Vehicle Description
Ford's Bronco II was the gateway to today's small SUVs, the
precursor to the Explorer, and the first small 4x4 to really find
an American audience. Based on the smaller Ranger platform, this
1990 Ford Bronco II Eddie Bauer made SUVs a part of the suburban
landscape in a very permanent way.
It's been a long time since we've seen a BII this nice. With the
upscale Eddie Bauer trim (Eddie Bauer is an outdoor outfitter,
something that everyone seems to have forgotten with the success of
Ford's cross-marketing) it remains very handsome for being nearly
30 years old. The two tone metallic taupe and tan combination is
subtle yet sophisticated, giving the small 4x4 a big dose of class.
The squared-off lines have aged well and while it's instantly
recognizable, few people will realize how affordable it is today.
This one has lived in Georgia all its life so there's no rust
issues and with only 71,662 original miles, it's got a lot of life
left in it. Is it perfect? No, of course not. But we'll wager
you'll look high and low to find a nicer one. It has never been
hit, damaged, or repainted, and obviously someone loved it. The
chrome bumpers shine up well and with a big rear-mounted spare tire
carrier, it remains rugged-looking without seeming crude. Add on
running boards make it easy to climb in and there's a hitch out
back for pulling your toys.
The Eddie Bauer upgrade is most evident inside, where you'll find
comfortable high-back bucket seats wrapped in comfortable striped
fabric. Matching tan carpets and monogrammed floor mats add to the
rather luxurious feeling and as the top-of-the-line model,
everything was standard. That means you get things like cold A/C,
power windows and locks, cruise control, a rear defroster, and even
a tilt steering column. It sure doesn't look like 30 years' worth
of use in there, with seats that are still firm and bright, clear
gauges that cover all the engine vitals. There's also a newer
AM/FM/cassette stereo that's an upgrade over the Ford unit. Plastic
parts like the dash pad and door panels are simply outstanding and
it looks like nobody's' ever been in the split rear bench seat.
There's also reasonable cargo space in back, including a
retractable cover to keep your stuff out of sight.
Ford's venerable "Cologne" 2.9 liter V6 was the only engine you
could get in a Bronco II, and it does its job rather well. Torquey
and legendary for its durability, it pulls the 4x4 around with
enthusiasm and does its job without a lot of fuss. It has been
properly maintained throughout its life and the clean engine bay
shows an owner who cared about keeping it in top shape. Turn the
key and factory EFI ensures that it fires up fast and idles well,
and on the fly the 4-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly.
Obviously 4-wheel-drive is part of the package, with a no-fuss
automatic system that engages with the touch of a button on the
dash and unlike most of today's small SUVs, it includes a low range
for really tough going. It's quite clean underneath with no signs
of rot from driving in the snow and ride quality is quite good for
a small 4x4. Pretty aluminum wheels were standard equipment and
carry 215/75/15 blackwall radials with lots of life left in
them.
These remain neat trucks that you don't see every day. If you like
a little luxury with your off-road fun, the Bronco II delivers a
good helping of both. Call today!
