1988 Ford Bronco II Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"The 1988 Ford Bronco II has a mixed reception among owners. Many appreciate its durability and off-roading capabilities, especially in tough weather conditions like snow. However, some drivers express frustration with frequent repairs and mechanical issues. Overall, while it’s favored for its ruggedness and performance in various terrains, some owners warn about its reliability and maintenance needs."
In '95, I purchased a 1988 Ford Bronco II that got me through the remainder of college, grad school and into my first couple of jobs. I went to college at Pitt Johnstown, so we had Lake Effect Snow from October - April on the mountain and the B-II Bomber did a great job getting me through it w/o a problem. Locked the hubs, backed out of my parking spot and away I went. I'm not sure if the B-II would be a good family car for a family of much more than 2 or 3 people, but for a single guy, it was perfect! I could fit my dorm room stuff in the back, once the seats were folded down, and had no problem keeping up with traffic on the PA Turnpike nor handling 56, going up the mountain...I even got to use the passing lane, which my 81 s-10 couldn't even consider trying to enter. We had the B-II until 2000 or so, when the repair bills on the 12 year old beasty were too much for me to keep up with. Prior to that, though, the thing ran like a champ. In college, some friends and I took our 4x4's out onto the local trails and closed ski-slopes. The B-II had no problem keeping up with the Jeeps and even the F-150 in the group. Handled snow and trails w/o a problem. Handled the plowed corn fields and flood plains back at the farm house w/o a problem, too. In 2000, I discovered that I had a coolant leak while hauling an 8' U-Haul trailer from Southern MD to Pittsburgh. The truck didn't die, she made it through the Western MD and Western PA mountains --- ran hot, but she made it! For those looking to compete in DB Drag or IASCA type sound competition events, the B-II is a solid platform to build upon. Her interior shape is great for a wall or boxes behind the rear seat. Cable runs are extremely easy. An all around good truck. Many times I kick myself for not tightening my belt and just getting her repaired instead of trading her in for our 1996 s-10. But, at the time, the repair bills were costing more than several months of car payments and as soon as one thing was fixed, another started to go. I'm not holding that against the truck, she ran great, got me through several of my young adult years and was a solid truck for years.
November 30, 2012I can get to and from work, and run errands on one tank of gas for about 2 weeks. It has had a full system brake job, a new clutch, new fuel pumps (1 in the line, 1 in the tank), plugs & wires, new belts, and new radiator hoses. It still needs a couple of things, but nothing major.
November 9, 2010Car was not what it appeared to be in ad photos. Vehicle needed lot of work done on it to be worth the asking price. Vehicle looked flawless in ad photo, but was everything but flawless in on-site visit.
May 23, 2022What owners say
In '95, I purchased a 1988 Ford Bronco II that got me through the remainder of college, grad school and into my first couple of jobs. I went to college at Pitt Johnstown, so we had Lake Effect Snow from October - April on the mountain and the B-II Bomber did a great job getting me through it w/o a problem. Locked the hubs, backed out of my parking spot and away I went. I'm not sure if the B-II would be a good family car for a family of much more than 2 or 3 people, but for a single guy, it was perfect! I could fit my dorm room stuff in the back, once the seats were folded down, and had no problem keeping up with traffic on the PA Turnpike nor handling 56, going up the mountain...I even got to use the passing lane, which my 81 s-10 couldn't even consider trying to enter. We had the B-II until 2000 or so, when the repair bills on the 12 year old beasty were too much for me to keep up with. Prior to that, though, the thing ran like a champ. In college, some friends and I took our 4x4's out onto the local trails and closed ski-slopes. The B-II had no problem keeping up with the Jeeps and even the F-150 in the group. Handled snow and trails w/o a problem. Handled the plowed corn fields and flood plains back at the farm house w/o a problem, too. In 2000, I discovered that I had a coolant leak while hauling an 8' U-Haul trailer from Southern MD to Pittsburgh. The truck didn't die, she made it through the Western MD and Western PA mountains --- ran hot, but she made it! For those looking to compete in DB Drag or IASCA type sound competition events, the B-II is a solid platform to build upon. Her interior shape is great for a wall or boxes behind the rear seat. Cable runs are extremely easy. An all around good truck. Many times I kick myself for not tightening my belt and just getting her repaired instead of trading her in for our 1996 s-10. But, at the time, the repair bills were costing more than several months of car payments and as soon as one thing was fixed, another started to go. I'm not holding that against the truck, she ran great, got me through several of my young adult years and was a solid truck for years.
November 30, 2012I can get to and from work, and run errands on one tank of gas for about 2 weeks. It has had a full system brake job, a new clutch, new fuel pumps (1 in the line, 1 in the tank), plugs & wires, new belts, and new radiator hoses. It still needs a couple of things, but nothing major.
November 9, 2010Car was not what it appeared to be in ad photos. Vehicle needed lot of work done on it to be worth the asking price. Vehicle looked flawless in ad photo, but was everything but flawless in on-site visit.
May 23, 2022This car gets decent fuel economy and handles very well. If i had the money the mechanical tlc would be a higher rating. But despite that its great that i can slowly replace and fix the parts that i need to and it still run reliably.
February 3, 2015Like I mentioned, great little truck for mudding, very hard to get stuck because of the sort wheel base. Handling is just as such for a larger vehicle, quite top heavy but I think the suspension system makes up for that. In my words I think the Bronco II by Ford was a VERY dependable vehicle and I will be in the market for another on very shortly!
December 11, 2011Although it is not a brand new car, it is built to last and is a tank so you always feel safe. it has a tendency to break down but what 21 yr old car wouldnt. it requires some tender loving care, but that is ok. it is great for 4 wheeling and off roading. and awesome in the snow.
May 23, 2009Constantly had the thing in the repair shop, thankfully it was paid for. But it held true to it's F.O.R.D. (Found on Road Dead). Had the vehicle entirely repainted and installed the custom stereo myself. This was the first and last Ford I will own.
August 13, 2009
