Ford's Explorer can trace its roots back to the original Bronco
that first saw the light of day during the 1966 model year. The initial
Bronco was decidedly compact (92-inch wheelbase) and it proved popular
for both off-roading as well as specific commercial applications.
Eventually, the Bronco morphed into a full-size vehicle based upon the
F-Series pickup; but, then in 1984,it reemerged as the Bronco II, one
of the first compact sport-utility vehicles as we know them today. In
1990, the Bronco II became the Ford Explorer-lterally igniting the
modern SUV market.