What do you guys think of the new Ford Bronco??

[thennen]

We don't yet have miles on new Broncos to see how they hold up. However, lots of people throw out the Jeep Wrangler as a comparison to both the 4R and the yet-to-be-seen Bronco. Just out of curiosity, I wanted to compare problems between the 4R and Wrangler. The Jeep is more capable off road, but that seems to come at a price. Here's a site that lists most common problems experienced before 100k miles. I didn't realize the scale of the Wrangler's most common problems.

Jeep Wrangler: The Worst Problems Before 100,000 Miles You Should Know About

The Most Common Toyota 4Runner Complaints After 100,000 Miles

 

[WeakSauz]

I like the idea of the new Broncos. For the folks discussing long-term reliability- I get it. I am a little leery of how long a Direct Injected, turbocharged engine will last. But it will for darn-sure go more than 80k miles as mentioned by a previous poster.

That said, the EcoBoost platform in the F150s has really proven itself. Many cases of these with more than 400,000 miles on them in my area. I'm sure they probably needed turbo rebuilds, etc.. but, overall, Ford reliability lately isn't bad. The 5.0 Coyote platform has also been one to really waken the brand a bit. That is one stout engine.

Prior to my 3rd gen, I had a 2006 Ford Explorer with the 4.0. Sold it with 292k on the clock and the guy I sold it to is still driving it.

I'm convinced that vehicle longevity is not 100% a manufacturer thing.. it's more of an owner maintenance and driving style thing

On paper, who can say the new Bronco isn't capable.
- 35s
- dual locked
- 4.7 transfer case
- sway disconnects.

.. stock!

Granted, it's unfortunate that many of these will never see a dirt road.

 

[3bears]

I think it looks ok, the options are impresssive... my problem is its a ford.

My brother ( in virginia) had a newer mustang and had nothing but trouble with it, kept it less than 2 years, traded.
My daughter in law, here in alaska has a 2017 F250 has just under 60k on it and it is constantly having issues...like last week the rear window went down and wont come back up, great..she was 400+miles from home.....the worst issue,, the 4wd went out in the middle of this past winter. took 2 weeks for parts...covered under extended warranty..dealer even told us that the 4wd cant handle extreme cold and the seals go out in the actuators. ( switching to a manual system this fall)

I owned many fords from the 60's and 70's and no issues. I would not own a new one.

 

[pauldub]

Sadly, Toyota doesn't make a Wrangler killer so I'm thinking very seriously about buying a Bronco. I want to tow it behind my motor home so I'm still waiting to see what the curb weight is and if it can be flat towed.

 

[LittleCaesar]

BIL has a 2016 F150 FX4. Has had four rear windows crack and bust on him in hot but not Death Valley numbers here in the South. The guy who comes and replaces them says he is doing about 300+ a year. Same truck the compressor has leaked and been replaced twice.

Uncle has a 2017 GMC Sierra Z71. Tailgate latch has busted twice in 30,000 miles. The evaporator got a small hole in it last summer, meaning the dash and all had to come out for replacement. But the real kicker is that he was getting a small drip from the rear of the engine. Turns out that the so called rear main seal (no more rubber seal, General Mess uses some sort of plastic seal instead. And they have some asinine install procedure) was leaking. So he got the said problems fixed and bought a Tundra before Toyota gets rid of the V8.

[MENTION=124615]3bears[/MENTION].....my uncle’s best friend worked outside of Fairbanks, drove a Chevrolet Colorado with the Duramax in it. Was rendered useless in temps below zero due to the DEF lines freezing due to the warmer failing in it.

Let’s hope the Bronco fairs better in QC......

 

[Jay4runner7]

Only rich folks that buy a new car every couple years should buy it. Doesn’t seem Really reliable at all from the specs. And to make it really off-road capable you have to get the “BadLand edition” which could go up to almost 60k dollars! No thanks!

 

[Frikx]

I appreciate that they're offering some serious equipment from the factory, with the 2.7 ecoboost FF/RR lockers, 35's, etc. and I do like that the styling takes some very obvious cues from el originale bronco.

I'm not gonna buy one, but my brother has one reserved, so it'll be interesting to see how it works out for him.

 

[Frikx]

I like it, I hope Toyota can respond with a cheaper Landcruiser or something more capable.

View attachment 365564

Dang, that new Blazer puts the old K5's to shame... they were legendary

It reminds me of that meme with the picture of the wolf next to the pug

 

[3bears]

Sadly, Toyota doesn't make a Wrangler killer so I'm thinking very seriously about buying a Bronco. I want to tow it behind my motor home so I'm still waiting to see what the curb weight is and if it can be flat towed.

yep you will tow it, maybe not the way you intend to

 

[phattyduck]

Only rich folks that buy a new car every couple years should buy it. Doesn’t seem Really reliable at all from the specs. And to make it really off-road capable you have to get the “BadLand edition” which could go up to almost 60k dollars! No thanks!

You can get the 35s and F/R lockers in a package on any trim. That, with a manual trans should be plenty fun... with none of the auto trans issues many people have been having.

-Charlie

 

[raty4R]

lol, OJ seems to be thinking about one...

 

[MagusWyatt]

I think their vision is in a good direction. On paper it certainly looks to be more uncompromising than other so-called off-road vehicles by offering a lot of appropriate gear (modular steel bumpers, 35" tires, etc) across many of the model options, while so many other companies just offer one model that's actually off-road ready. The spirit of it looks to be that it's made with that in mind first, and with mall cruising last. Gotta give them props for that.

That being said, who the heck would spend $42,000 (price on the one I configured as I'd want it) on something that they're going to rip down dirt roads and through mud pits in? I'm guessing not many. My guess is that 80% of them are going to be mall cruisers driven by people that want others to think that they know how to wheel, and the other 20% will be used as intended. Whether those hold up to the abuse that they're supposed to be made for, we'll see.....

For me, I'd much rather spend $10k on building my 4Runner into one of the best off-road/winter/reliable vehicles on the road, and let the new Blazer owners spend 4 times that to cruise the malls and find out if they're worth their salt.

 

[OrRunner]

I'm a Ford service advisor with 4 years experience and I have to say I am completely stoked for this! It's honestly even better than I hoped- and I'm no Ford fanboy the launch of the 20 Explorer and Escape have been completely bungled and the vehicles are having all kinds of issues. That said, the Bronco is going to be based on the Ranger platform with has been available globally for like 11 years and hasn't had any major issues. The 2.3 turbo is a badass engine with very few issues. They get flogged in the Mustang and the Focus RS and I rarely see problems, just a few head gaskets on the RS but they have 350 hp and run track days. The 10 speed is a solid transmission that can more than handle the 2.3 or 2.7.. it shifts poorly at times but it's rare to see one have a mechanical failure.

To me it looks the Ford is going after the Wrangler and 4Runner and looking to beat both. The base Bronco is going to be roughly as capable as our 3rd gens off road, probably slightly more so with modern traction control. They'll also have 270hp 310 tq and get 25 mpg. That's for 30K. You can add 35s, 4.70 gears, and front and rear lockers to any trim level, which should get you out the door around 35k with a vehicle that will rival any built 3rd gen with a 5 year 60k powertrain warranty.

Sure you can get every gadget and upgrade possible and manage to spend 60k on it, but you can also do that with a Jeep or 4Runner. This thing is going to keep up with jeeps in the rocks and be better everywhere else. It'll cost less than a comparable 4Runner and be better in literally every way other than reliability (yes, I know that's a big deal and the reason the 4Runner/Landcruiser is still the king if you're serious about going to the middle of nowhere.

The only things I'm a bit leery about are the 7 speed manual (Ford hasn't been able to design anything new particularly well recently), issues with water leaks (boo) on the removable doors and top (yay!), and the overall durability of the electronics and interior when exposed to the environment with doors/roof off. My ideal one would be a "Big Bend" Edition starting at $36,050 with marine grade seats and washout interior add the 35s, lockers and 4.70 gearing and as few options as possible.

 

[Its GSatt]

COOLEST THING FORDS DONE SINCE THE RAPTOR. And a long time since anything before that!!! It’s not meant to be beat to death on trails, yet. Who the heck buys a brand new whip to go wheeling in? People with the cash to go break new stuff, that’s it. And People that waste dollars on jeeps. I’d like to see one In person, looks really good. Im much more interested in buying it before any other “off-road capable” offering out there right now. But The 3rd gen the only other SUV option with a manual and no car payment that I’ve found viable.

I wish they didn’t target it so directly at the Jeep, topless and doorless never intrigued me. Maybe a solid roof option in the future to beat up the 4runner market for keeps. But, I think they nailed it. V8 woulda been cool but the big engine cap on manufactures nowadays ruins the fun. But 270hp from a 4 cyl mated to a 7spd.... holy ****!!! With everyinthing out the door at 50k now days, why the heck not if you can put up the cash! Rad!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Boognish_Forever]

BIL has a 2016 F150 FX4. Has had four rear windows crack and bust on him in hot but not Death Valley numbers here in the South. The guy who comes and replaces them says he is doing about 300+ a year. Same truck the compressor has leaked and been replaced twice.

Uncle has a 2017 GMC Sierra Z71. Tailgate latch has busted twice in 30,000 miles. The evaporator got a small hole in it last summer, meaning the dash and all had to come out for replacement. But the real kicker is that he was getting a small drip from the rear of the engine. Turns out that the so called rear main seal (no more rubber seal, General Mess uses some sort of plastic seal instead. And they have some asinine install procedure) was leaking. So he got the said problems fixed and bought a Tundra before Toyota gets rid of the V8.

[MENTION=124615]3bears[/MENTION].....my uncle’s best friend worked outside of Fairbanks, drove a Chevrolet Colorado with the Duramax in it. Was rendered useless in temps below zero due to the DEF lines freezing due to the warmer failing in it.

Let’s hope the Bronco fairs better in QC......

After reading this, I’m so glad I convinced my buddy and his village corporation to buy a new tundra. He hired me to find him a truck that’s going to be out in Mt. Village, AK (somewhere in the Yukon) and figured it would be cheaper to find one in WA or OR. Picking up the SR5 tundra in Yakima, WA on Friday and dropping it off Monday at the docks in Tacoma to be shipped to Anchroage. They’re going to be using the truck to haul a 500 gallon tank trailer of fuel all year round.

 

[Thebeastlives]

I'm a Ford service advisor with 4 years experience and I have to say I am completely stoked for this! It's honestly even better than I hoped- and I'm no Ford fanboy the launch of the 20 Explorer and Escape have been completely bungled and the vehicles are having all kinds of issues. That said, the Bronco is going to be based on the Ranger platform with has been available globally for like 11 years and hasn't had any major issues. The 2.3 turbo is a badass engine with very few issues. They get flogged in the Mustang and the Focus RS and I rarely see problems, just a few head gaskets on the RS but they have 350 hp and run track days. The 10 speed is a solid transmission that can more than handle the 2.3 or 2.7.. it shifts poorly at times but it's rare to see one have a mechanical failure.

To me it looks the Ford is going after the Wrangler and 4Runner and looking to beat both. The base Bronco is going to be roughly as capable as our 3rd gens off road, probably slightly more so with modern traction control. They'll also have 270hp 310 tq and get 25 mpg. That's for 30K. You can add 35s, 4.70 gears, and front and rear lockers to any trim level, which should get you out the door around 35k with a vehicle that will rival any built 3rd gen with a 5 year 60k powertrain warranty.

Sure you can get every gadget and upgrade possible and manage to spend 60k on it, but you can also do that with a Jeep or 4Runner. This thing is going to keep up with jeeps in the rocks and be better everywhere else. It'll cost less than a comparable 4Runner and be better in literally every way other than reliability (yes, I know that's a big deal and the reason the 4Runner/Landcruiser is still the king if you're serious about going to the middle of nowhere.

The only things I'm a bit leery about are the 7 speed manual (Ford hasn't been able to design anything new particularly well recently), issues with water leaks (boo) on the removable doors and top (yay!), and the overall durability of the electronics and interior when exposed to the environment with doors/roof off. My ideal one would be a "Big Bend" Edition starting at $36,050 with marine grade seats and washout interior add the 35s, lockers and 4.70 gearing and as few options as possible.

That was a honest write up about Ford. On paper that Bronco seems to be very good, almost too good for those who want to get in the back country with a stock vehicle 50 to 100 miles from anywhere. My built offroad vehicles I've had over the years pretty much look like the Bronco on paper with 35" tires front and rear lockers no doors if a Jeep and no top when they were 1st gen 4 runners. Now Ford has built this capability from the factory. The biggest issue I see is what you mention, reliability. In a well built 3rd gen 4 runner or even 3rd gen with lockers it will get you there and home because the electronic, transmission, axles, diffs are rock solid even after 25 years of use. The 5th gen is just as reliable and when you add 33" and 35" you get there and back. You might have more front axles issues or need to carry spares if you add lockers up front but those trail fixes can be done in 45 mins or less. If Toyota had built this I would be stoked because I know they would build it to last but I would still wait a few years for them to address issues before purchasing. But with Ford building it I might have to wait 10 years or more if ever before it becomes something you can trust in the trail.

 

[I_bRAD]

You can get the 35s and F/R lockers in a package on any trim. That, with a manual trans should be plenty fun... with none of the auto trans issues many people have been having.

-Charlie

Jalopnik is reporting that you can't get the sasquatch package with the manual which is unfortunate.

I would choose the badlands/sasquatch with the manual but who am I kidding, I don't have 60k to blow on a truck so rusty 3rd gen it is for me.

Edit: Link

 

[OrRunner]

Jalopnik is reporting that you can't get the sasquatch package with the manual which is unfortunate.

I would choose the badlands/sasquatch with the manual but who am I kidding, I don't have 60k to blow on a truck so rusty 3rd gen it is for me.

Edit: Link

Technically he said it wasn't planned right now, but that he was open to suggestions. Frankly, if Ford really want's to eat Jeep's lunch a base model w/ the sasquatch package is the way to do it

 

[Dieselchessy]

They build rigs with tin foil and seran wrap these days. The new-ish Ford Ranger has pretty dinky running gear. The tires don’t have clearance in the wheel wells to run chains. The fenders are paper thin and the frame rails aren’t much thicker.
I can’t see these rigs surviving turning 35” tires in rough terrain for very long.

Old Toyota’s are good cause the 1/4 ton rigs are built on 1/2 ton running gear and frames.

 

[Built4Run]

Never really been a ford guy but I’m interested to see how it does in the field.