
| Engine displacement: | 5766 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 101.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 19.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 15.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 18.1 l/100 km |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Max. weight: | 2150 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 95 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4511 mm mm [69mm less] |
| Width: | 1980 mm mm [34mm less] |
| Height: | 1859 mm mm [59mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2659 mm mm [17mm more] |
| Front track: | 1654 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1636 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 234 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.13 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 215/75 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Have you ever driven an Ford Bronco?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: