1988 Ford Bronco II XL review from North America

4WD never worked.

Water pump went out just over 136,000 miles.

Valve covers had to be replaced for the second time in 2 years.

Oil pan gasket has started to leak.

Interior lights would never turn off, thus having no way to light the cabin at night.

I bought this truck in December, before I got my license because I needed a vehicle and my 1987 Pontiac Sunbird project was going nowhere fast.

The truck started right up in below zero weather at 10 at night with no problems at all.

The heater only works on the highest level which gets to be a pain after awhile, but is not a big problem and I can live with.

The only time it really "broke down" was when the water pump went out, but it was the original and it was nothing to get mad over, parts wear out, it's unavoidable.

The 4 wheel never worked from the time I bought it so I did get it stuck a time or two, once in mud and once in a snowbank. The shifter won't move and I'm not sure if it's a linkage or the transfer case itself.

I have the infamous 2.9 with bad oil pressure, or at least a bad oil pressure gauge. The truck couldn't run at high speeds for long distances or it would knock horribly until oil could better circulate. I just used STP and it helped a little, but would still knock after running long distances.

This truck is great for someone who is looking for a small, but very dependable and useful vehicle. I however, am not one of these people and recently purchased a full size '89 Bronco which is what I've always wanted. The B2 sits for up to two weeks at a time, and always fires right up when I drive it.

I would consider keeping it only it's falling apart too bad. This is mainly due to neglect from the previous owner which is a shame, too many people look at these little trucks as jokes when their one of the best and most reliable domestic vehicles on the market. I would recommend it to anyone. It took a helluva beating from me and my friends and it always started the next morning.