1985 Ford Bronco XLT review from North America
"An extremely reliable, extremely powerful vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This will be the third tailgate installed because they rust out at a rather fast rate.
Ammeter doesn't work.
Fuel gauge is halfway off accuracy.
Air conditioner evaporator went south back in 92.
Rear axle making loud vibrations.
Heat riser on exhaust system replaced numerous times before finally bypassing it with a straight pipe.
The original water pump is starting to malfunction.
The brake proportioning valve needs replacement.
Paint has not held up well.
General comments?
The truck has had only one owner...me!
This proves one thing... if you don't beat on the truck, it gives decades of reliable service.
Each statement is the truth, and nothing falls short of the truth.
The original radial air condition compressor still works great!
All pollution control equipment has been taken off the vehicle. (All that back pressure is no good for the engine)
Runs like a bear and the original C6 transmission was never taken apart. It shifts with no hesitation after 550,000+ miles.
New carburetor helped fuel economy and mixture.
Transfer case was never taken apart. Only major work done to 4 wheel drive was installing new Warn locking hubs.
Compound low gear pulls through everything.
Power everything! (windows, locks, etc.)
Original radio is still in place.
Upholstery is in mint condition because it was always covered with sheepskin on the seats and good mats on the floor.
Spare tire is mounted inside the truck, not on the tailgate, which makes for an ugly appearance.
On a quarter mile, it beat a newer Bronco and a whole lot of 302 mustangs!
Recommended reviews
| A damn tank! |
| Very Sturdy and dependable truck! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1985 |
| First year of ownership | 1985 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.8 Liter 351 HO Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 12 miles |
| Most recent distance | 550000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Mustang |
| Date of Entry | 25th June, 2002 |