1979 Ford Bronco XLT review from North America
"They sure don't build them like this any more"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The canopy leaks when it rains.
The headlights flicker sometimes.
The heater core cracked this winter.
General comments?
Overall I am extremely impressed with the sheer durability of these old Broncos.
I slapped a used Edelbrock carb, intake, and headers with Flowmasters and it runs like a dream.
The 400M doesn't look like it's ever been rebuilt, which is a little hard to believe since it has over 200,000 miles on it.
I do need to get some lower gears as the 35 inch BFG's have geared it up.
This winter I rescued half a dozen stuck motorists with little trouble.
This Bronco was absolutely thrashed by the previous owner, but still works like a mule. It is the best $1,500 I have ever spent.
My Dad has a beautiful 78 that has also been a great rig.
Last summer my family and I took it on a 100 mile camp trip loaded with gear and pulling a fishing boat loaded with gear. We took it in the hills, and then loaded up and drove home without any problems. The mpg was pretty bad, but not for the era.
These old Fords really put any new truck to shame.
Recommended reviews
| Very Sturdy and dependable truck! |
|
| This is your gas-hogging dream car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1979 |
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 400M Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 201000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 204000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 7th March, 2008 |