Sponsored

2DR Area 51 BD 2.3 MT Review...

rugbysecondrow

Black Diamond
Well-Known Member
First Name
Pauly P
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Threads
23
Messages
1,176
Reaction score
3,692
Location
north carolina
Vehicle(s)
1964 C-10 stepside
Your Bronco Model
Black Diamond
Clubs
 
I have seen a bunch of 4dr reviews, but not too many 2DR and even fewer manual transmission reviews. I will try to hit the points others might not have discused. Perspective...I am a layperson, not a mechanic, not an avid off-roader...just a guy who wanted a Bronco.

Overall perspective, the vehicle is super easy to drive. The MT is smooth, the clutch has a great feel to it, the 2.3 has plenty of oompf, and the combo of MT and 2.3 seems to be a really great pairing.

The 2DR is a very nimble vehicle. Turning radius seems tight, it is easy to maneuver, drive, park, etc.

The non-sas Black Diamond is plenty tall for me. It sits higher than photos would have you believe, but it feels very proportional with the 2dr. 4dr might need the sas to scale better, IMO.

The MIC seems fine, not a POS, but nothing I would brag about. Looks very good from 10 feet and 5 feet, at 1 foot...it is not 100% perfect on certain edges.

The front two panels are easy to take on and off. They only take about 60 seconds to remove. The only thing I would want is a handle I could use to carry them easier as I could see accidental drops occurring. Also, I could hang these on the wall by the handle rather than leaning them against a wall to maybe fall over.

The MT...I love it. This car was designed for the MT, IMO. The armrest, the shifter, the radio/climate controls, all fit and function so nicely together.

The speedometer screen and information panel...the same person who designed the center portion of the cockpit must have been out sick on this day. The redundancy of information (speedo) and the diminutive nature of the tach/RPMs seems misplaced, IMO. I hope this is addressed through software updates.

The driveability of this is amazing. I love having my whole arm on the window sill, unencumbered by the side pillar. Feels great.

Windnoise...it is present but not really noticeable. For a top with removeable panels and rear portion, there is bound to be some noise, but there really isn't much.

The MGV and the seats are very comfortable. I was able to adjust my seat (6'2") and my wife seat (5'2") and we are both comfy.

I love the interior, some might disagree, but I think it is perfect for what it is. To be able to wipe down, wash out the inside is great.

Lastly, I have driven this in city and on highways, and I really love it. Corners well, there is no slop, wobble, tracking issues etc. It is just an amazingly easy, fun, cool truck to drive.

Ask any questions, but you all wont be disappointed with this vehicle.

First photo is when I first brought it home. Others are from the first trip to the beach house with the new whip. The Area 51 shows differently in shade vs sun vs night time...very cool, IMO.

Ford Bronco 2DR Area 51 BD 2.3 MT Review... PXL_20211111_023312981.NIGHT


Ford Bronco 2DR Area 51 BD 2.3 MT Review... PXL_20211112_181116538


Ford Bronco 2DR Area 51 BD 2.3 MT Review... PXL_20211112_181139478


Ford Bronco 2DR Area 51 BD 2.3 MT Review... PXL_20211112_181217759


Ford Bronco 2DR Area 51 BD 2.3 MT Review... PXL_20211112_181243005


Ford Bronco 2DR Area 51 BD 2.3 MT Review... PXL_20211112_181307953


Ford Bronco 2DR Area 51 BD 2.3 MT Review... PXL_20211112_181326084
Sponsored

 
Last edited:

Macjr

Black Diamond
Well-Known Member
First Name
Martin
Joined
Sep 13, 2020
Threads
28
Messages
524
Reaction score
717
Location
Northern NY
Vehicle(s)
Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad, 2020 Volvo xc40 RDesign
Your Bronco Model
Black Diamond
Clubs
 
Thanks For the review! Hope you both enjoy the cool new ride!!
 

lethaljake

First Edition
Well-Known Member
Squatch Sponsor (Level 3)
First Name
Jake
Joined
Oct 22, 2021
Threads
446
Messages
966
Reaction score
713
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Vehicle(s)
2022 F-150 RCSB 5.0
Your Bronco Model
First Edition
I have seen a bunch of 4dr reviews, but not too many 2DR and even fewer manual transmission reviews. I will try to hit the points others might not have discused. Perspective...I am a layperson, not a mechanic, not an avid off-roader...just a guy who wanted a Bronco.

Overall perspective, the vehicle is super easy to drive. The MT is smooth, the clutch has a great feel to it, the 2.3 has plenty of oompf, and the combo of MT and 2.3 seems to be a really great pairing.

The 2DR is a very nimble vehicle. Turning radius seems tight, it is easy to maneuver, drive, park, etc.

The non-sas Black Diamond is plenty tall for me. It sits higher than photos would have you believe, but it feels very proportional with the 2dr. 4dr might need the sas to scale better, IMO.

The MIC seems fine, not a POS, but nothing I would brag about. Looks very good from 10 feet and 5 feet, at 1 foot...it is not 100% perfect on certain edges.

The front two panels are easy to take on and off. They only take about 60 seconds to remove. The only thing I would want is a handle I could use to carry them easier as I could see accidental drops occurring. Also, I could hang these on the wall by the handle rather than leaning them against a wall to maybe fall over.

The MT...I love it. This car was designed for the MT, IMO. The armrest, the shifter, the radio/climate controls, all fit and function so nicely together.

The speedometer screen and information panel...the same person who designed the center portion of the cockpit must have been out sick on this day. The redundancy of information (speedo) and the diminutive nature of the tach/RPMs seems misplaced, IMO. I hope this is addressed through software updates.

The driveability of this is amazing. I love having my whole arm on the window sill, unencumbered by the side pillar. Feels great.

Windnoise...it is present but not really noticeable. For a top with removeable panels and rear portion, there is bound to be some noise, but there really isn't much.

The MGV and the seats are very comfortable. I was able to adjust my seat (6'2") and my wife seat (5'2") and we are both comfy.

I love the interior, some might disagree, but I think it is perfect for what it is. To be able to wipe down, wash out the inside is great.

Lastly, I have driven this in city and on highways, and I really love it. Corners well, there is no slop, wobble, tracking issues etc. It is just an amazingly easy, fun, cool truck to drive.

Ask any questions, but you all wont be disappointed with this vehicle.

First photo is when I first brought it home. Others are from the first trip to the beach house with the new whip. The Area 51 shows differently in shade vs sun vs night time...very cool, IMO.

PXL_20211111_023312981.NIGHT.jpg


PXL_20211112_181116538.jpg


PXL_20211112_181139478.jpg


PXL_20211112_181217759.jpg


PXL_20211112_181243005.jpg


PXL_20211112_181307953.jpg


PXL_20211112_181326084.jpg
Great read. Awesome review!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

MadMan4BamaNATL

Badlands
Well-Known Member
First Name
Ray
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Threads
18
Messages
2,722
Reaction score
7,764
Location
Atlanta
Vehicle(s)
2023 Bronco 2DR Badlands Sasquatch, 2021 RR Sport
Your Bronco Model
Badlands
Clubs
 
I have seen a bunch of 4dr reviews, but not too many 2DR and even fewer manual transmission reviews. I will try to hit the points others might not have discused. Perspective...I am a layperson, not a mechanic, not an avid off-roader...just a guy who wanted a Bronco.

Overall perspective, the vehicle is super easy to drive. The MT is smooth, the clutch has a great feel to it, the 2.3 has plenty of oompf, and the combo of MT and 2.3 seems to be a really great pairing.

The 2DR is a very nimble vehicle. Turning radius seems tight, it is easy to maneuver, drive, park, etc.
Great review! I'll be getting an Area 51 2Dr as well, just Badlands w Squatch, so good to hear your take on the drive and liking the color. Love the black steelies you put on her!

Which interior trim did you get? Do you have the big screen or if not, still happy with the smaller version?

Totally agree with you and several reviewers on the speedo, wish it were digital analog if that makes sense, but guess Ford wanted to go modern.

Post some pics of you wheeling on the beach! Enjoy, rinse, then repeat. 🤣
 

BroncocnorB

Badlands
Well-Known Member
First Name
Paul
Joined
Mar 8, 2021
Threads
17
Messages
914
Reaction score
2,573
Location
Florida
Vehicle(s)
1965 Cobra,
Your Bronco Model
Badlands
Clubs
 
Dude you should write car reviews. Short, and good
 

Sponsored

talbot

Badlands
Well-Known Member
First Name
Steve
Joined
Dec 10, 2020
Threads
6
Messages
747
Reaction score
2,319
Location
Calgary
Vehicle(s)
2dr BL AMB
Your Bronco Model
Badlands
Clubs
 
great write up thanks

I drove my 2dr BL for 20 minutes last week before dropping off to get wrapped, I expected wind noise but more than I would have thought.
I do have the roof rack, I'm going to remove it to see if there's a noticeable difference

felt same as you driving the 2 door for the few minutes I did

the 2dr BD is a great look, all the way around
 

mdk100

Base
Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2020
Threads
12
Messages
213
Reaction score
265
Location
Los Angeles
Vehicle(s)
Porsche 911, Cayenne, BMW X3e, 2 door BaseSquatch
Your Bronco Model
Base
Exactly my config, though I’m a long way from getting one. Just did Off Rodeo and drove a 2dr Sasquatch. I was a bit more impressed by Trail Turn and One Pedal than I thought I’d be. So I’m now tempted by the auto. I’m still torn on Sas. Clearly has more clearance, but I love the steelies. The 32’s look good in your pics. I’m hoping to see one in person soon!
 
OP
OP
rugbysecondrow

rugbysecondrow

Black Diamond
Well-Known Member
First Name
Pauly P
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Threads
23
Messages
1,176
Reaction score
3,692
Location
north carolina
Vehicle(s)
1964 C-10 stepside
Your Bronco Model
Black Diamond
Clubs
 
Great review! I'll be getting an Area 51 2Dr as well, just Badlands w Squatch, so good to hear your take on the drive and liking the color. Love the black steelies you put on her!

Which interior trim did you get? Do you have the big screen or if not, still happy with the smaller version?

Totally agree with you and several reviewers on the speedo, wish it were digital analog if that makes sense, but guess Ford wanted to go modern.

Post some pics of you wheeling on the beach! Enjoy, rinse, then repeat. 🤣
I got the basic interior. I might be in the minority, but I like the smaller screen and I prefer knobs and buttons vs. a larger screen and digital panel.

Driving it, there is nothing I feel like I am missing.

I love the keyless entry on the door. I use that all the time. For $110, it has to be the best value accessory.
 

MerNJ

Black Diamond
Member
First Name
Mike
Joined
Jul 5, 2021
Threads
1
Messages
5
Reaction score
2
Location
NJ
Vehicle(s)
Mazda CX9
Your Bronco Model
Black Diamond
Besides keyless entry what other options did you get (including your comments)?
 
OP
OP
rugbysecondrow

rugbysecondrow

Black Diamond
Well-Known Member
First Name
Pauly P
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Threads
23
Messages
1,176
Reaction score
3,692
Location
north carolina
Vehicle(s)
1964 C-10 stepside
Your Bronco Model
Black Diamond
Clubs
 
Besides keyless entry what other options did you get (including your comments)?
I got the:
-advanced 4x4...I haven't had the opportunity to use it.
-Keyless entry...use it everyday.
-Floor mats...not sure I needed them, with the washout interiour, but went for them anyway.

That's it. I have the standard setup (no Mid) and everything else is the basic that comes on the BD model. I love it!
 

Sponsored

Happy

Black Diamond
Well-Known Member
First Name
Jerry
Joined
Nov 13, 2021
Threads
36
Messages
532
Reaction score
659
Location
Missouri
Vehicle(s)
CJ5, Wagoneer
Your Bronco Model
Black Diamond
Nice! BD is set up just fine.
 
 


Top