1985 Ford Bronco II review from North America
"It's old and expensive to run, but I wouldn't trade it for a new vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Air Conditioner Leaks Freon (next thing to be fixed)
Automatic Overdrive Transmission required rebuild ($1500)
Rear Drive shaft replaced ($200)
I had to rebuild the carburetor ($25 for the kit)
Leaky valve covers (tightened them myself)
Replaced the alternator.
Cruise Control hasn't worked since I've owned it.
General comments?
I traded a computer for this 4x4 in running condition, but needing some work. The transmission had just been "rebuilt" by a fly-by-nite shop and about 10,000 miles later, I had to put it back in for a complete rebuild by another shop who also replaced the rear drive shaft with a custom one that uses regular u-joints vice the CV-joint shaft than comes from the factory.
Overall, it's been a very good vehicle for me and very reliable even when the transmission was acting up. It's a bit hard to keep running when the engine is cold, but once it's warmed for a couple of minutes, it's ready to go anywhere.
With it's 4.10 gear ratio, it gets about 12-13 miles per gallon, city or highway. It's handling takes some getting used to. It's never been raised, but is running taller than stock tires. It will turn around in a goat trail and go almost anywhere I care to drive it. And during winter storms, it's kept me going.
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| 1985 - Bronco II Eddie Bauer 2.8 liter An excellent, reliable small SUV |
|
| A good little truck despite the quirks |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1985 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 98000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 140000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Suburban |
| Date of Entry | 21st August, 2002 |