<Tr> <Th> Successor </Th> <Td> Ford Expedition (1997) </Td> </Tr> <P> The Ford Bronco is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV, predating the term SUV) manufactured and marketed by Ford from 1966 to 1996, over five generations of vehicles . Ford has described plans to reintroduce the Bronco in 2020 . </P> <P> The Bronco was introduced in 1966 as a competitor to the small four - wheel - drive compact SUVs that included the Jeep CJ - 5 and International Harvester Scout; it was built on its own platform . A major redesign in 1978 enlarged the Bronco, using a shortened Ford F - Series truck chassis to compete with the similarly adapted Chevy K5 Blazer and the Dodge Ramcharger . Most Broncos are equipped with a swing - away spare tire carrier on the outside of the rear door . </P> <P> From 1966 to 1996, Broncos were produced at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan . After years of rumors, Ford announced that the Bronco would return for the 2020 model year, made in its former assembly plant . </P>

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