- Joined
- May 29, 2019
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- Hunterdon County, NJ
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- '84 Bronco, '93 Bronco, '94 Bronco, 2012 Mustang
- Your Bronco Model
- Big Bend
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- #31
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Sounds to me that you're confusing "fun to drive" with dangerous to drive, but you own a JK and are used to it.Yes, mostly positive but Nothing truely impressed me and I’m not sure I love the seats yet or the larger feel. It’s nicer ride and more responsive steering makes it a little more boring to drive if that makes any sense. I know that sounds kind of stupid.
My wrangler had an issue with the radiator / HVAC system but it was covered. Other than that it’s been trouble free. I think every manufacturer makes fairly reliable vehicles at this point. The Bronco will have its issues.
I get this. I drove a 4dr, 2.3 auto BL today. There wasn’t much of a wow factor aside from the stunning appearance. It did feel big. But then again, Ive been driving an 04 Ranger for 17 years and now a 21 Ranger, and a 2016 MKZ, as my most recent vehicles, so I’m sure that made the 4dr Bronco feel ginormous, but not in a horrible way.Background- I’ve owned since new a 2013 Wrangler JKU Sahara that I’ve put 150k miles on. I’m 6’2 / 230lbs. There is very little off-roading where I am, but I like to get off the pavement wherever possible. Mostly on road / daily driver miles
I finally got to test drive today. 4dr badlands. While the dimensions are very close to my wrangler, it seems much larger and heavier. Even though it’s barely bigger than the jeep, the interior is much roomier. The windshield is farther away. I have to lean forward to adjust the rear view mirror for instance, where it’s much closer in the jeep. Armrest / cup holders seemed to be comfortable enough with the seat all the way back - something that isn’t easy to find in many vehicles. The seats are much more plush/soft than the jeep. I didn’t adjust them perfectly so they weren’t as comfortable to me as they hopefully could be. I very much like the upright driving position of a jeep. This is close to that but not quite. The vinyl upholstery is weird. I think I like it, but it’s different. The overall fit and finish seems good. I get what some say about the dash seeming light / flimsy but I don’t know if I care. The grab handles are just better and more usable in the wrangler.
The rear tail gait is huge compared to the jeep. No issue with that, but it surprised me. The rear cargo area floor space seems smaller than the jeep, I don’t know if it is-it’s close in size I’m sure but “feels” smaller. Lifting the back of the soft top took more effort than I was expecting. It’s not difficult but it was heavier than I expected. I’m not sold on that being a great feature, but the jeep is a pain in the ass so this has to be better. The side windows on the soft top are saggy and wrinkled. The clips to attach them of course contribute. Initial impression is that I prefer Jeep’s method and resulting appearance.
All of the electronics worked well and were very responsive. Driving impression- plenty of power. It really pulls from a stop. It was a short drive but feels comfortable, lines of sight good. It felt to me like a much bigger vehicle and had and plusher ride than my jeep. Something about that made it feel less fun to drive though. It was only about a 15 min drive, so I definitely need to do another and really assess things better. I just wanted to be wowed and love it, but i was left feeling a bit underwhelmed. It’s definitely nice And felt well built but it didn’t have the fun to drive feel that I was looking for. I’ve been excited for the new Bronco since the 2016 prototype and I just feel a little underwhelmed by it now. I definitely need another drive and to spend more time with it. This time was a bit rushed.
I know everyone here is still hyped on it but I wanted to share my initial impression.
I just drove a 2dr outer banks/non sasqI have a test drive set up Monday. While not my build (it's a 4dr WT 2.7 sasq and I'm getting 2dr BL 2.7 sasq) it should give me a decent idea of I'll be happy with it
This is just to compare a 2dr to a stock 150 4x4. 4dr. Short bed. If it helps with perceeptions.I just drove a 2dr outer banks/non sasq
2.7. You will love it.
I’ll be curious to hear your impression once you drive.I’ve been worried that Ford engineered the fun out of the vehicle. Made it more for soccer moms who want to look tough, but want a vehicle that rides like their Toyota Highlander.
I think what has me more worried than this review is the praise that many of the car reviewers are heaping on its road manners. The fact that most of them love that it drives like a CUV on road makes me wonder if they remember the point of this vehicle class is to have fun.
I have only had the opportunity to sit in one. I guess I really need to set my appointment for a test drive and see if it’s Jeep fun, or more Toyota RAV 4.
I have no doubt you’ll be satisfied. Perhaps not enough 66-77, but that’s to be expected.It is pure speculation on my part having not had the experience to drive the new bronco, but if it is part 1966, part 1991 and part contemporary high tech suv, I will be satisfied.
Some people don’t realize they’re nothing more than a number in a market segment to these giant corporations. Instead they think Mike Levine keeps their framed 8x10 portrait on his desk, while he gently kisses two fingers, then lovingly touches the photo every night before he leaves work.Unfortunately, there are some on the forum who, for whatever reason, derive some sort of self-worth via their affinity for Ford products. They take a critique, however small, as a personal attack and have to lash out. Can’t for the life of me figure it out, but more power to them if that is all they have in their lives.
Rampage movie that showed the 2004 Prototype came out in 2018.2016 Bronco prototype? What 2016 Bronco prototype? There was a Bronco Prototype that was conveniently used in a movie (Rampage) that came put about the same time as Ford announced the Bronco was coming back but that was the 2004 Prototype.
I’m not bashing you, but have you driven a Wrangler JL? A lot of people think they know how a Jeep rides, but if you are comparing a Jeep to a Bronco you should probably test drive both. I get your point about older Jeep’s , but you could also say that my old 94 Bronco.Sounds to me that you're confusing "fun to drive" with dangerous to drive, but you own a JK and are used to it.
Honestly, I get that. The wondering nature of a SFA and overall unpredictibility can seem fun; to the young in my opinion.
Guys who wheel, spend several thousands to do what they can to improve the on road feel and drivability of a Wrangler and this can be done, but it takes a suspension overhaul when fitting tires that are 35"- 40", whereas the Bronco is stable off the lot.
I'm coming from BMWs, so I value precise tracking of the steering wheel. I in no way expect the same level of precision, but most vehicles should track straight and be able to take a pothole without jumping onto the edge of a lane. The wondering Wrangler effect tends to happen above 65mph and wind can make it worse, so it's just dangerous. Off road, this isn't even a thing when your Wrangler is crawling or just cruising at 25mph or less.
Anyway, I do appreciate your perspective as a JK owner and it is worth taking note as a comparison. IFS will always feel better during highway driving and is more composed, but the off road compromises are a trade off as you're well aware.