Drove 2.3AT - trying to forecast to manual - for an enthusiast driver

[manualT]

I predict many manual buyers are like me - feel strongly about steering feel, chassis, fun, sound, manual interaction/connection and will tend to be enthusiasts that like a variety of vehicles. I had an extended test drive where the dealer loaned me the car for an afternoon and I came away very impressed. I like sports cars and cars that can be taken off-road 'purpose built' and I am kind of a diehard manual transmission fan. I was very disappointed when the manual was only offered in the 2.3L engine and after being fully committed to buying a Bronco I have been on the fence.

As of today I am leaning toward the 7MT Bronco - Here is why.

I am not a fan at all of electric steering and in general I find my preference to be older cars with hydraulic steering. The Bronco has fantastic steering, in fact it blew me away, they absolutely nailed it. This should be highlighted more in the reviews, but it feels like a more heavy direct hydraulic steering rack. Very similar to the Focus RS, the weighting and feel is fantastic. Driving dynamics are great, it is fun to drive and feels like an experience. I 'think' the manual will be very engaging from what I have seen many suggest it is similar to the Focus ST/RS which was one of the best modern manuals IMO.

My biggest gripe with the Bronco (the sound) could be overshadowed by the steering feel and manual transmission engagement. The perfect vehicle for me would be a loud raucous manual V8 Bronco, but that is not going to happen so it comes down to this question - Can I live with the sound/power of the 2.3L engine and for me the answer is, I think I can. It has character, it is punchy, and does not feel underpowered. The turbo lag - on boost off boost - was a fun unique experience.

All in all it comes down to the manual, I think that puts this over the top - a manual transmission off-roader is super exciting to me and despite my desire for a louder / more powerful motor, driving the 2.3 and imagining rowing my own gears I came back to the Bronco as a vehicle I will definitely purchase when my slot becomes available.

Just my $.02 from a car/truck/manual fanatic.....

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[Mr. Nice]

I predict many manual buyers are like me - feel strongly about steering feel, chassis, fun, sound, manual interaction/connection and will tend to be enthusiasts that like a variety of vehicles. I had an extended test drive where the dealer loaned me the car for an afternoon and I came away very impressed. I like sports cars and cars that can be taken off-road 'purpose built' and I am kind of a diehard manual transmission fan. I was very disappointed when the manual was only offered in the 2.3L engine and after being fully committed to buying a Bronco I have been on the fence.

As of today I am leaning toward the 7MT Bronco - Here is why.

I am not a fan at all of electric steering and in general I find my preference to be older cars with hydraulic steering. The Bronco has fantastic steering, in fact it blew me away, they absolutely nailed it. This should be highlighted more in the reviews, but it feels like a more heavy direct hydraulic steering rack. Very similar to the Focus RS, the weighting and feel is fantastic. Driving dynamics are great, it is fun to drive and feels like an experience. I 'think' the manual will be very engaging from what I have seen many suggest it is similar to the Focus ST/RS which was one of the best modern manuals IMO.

My biggest gripe with the Bronco (the sound) could be overshadowed by the steering feel and manual transmission engagement. The perfect vehicle for me would be a loud raucous manual V8 Bronco, but that is not going to happen so it comes down to this question - Can I live with the sound/power of the 2.3L engine and for me the answer is, I think I can. It has character, it is punchy, and does not feel underpowered. The turbo lag - on boost off boost - was a fun unique experience.

All in all it comes down to the manual, I think that puts this over the top - a manual transmission off-roader is super exciting to me and despite my desire for a louder / more powerful motor, driving the 2.3 and imagining rowing my own gears I came back to the Bronco as a vehicle I will definitely purchase when my slot becomes available.

Just my $.02 from a car/truck/manual fanatic.....

How about the brakes, anybody care?
Broncos with the 2.3 have Ranger like vacuum assist. The Ranger's brakes are a known and documented sore spot. The 2.7’s have electronic assist.
Car and Driver’s testing showed a much heavier 2.7 stopping 20 feet shorter than a lighter 2.3.
The 217 foot stop from 70 MPH for the four banger should be very concerning. I believe they were both 2DR’s. The 4DR 2.3 will be worse. Maybe just wait for the 2.7 manual?

 

[goatman]

How about the brakes, anybody care?
Broncos with the 2.3 have Ranger like vacuum assist. The Ranger's brakes are a know and documented sore spot. The 2.7’s have electronic assist.
Car and Driver’s testing showed a much heavier 2.7 stopping 20 feet shorter than a lighter 2.3.
The 217 foot stop from 70 MPH for the four banger should be very concerning. I believe they were both 2DR’s. The 4DR 2.3 will be worse.

Interesting. And then people are going to put bigger tires on them. BTW, what tire size was the test done with, do you have that info?

Glad the OP thought the power was fine with the 2.3. I keep thinking I want the 2.7 because more power is always good, but I keep coming back to the 2.3 because of the vacuum assist brakes and flat towing it, and the reports that the power is good.

 

[BudgetBronco]

I predict many manual buyers are like me - feel strongly about steering feel, chassis, fun, sound, manual interaction/connection and will tend to be enthusiasts that like a variety of vehicles. I had an extended test drive where the dealer loaned me the car for an afternoon and I came away very impressed. I like sports cars and cars that can be taken off-road 'purpose built' and I am kind of a diehard manual transmission fan. I was very disappointed when the manual was only offered in the 2.3L engine and after being fully committed to buying a Bronco I have been on the fence.

As of today I am leaning toward the 7MT Bronco - Here is why.

I am not a fan at all of electric steering and in general I find my preference to be older cars with hydraulic steering. The Bronco has fantastic steering, in fact it blew me away, they absolutely nailed it. This should be highlighted more in the reviews, but it feels like a more heavy direct hydraulic steering rack. Very similar to the Focus RS, the weighting and feel is fantastic. Driving dynamics are great, it is fun to drive and feels like an experience. I 'think' the manual will be very engaging from what I have seen many suggest it is similar to the Focus ST/RS which was one of the best modern manuals IMO.

My biggest gripe with the Bronco (the sound) could be overshadowed by the steering feel and manual transmission engagement. The perfect vehicle for me would be a loud raucous manual V8 Bronco, but that is not going to happen so it comes down to this question - Can I live with the sound/power of the 2.3L engine and for me the answer is, I think I can. It has character, it is punchy, and does not feel underpowered. The turbo lag - on boost off boost - was a fun unique experience.

All in all it comes down to the manual, I think that puts this over the top - a manual transmission off-roader is super exciting to me and despite my desire for a louder / more powerful motor, driving the 2.3 and imagining rowing my own gears I came back to the Bronco as a vehicle I will definitely purchase when my slot becomes available.

Just my $.02 from a car/truck/manual fanatic.....

I 100% agree with your assessment here. I was lucky enough to have my 2DR 2.3L 7MT delivered a few weeks ago, and I have been very happy with it

 

[Mr. Nice]

Interesting. And then people are going to put bigger tires on them. BTW, what tire size was the test done with, do you have that info?

Glad the OP thought the power was fine with the 2.3. I keep thinking I want the 2.7 because more power is always good, but I keep coming back to the 2.3 because of the vacuum assist brakes and flat towing it, and the reports that the power is good.

C&D's testing was using a First Edition and 2.3 Black Diamond.
Can't you flat tow a 2.7?

 

[StormtrooperS225]

I am hoping to test drive a 7spd tomorrow.

 

[Werkedperformance]

Just remember the Bronco will accept (some) RS performance parts, and can get the same growl with exhaust and intake. Bronco RS here we come. I truly have no doubts about 2.3l. First gen Lightning V8 trucks were 240 HP, we will be fast enough to flip.

 

[Werkedperformance]

I am hoping to test drive a 7spd tomorrow.

Are you going to stormtrooper out a white bronco?
I would have but....cactus grey got me......

 

[goatman]

C&D's testing was using a First Edition and 2.3 Black Diamond.
Can't you flat tow a 2.7?

So 32" tires on the 2.3.

Yes on flat towing either one. My concern is my towed vehicle braking system, the Air Force One system I have supplies vacuum to the booster. So there is both proportional braking and power brakes on the tow'd. Don't know for sure yet on the 2.7 if/how long the power brake will work with the engine not running, and how it could run down the battery. Easier, and less cost, to stick with the 2.3 as long as I wouldn't be disappointed with the power. All reports are that it's fine.

 

[StormtrooperS225]

Are you going to stormtrooper out a white bronco?
I would have but....cactus grey got me......

No going for area 51 1. cuz its funny 2. I wont forget the colour
and I dont want white because I see far to many white vehicles where I live

 

[Catmandu]

@manualT You may find this helpful. For the record, I did not notice any issue with the brakes on this demo unit.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/cyber-orange-7mt-demo-flip-flop-approved.20352/

 

[manualT]

How about the brakes, anybody care?
Broncos with the 2.3 have Ranger like vacuum assist. The Ranger's brakes are a known and documented sore spot. The 2.7’s have electronic assist.
Car and Driver’s testing showed a much heavier 2.7 stopping 20 feet shorter than a lighter 2.3.
The 217 foot stop from 70 MPH for the four banger should be very concerning. I believe they were both 2DR’s. The 4DR 2.3 will be worse. Maybe just wait for the 2.7 manual?

I did not notice any problems with the brakes, but the vehicle I drove was not a Sasquatch.
Is there going to be a manual 2.7? I did not know that was a possibility -

 

[josephs6392]

I had an opportunity to test drive a 2.3 with manual trans a couple of weeks ago. I was surprised at how fun it was. I didn’t run it too hard but it easily chirped the tires in 1st and 2nd gear. It was a BD 4dr. My wife was convinced and very happy that we have one on order.
Shifting was short and responsive. It was fun to drive but I’m sticking to the 2.7 for my build. As most have stated, the piss poor exhaust sound is the most disappointing part of the driving experience. Same problem with both engines.

 

[manualT]

I am hoping to test drive a 7spd tomorrow.

Sweet, that is pretty rare, let us know what you think!

 

[Tricky Dick]

I am not a fan at all of electric steering and in general I find my preference to be older cars with hydraulic steering. The Bronco has fantastic steering, in fact it blew me away, they absolutely nailed it. This should be highlighted more in the reviews, but it feels like a more heavy direct hydraulic steering rack. Very similar to the Focus RS, the weighting and feel is fantastic. Driving dynamics are great, it is fun to drive and feels like an experience. I 'think' the manual will be very engaging from what I have seen many suggest it is similar to the Focus ST/RS which was one of the best modern manuals IMO.

I haven't driven a 2.3 or 7MT yet but I thought the steering felt nice enough on the WT I drove. I get where you're coming from, I actually prefer manual steering above all, it feels sooo good. I'm very much enjoying the manual steering on the Zuk (sorry for bringing it up @604Bronco )

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