The Good
Its key advantages lie in its legendary durability, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and robust powertrain options. For emotional buyers, the Bronco offers an iconic, go-anywhere design with the freedom of a removable top and a strong sense of nostalgia. Practical buyers appreciate its spacious interior, ample towing capacity, relatively simple mechanics for repairs, and the burgeoning classic value in today's market.
The Bad
Known weaknesses include pervasive rust issues, especially on rear fenders, tailgate, and rocker panels. Fuel economy is poor by modern standards. Handling is distinctly truck-like, and older interior plastics can become brittle. As a vintage vehicle, it demands consistent maintenance, and the original carbureted engines can be finicky if not properly tuned.
1986 Ford Bronco: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 4.9L (300 cu in) Inline-6: Known for its immense torque and legendary durability.
- 5.0L (302 cu in) V8 (Windsor): A common V8 option, often carbureted for 1986 models.
- 5.8L (351 cu in) V8 (Windsor): The most powerful factory engine option, also typically carbureted.
- Horsepower (Approximate for 1986):
- 4.9L I6: ~120-150 hp
- 5.0L V8: ~150-170 hp
- 5.8L V8: ~170-210 hp
- Fuel Economy: Quite low by modern standards.
- I6: Roughly 10-14 MPG
- V8: Roughly 8-12 MPG
- 0-60 Times: Not designed for speed, generally in the 10-14 second range depending on engine and transmission.
- Towing Capacity: Impressive for its era, typically ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 lbs, depending on engine, gearing, and hitch configuration.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Custom: The base model, offering essential functionality with vinyl seats, manual windows, and basic amenities.
- XL: A step up, often including cloth seating, upgraded interior trim, and sometimes optional power accessories like power steering and power brakes as standard.
- XLT: The more luxurious mid-range. Featured plusher cloth interiors, standard power windows and locks, air conditioning, cruise control, a better sound system, and often two-tone paint schemes.
- Eddie Bauer: The top-tier luxury trim, recognizable by unique exterior colors, special badging, premium interior materials (often specific fabric patterns or leather-like vinyl), all available power accessories, enhanced sound systems, and a focus on comfort and style.
1986 Ford Bronco Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1986 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Bronco |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4WD |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Minivan |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | WAYNE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 4.9-L L-6 OHV 12V |
| Engine Size | 4.9L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 1986 Ford Bronco Have?
For models equipped with carburetors (predominant in 1986), issues like rough idling, stalling, and poor performance due to worn or mis-tuned carbs are common. Vacuum leaks, prevalent in aging engines, also contribute to performance woes. Electrical gremlins are typical as wiring harnesses and connectors degrade over decades, leading to intermittent failures in power windows, door locks, gauges, or lighting.
Regarding transmissions, the automatic AOD can be prone to wear, especially if subjected to heavy towing or neglect. While manual transmissions are generally robust, linkage wear can occur. Steering components, including the steering box, tie rods, and ball joints, frequently develop play, leading to a loose and wandering feel.
The removable hardtop's weatherstripping often deteriorates, causing persistent water leaks into the cabin. The tailgate's power window mechanism is also a common failure point, often due to aging wiring or motor issues.
Recalls for the 1986 model year and similar F-series trucks included concerns for seat belt buckles (NHTSA Campaign Number: 86V022000) and potential fuel line misrouting (NHTSA Campaign Number: 86V060000). While the core powertrains (the 300 I6 and Windsor V8s) are known for their durability, the myriad of ancillary components will require regular attention and replacement over time.
How long will the 1986 Ford Bronco last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
For entertainment, the base model typically offered an AM/FM radio, with an optional AM/FM cassette player available on higher trims. Sound was delivered through a basic two-speaker system, sometimes expandable to four speakers in more premium versions.
Driver-assistance features were essentially non-existent. Power steering and power brakes were common, but advanced systems like Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), traction control, or stability control were decades away from being standard.
Safety features were basic: three-point lap/shoulder belts for front occupants and lap belts for rear passengers. A high-mounted stop lamp, a relatively new requirement, would have been present. The interior featured a padded dashboard for occupant protection. However, airbags, side-impact protection, and crumple zones as we know them today were not part of its design. Crash-test ratings from organizations like NHTSA or IIHS are not available for vehicles of this vintage. While the robust body-on-frame construction offered a certain level of occupant protection, the lack of modern safety technologies means its crash performance would be significantly inferior to contemporary vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
1986 Ford Bronco Prices and Market Value
Factors significantly affecting resale value include the overall condition (especially rust-free status), originality, engine type (V8s often preferred), trim level (Eddie Bauer and XLT are highly sought after), transmission type (manuals appeal to some), and a well-documented maintenance history. Quality of any restoration or modification also plays a crucial role.
1986 Ford Bronco Cost of Ownership
1986 Ford Bronco Fuel Efficiency
1986 Ford Bronco Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
1986 Ford Bronco Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1986 Ford Bronco Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
In terms of performance, the Bronco was very comparable to the K5 Blazer and Ramcharger. All offered a choice of durable inline-six or powerful V8 engines, providing ample torque for towing and off-roading rather than outright speed. Handling was truck-like across the board. The Grand Wagoneer, with its standard V8, offered a similar power profile but often emphasized smoother on-road manners.
Regarding features, the Bronco's full removable hardtop was a key differentiator from the K5 Blazer (which usually only had a removable rear section) and the fixed-roof Ramcharger. All offered similar options for power accessories, air conditioning, and basic entertainment systems. The Grand Wagoneer typically boasted a more luxurious interior with standard features like power seats and woodgrain trim, positioning it as a premium offering.
Reliability was a strong suit for all these American full-size SUVs. The Bronco's 300 I6 engine is legendary for its longevity, and its V8s were also robust. The K5 Blazer's small-block Chevy V8s and the Ramcharger's Mopar engines were similarly durable if well-maintained. Each had common age-related issues, but their truck-based foundations made them resilient. The Grand Wagoneer's AMC powertrains were also generally reliable.
Price when new was competitive among the Bronco, Blazer, and Ramcharger. In today's used market, the Bronco and K5 Blazer often command the highest prices, especially for clean, original, or restored examples, largely due to their iconic status and removable roofs. Ramchargers are typically a bit less expensive but are appreciating. Grand Wagoneers, particularly well-preserved 'woodie' models, can fetch premium prices.
Similar Alternatives:
- Chevrolet K5 Blazer/GMC Jimmy: A direct and excellent alternative, offering similar ruggedness, a vast aftermarket, and a comparable driving experience.
- Dodge Ramcharger: A strong, capable choice for those desiring a full-size, two-door SUV, though it lacks the removable top.
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer: For buyers prioritizing more classic luxury and a distinctive aesthetic, albeit typically at a higher price point.
Final Verdict: Is the 1986 Ford Bronco a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
When considering a purchase, it should always be bought used. Focus on finding a relatively rust-free example, ideally in XLT or Eddie Bauer trim for enhanced comfort and features. Be prepared for ongoing maintenance and potential repairs. A well-documented service history is invaluable. Mechanically inclined buyers or those willing to invest in professional restoration will find significant reward in ownership. Avoid severely neglected projects unless you have substantial time, budget, and expertise.