Took delivery yesterday: Timeline, MIC Top Inspection, Impressions of Big Bend 2.7L

[indio22]

Personally, I’m looking forward to a vehicle with keyless ignition. I just paid $700 for my 11 year old car to get a new cylinder barrel lock fitted to the machines key (only the dealership can do this) because my key wouldn’t turn in the ignition no matter how hard I turned the wheel after trying to clear the key hole with compressed gas and a squirt of wd-40. (I finally got it to turn over after an hour and a half of beating it, turning the wheel hard and adjusting the steering wheel position a few hundred times so at least I didn’t have to pay for a tow)

unfortunately I did have to pay $700 to keep my beater of a car moving till I get the Bronco probably sometime in q2 2022 (aug res w mic and squatch) as that’s a lot cheaper than buying high and selling low in this crazy used car market.

TLDR: be thankful for the push button start.

Ouch. By contrast, the lock cylinder for my 1998 TJ cost me under $20 for a replacement unit, and was maybe a 10 minute operation in the driveway to switch out.

On the other hand, another key fob for the push button start on my BRZ, will cost around $300 for an extra. I mean that's nuts just to have another fob. I use to make a key copy for $2.00 at Ace Hardware.

And lord forbid I lose the only BRZ fob, then apparently I'm looking at a tow to the dealership, the taking apart the dash, and sending some stuff to Subaru for a new fob ... to the tune of $700 or more. So be careful what you wish for.

So many things become exponentially more expensive and difficult to fix yourself with some of these newer vehicles.

Sponsored

 

[Stage 3 Motorsports]

Congrats and enjoy! Great to hear your opinions.

 

[NVCowboy]

Bought an Explorer a few years back as my gap vehicle. I was worried about keyless entry and start when I took delivery. I'm assuming your concerns about this are over. mine lasted until the second time I lifted the handle and started the vehicle. Can't help with radio angst.

How does it ride is the question I have. So many videos of sasquatch in the dirt. I wanna know how the standard suspension does.

 

[SurfsUp85]

So in the interest of giving back to this Forum, since it has given me so much information (and laughs) over the past few months, I am going to post my purchase experience and my first 100 miles impressions with my new Bronco. Feel free to ask any questions and I will try to answer them.

Timeline:
I had a late 7/13 reservation date, ordered on 1/29, had an initial production date of 7/14, Ford changed production date to 7/28, blend date of 7/28, built date of 7/29, initial deliver date of 7/17, and changed delivery date to 7/20. The Bronco was actually delivered on 7/19 and I took ownership on 7/20.

Specs:
I ordered a Race Red, 4 door, Big Bend with a MIC top, 2.7 engine, Mid package, tube steps, sig lighting, and floor liners. I would have loved to have ordered the SAS option, but in the interest of keeping my Bronco within a price range I was comfortable with, I elected to go with the bigger engine vs. the bigger tires and suspension. My thought is down the road I can always add a lift, different wheels, shocks, and bigger tires. Much easier/cheaper than swapping out the engine!

The town I live in has only two Ford dealerships. The one I chose was picked due to convenience. They are only a couple of blocks from where I work, which will make it handy when, inevitably, I have to take it back for warranty work, recalls, and service. This dealership was opened in 1938 and has a decent reputation.....although I have never purchased a vehicle from them in the past.

MIC Top Inspection:
Prior to signing the paperwork, I carefully inspected the Bronco......particularly the MIC top. I didn't see any alarming issues with the outside of the top, just one or two small scuffs (not scratches). I looked the best I could for delamination, as shown in previous threads on here, but wasn't exactly sure where to look for this. I'm guessing you would have to pretty much take the roof off to see the laminated edges. It definitely has the honey comb look on the inside of the roof. While most of the inside is covered in the sound deadening material, the cargo area is not (which I think is kind of odd). This is where the honey comb is most evident, but I'm okay with that. I also did a quick test drive of the Bronco just to make sure it didn't have any evident rattles, shimmies, or shakes.

Purchase Experience:
The purchase experience went very well. The dealership and salesperson were very accommodating. My Bronco, along with a similarly equipped Cactus Gray Bronco, were the first two Broncos this dealership has received! The person that ordered the CG one wasn't going to be able to take delivery until this Saturday, so mine is actually the very first one they sold. While at the dealership, I had probably six employees shake my hand and congratulate me on my purchase (closest I'll ever be to feeling like a Rock Star) Two of them, the Sales Manager and the Finance person, had Broncos of their own ordered that they have not yet received and aren't sure when they are getting them (sound familiar?) While at the dealership taking care of the paperwork, there were constantly people walking up to the Bronco looking at it, taking pictures, and coming inside to ask if it was for sale. I jokingly told the Finance person that I had a FOR SALE sign with me and was gonna slap it on the Bronco and make $20k before it got off the lot!

IMPRESSIONS:
So my impressions of the new Bronco so far? The Good: This thing draws a lot of attention......I even had someone in a Jeep give me the "wave" on the way home from the dealership! The size of this vehicle feels perfect for me. It's not too big and not too small. I am pleasantly surprised that this vehicle rides as well, if not better, than my 2015 F150 crew cab. It handles extremely well for a truck based vehicle. While I haven't gotten heavy into the throttle, it seems to have ample power. I am happy with the overall fit and finish of the Bronco. The body lines and styling are really unlike anything else out there. The MIC top seems to be really tight and snug. I did remove the front row panels, and they are extremely easy to remove, lift and carry, and reinstall. I like the finish of the interior and the positioning of the dash. I think its really cool how Ford placed little nuances to the Bronco heritage all over the vehicle. I really like when looking out the windshield how the entire hood sticks out in front of you. It's not like most vehicles where you can't even see the hood or you just see a little bit of the center of the hood. It actually reminds me a lot of the big hood sticking out in front my 69 Mustang. This thing has a huge cargo area....especially if you fold down the back seats. I am happy with the way the 32" tires look. To me, they don't look too small. Bigger tires with definitely give it more attitude and manliness......and of course be better for off-roading, if that's your intent. I looked closely at the door hinges and behind them, and could not find any missing paint or primer, as some have posted in previous threads.

The not so good: As I mention these points, keep in mind I'm pushing 50 years old and do things the "old school" way. So far I have NOT gotten use to all the darn electronics in this thing. At this point, it's pretty overwhelming and I'm hoping it gets better. The radio, or infotainment center as they call it, is way more complicated than what I'm used to.....still trying to figure out how to just switch radio stations! I thinks it's weird that the windows go down 1/2" when you open the door then go up when you close the doors. I think it's strange there isn't an ignition switch or a key to put in the ignition (push button start). It's also very weird that you don't have to use the key fob to unlock the doors......you just put your hand on the door handle and it unlocks! As mentioned in previous threads, the tailgate is very awkward when opening. I'm hoping this gets better as the strut wears in. The tube steps actually seems to make it more difficult to get in and out of the vehicle. Based on my ride height and length of my legs, I think it may be easier to just step directly into the vehicle instead of on the step. Some of this could be that the grab handle is mounted low on the dash instead of high on the A pillar. As mentioned in previous threads, so far the transmission seems to shift rather harshly when accelerating fairly hard from a stop. I believe someone stated that the transmission has to "learn" your driving habits....to me that is some Voodoo stuff! It put quite a scare into me when I opened the hood. I told someone all I needed was piece of garlic bread to go with the plate of spaghetti under the hood.. There are so many wires, computers, sensors, and lines going all over the place it's crazy! It really doesn't appear that Ford engineers gave a lot of thought to the aesthetics under the hood. I really wished they would've tucked a lot of that stuff underneath or loomed it together to give it a cleaner look......but again, I'm old school.

Overall, I really like the Bronco. In my mind, there really isn't anything else like it available. So many of SUV's out there look so much alike that I can't tell one manufacturer from another. With the big BRONCO across the grill, the nods to the past, and the perfect size of this thing......it's just something different than everything else. I know the past year has been stressful waiting on these things.....Hell, I've been waiting since prototype renderings were released 5 or 6 years ago. But if you're still waiting......keep waiting......it will be worth it! I don't think you'll regret it....IMO.

Awesome write up!

The windows going down and up a half inch is to accommodate for the roof that hangs low. I noticed that on the third bronco that I drove and I can see how it could definitely act up in the future with wear and tear but definitely not a bad design in my opinion.

I really hope that they get pictures of my bronco coming off the truck. It is almost identical to that cactus grey one in front of yours. I live 3 hours away from the dealership that I am getting it from and won't be able to rush there as quickly to see it unfortunately.

Is the lack of sound barrier in the back on the MIC normal? I always assumed the sound deadening was under the entire top. I saw a couple videos where it was actually under one panel only and not the rest, under the two front panels only, etc. Make sure that they get that fixed for you. I can't imagine that's how it is suppose to be.

You made a great choice! What a nice ride. If it makes you feel any better, I am 36 and am going to be learning most of this technology for the next ten years. I get the window switches in the centre, as to me that makes the most sense and not sure why people don't like that, but as for lack of cup holders in the back centre seat like some specs come with... Can't figure out which though as some do and some don't and they are the same model and spec. I think that's another oversight, but for the technology, you'll get it and you won't be disapointed. There is a lot of really cool stuff.

I assume you are like me and hate the auto start / stop while at stop signs and red lights. Just hit the ''a'' button in the centre near the A/C (I think, going off memory) and it will turn it off for that trip. You would need to hit that button each time you drive, but that's okay with me. Better than the constant on and off.

Looking forward to the updates! Post a video, I'll watch it!

 

[DebbieEF]

So in the interest of giving back to this Forum, since it has given me so much information (and laughs) over the past few months, I am going to post my purchase experience and my first 100 miles impressions with my new Bronco. Feel free to ask any questions and I will try to answer them.

Timeline:
I had a late 7/13 reservation date, ordered on 1/29, had an initial production date of 7/14, Ford changed production date to 7/28, blend date of 7/28, built date of 7/29, initial deliver date of 7/17, and changed delivery date to 7/20. The Bronco was actually delivered on 7/19 and I took ownership on 7/20.

Specs:
I ordered a Race Red, 4 door, Big Bend with a MIC top, 2.7 engine, Mid package, tube steps, sig lighting, and floor liners. I would have loved to have ordered the SAS option, but in the interest of keeping my Bronco within a price range I was comfortable with, I elected to go with the bigger engine vs. the bigger tires and suspension. My thought is down the road I can always add a lift, different wheels, shocks, and bigger tires. Much easier/cheaper than swapping out the engine!

The town I live in has only two Ford dealerships. The one I chose was picked due to convenience. They are only a couple of blocks from where I work, which will make it handy when, inevitably, I have to take it back for warranty work, recalls, and service. This dealership was opened in 1938 and has a decent reputation.....although I have never purchased a vehicle from them in the past.

MIC Top Inspection:
Prior to signing the paperwork, I carefully inspected the Bronco......particularly the MIC top. I didn't see any alarming issues with the outside of the top, just one or two small scuffs (not scratches). I looked the best I could for delamination, as shown in previous threads on here, but wasn't exactly sure where to look for this. I'm guessing you would have to pretty much take the roof off to see the laminated edges. It definitely has the honey comb look on the inside of the roof. While most of the inside is covered in the sound deadening material, the cargo area is not (which I think is kind of odd). This is where the honey comb is most evident, but I'm okay with that. I also did a quick test drive of the Bronco just to make sure it didn't have any evident rattles, shimmies, or shakes.

Purchase Experience:
The purchase experience went very well. The dealership and salesperson were very accommodating. My Bronco, along with a similarly equipped Cactus Gray Bronco, were the first two Broncos this dealership has received! The person that ordered the CG one wasn't going to be able to take delivery until this Saturday, so mine is actually the very first one they sold. While at the dealership, I had probably six employees shake my hand and congratulate me on my purchase (closest I'll ever be to feeling like a Rock Star) Two of them, the Sales Manager and the Finance person, had Broncos of their own ordered that they have not yet received and aren't sure when they are getting them (sound familiar?) While at the dealership taking care of the paperwork, there were constantly people walking up to the Bronco looking at it, taking pictures, and coming inside to ask if it was for sale. I jokingly told the Finance person that I had a FOR SALE sign with me and was gonna slap it on the Bronco and make $20k before it got off the lot!

IMPRESSIONS:
So my impressions of the new Bronco so far? The Good: This thing draws a lot of attention......I even had someone in a Jeep give me the "wave" on the way home from the dealership! The size of this vehicle feels perfect for me. It's not too big and not too small. I am pleasantly surprised that this vehicle rides as well, if not better, than my 2015 F150 crew cab. It handles extremely well for a truck based vehicle. While I haven't gotten heavy into the throttle, it seems to have ample power. I am happy with the overall fit and finish of the Bronco. The body lines and styling are really unlike anything else out there. The MIC top seems to be really tight and snug. I did remove the front row panels, and they are extremely easy to remove, lift and carry, and reinstall. I like the finish of the interior and the positioning of the dash. I think its really cool how Ford placed little nuances to the Bronco heritage all over the vehicle. I really like when looking out the windshield how the entire hood sticks out in front of you. It's not like most vehicles where you can't even see the hood or you just see a little bit of the center of the hood. It actually reminds me a lot of the big hood sticking out in front my 69 Mustang. This thing has a huge cargo area....especially if you fold down the back seats. I am happy with the way the 32" tires look. To me, they don't look too small. Bigger tires with definitely give it more attitude and manliness......and of course be better for off-roading, if that's your intent. I looked closely at the door hinges and behind them, and could not find any missing paint or primer, as some have posted in previous threads.

The not so good: As I mention these points, keep in mind I'm pushing 50 years old and do things the "old school" way. So far I have NOT gotten use to all the darn electronics in this thing. At this point, it's pretty overwhelming and I'm hoping it gets better. The radio, or infotainment center as they call it, is way more complicated than what I'm used to.....still trying to figure out how to just switch radio stations! I thinks it's weird that the windows go down 1/2" when you open the door then go up when you close the doors. I think it's strange there isn't an ignition switch or a key to put in the ignition (push button start). It's also very weird that you don't have to use the key fob to unlock the doors......you just put your hand on the door handle and it unlocks! As mentioned in previous threads, the tailgate is very awkward when opening. I'm hoping this gets better as the strut wears in. The tube steps actually seems to make it more difficult to get in and out of the vehicle. Based on my ride height and length of my legs, I think it may be easier to just step directly into the vehicle instead of on the step. Some of this could be that the grab handle is mounted low on the dash instead of high on the A pillar. As mentioned in previous threads, so far the transmission seems to shift rather harshly when accelerating fairly hard from a stop. I believe someone stated that the transmission has to "learn" your driving habits....to me that is some Voodoo stuff! It put quite a scare into me when I opened the hood. I told someone all I needed was piece of garlic bread to go with the plate of spaghetti under the hood.. There are so many wires, computers, sensors, and lines going all over the place it's crazy! It really doesn't appear that Ford engineers gave a lot of thought to the aesthetics under the hood. I really wished they would've tucked a lot of that stuff underneath or loomed it together to give it a cleaner look......but again, I'm old school.

Overall, I really like the Bronco. In my mind, there really isn't anything else like it available. So many of SUV's out there look so much alike that I can't tell one manufacturer from another. With the big BRONCO across the grill, the nods to the past, and the perfect size of this thing......it's just something different than everything else. I know the past year has been stressful waiting on these things.....Hell, I've been waiting since prototype renderings were released 5 or 6 years ago. But if you're still waiting......keep waiting......it will be worth it! I don't think you'll regret it....IMO.

Congratulations Sean! Awesome review of your beautiful new Bronco - enjoy!

 

[BRBUSTER72]

I'm 60 and a keep it simple guy. Some tech I'm ok with such as I would hate to have to go back to carbureted engines. My '16 super duty xl has way more stuff than my '88 F250 xlt lariat and most is ok. Still don't like electric shift transfer case and don't like cars with auto stop/start. They say you can't shift on the fly without electric, yet every 4wd I had from my '72 Bronco to my '94 explorer had manual shift and I was always in control and could always shift on the fly.

 

[srjod]

So in the interest of giving back to this Forum, since it has given me so much information (and laughs) over the past few months, I am going to post my purchase experience and my first 100 miles impressions with my new Bronco. Feel free to ask any questions and I will try to answer them.

Timeline:
I had a late 7/13 reservation date, ordered on 1/29, had an initial production date of 7/14, Ford changed production date to 7/28, blend date of 7/28, built date of 7/29, initial deliver date of 7/17, and changed delivery date to 7/20. The Bronco was actually delivered on 7/19 and I took ownership on 7/20.

Specs:
I ordered a Race Red, 4 door, Big Bend with a MIC top, 2.7 engine, Mid package, tube steps, sig lighting, and floor liners. I would have loved to have ordered the SAS option, but in the interest of keeping my Bronco within a price range I was comfortable with, I elected to go with the bigger engine vs. the bigger tires and suspension. My thought is down the road I can always add a lift, different wheels, shocks, and bigger tires. Much easier/cheaper than swapping out the engine!

The town I live in has only two Ford dealerships. The one I chose was picked due to convenience. They are only a couple of blocks from where I work, which will make it handy when, inevitably, I have to take it back for warranty work, recalls, and service. This dealership was opened in 1938 and has a decent reputation.....although I have never purchased a vehicle from them in the past.

MIC Top Inspection:
Prior to signing the paperwork, I carefully inspected the Bronco......particularly the MIC top. I didn't see any alarming issues with the outside of the top, just one or two small scuffs (not scratches). I looked the best I could for delamination, as shown in previous threads on here, but wasn't exactly sure where to look for this. I'm guessing you would have to pretty much take the roof off to see the laminated edges. It definitely has the honey comb look on the inside of the roof. While most of the inside is covered in the sound deadening material, the cargo area is not (which I think is kind of odd). This is where the honey comb is most evident, but I'm okay with that. I also did a quick test drive of the Bronco just to make sure it didn't have any evident rattles, shimmies, or shakes.

Purchase Experience:
The purchase experience went very well. The dealership and salesperson were very accommodating. My Bronco, along with a similarly equipped Cactus Gray Bronco, were the first two Broncos this dealership has received! The person that ordered the CG one wasn't going to be able to take delivery until this Saturday, so mine is actually the very first one they sold. While at the dealership, I had probably six employees shake my hand and congratulate me on my purchase (closest I'll ever be to feeling like a Rock Star) Two of them, the Sales Manager and the Finance person, had Broncos of their own ordered that they have not yet received and aren't sure when they are getting them (sound familiar?) While at the dealership taking care of the paperwork, there were constantly people walking up to the Bronco looking at it, taking pictures, and coming inside to ask if it was for sale. I jokingly told the Finance person that I had a FOR SALE sign with me and was gonna slap it on the Bronco and make $20k before it got off the lot!

IMPRESSIONS:
So my impressions of the new Bronco so far? The Good: This thing draws a lot of attention......I even had someone in a Jeep give me the "wave" on the way home from the dealership! The size of this vehicle feels perfect for me. It's not too big and not too small. I am pleasantly surprised that this vehicle rides as well, if not better, than my 2015 F150 crew cab. It handles extremely well for a truck based vehicle. While I haven't gotten heavy into the throttle, it seems to have ample power. I am happy with the overall fit and finish of the Bronco. The body lines and styling are really unlike anything else out there. The MIC top seems to be really tight and snug. I did remove the front row panels, and they are extremely easy to remove, lift and carry, and reinstall. I like the finish of the interior and the positioning of the dash. I think its really cool how Ford placed little nuances to the Bronco heritage all over the vehicle. I really like when looking out the windshield how the entire hood sticks out in front of you. It's not like most vehicles where you can't even see the hood or you just see a little bit of the center of the hood. It actually reminds me a lot of the big hood sticking out in front my 69 Mustang. This thing has a huge cargo area....especially if you fold down the back seats. I am happy with the way the 32" tires look. To me, they don't look too small. Bigger tires with definitely give it more attitude and manliness......and of course be better for off-roading, if that's your intent. I looked closely at the door hinges and behind them, and could not find any missing paint or primer, as some have posted in previous threads.

The not so good: As I mention these points, keep in mind I'm pushing 50 years old and do things the "old school" way. So far I have NOT gotten use to all the darn electronics in this thing. At this point, it's pretty overwhelming and I'm hoping it gets better. The radio, or infotainment center as they call it, is way more complicated than what I'm used to.....still trying to figure out how to just switch radio stations! I thinks it's weird that the windows go down 1/2" when you open the door then go up when you close the doors. I think it's strange there isn't an ignition switch or a key to put in the ignition (push button start). It's also very weird that you don't have to use the key fob to unlock the doors......you just put your hand on the door handle and it unlocks! As mentioned in previous threads, the tailgate is very awkward when opening. I'm hoping this gets better as the strut wears in. The tube steps actually seems to make it more difficult to get in and out of the vehicle. Based on my ride height and length of my legs, I think it may be easier to just step directly into the vehicle instead of on the step. Some of this could be that the grab handle is mounted low on the dash instead of high on the A pillar. As mentioned in previous threads, so far the transmission seems to shift rather harshly when accelerating fairly hard from a stop. I believe someone stated that the transmission has to "learn" your driving habits....to me that is some Voodoo stuff! It put quite a scare into me when I opened the hood. I told someone all I needed was piece of garlic bread to go with the plate of spaghetti under the hood.. There are so many wires, computers, sensors, and lines going all over the place it's crazy! It really doesn't appear that Ford engineers gave a lot of thought to the aesthetics under the hood. I really wished they would've tucked a lot of that stuff underneath or loomed it together to give it a cleaner look......but again, I'm old school.

Overall, I really like the Bronco. In my mind, there really isn't anything else like it available. So many of SUV's out there look so much alike that I can't tell one manufacturer from another. With the big BRONCO across the grill, the nods to the past, and the perfect size of this thing......it's just something different than everything else. I know the past year has been stressful waiting on these things.....Hell, I've been waiting since prototype renderings were released 5 or 6 years ago. But if you're still waiting......keep waiting......it will be worth it! I don't think you'll regret it....IMO.

Sir, great review. I'm happy to hear more people are having a good experience. You have the exact Bronco specs I will be purchasing as well.

Hope to join you on the road in one in 2023! Race Red looks great!

 

[Etnadocsalev]

So in the interest of giving back to this Forum, since it has given me so much information (and laughs) over the past few months, I am going to post my purchase experience and my first 100 miles impressions with my new Bronco. Feel free to ask any questions and I will try to answer them.

Timeline:
I had a late 7/13 reservation date, ordered on 1/29, had an initial production date of 7/14, Ford changed production date to 7/28, blend date of 7/28, built date of 7/29, initial deliver date of 7/17, and changed delivery date to 7/20. The Bronco was actually delivered on 7/19 and I took ownership on 7/20.

Specs:
I ordered a Race Red, 4 door, Big Bend with a MIC top, 2.7 engine, Mid package, tube steps, sig lighting, and floor liners. I would have loved to have ordered the SAS option, but in the interest of keeping my Bronco within a price range I was comfortable with, I elected to go with the bigger engine vs. the bigger tires and suspension. My thought is down the road I can always add a lift, different wheels, shocks, and bigger tires. Much easier/cheaper than swapping out the engine!

The town I live in has only two Ford dealerships. The one I chose was picked due to convenience. They are only a couple of blocks from where I work, which will make it handy when, inevitably, I have to take it back for warranty work, recalls, and service. This dealership was opened in 1938 and has a decent reputation.....although I have never purchased a vehicle from them in the past.

MIC Top Inspection:
Prior to signing the paperwork, I carefully inspected the Bronco......particularly the MIC top. I didn't see any alarming issues with the outside of the top, just one or two small scuffs (not scratches). I looked the best I could for delamination, as shown in previous threads on here, but wasn't exactly sure where to look for this. I'm guessing you would have to pretty much take the roof off to see the laminated edges. It definitely has the honey comb look on the inside of the roof. While most of the inside is covered in the sound deadening material, the cargo area is not (which I think is kind of odd). This is where the honey comb is most evident, but I'm okay with that. I also did a quick test drive of the Bronco just to make sure it didn't have any evident rattles, shimmies, or shakes.

Purchase Experience:
The purchase experience went very well. The dealership and salesperson were very accommodating. My Bronco, along with a similarly equipped Cactus Gray Bronco, were the first two Broncos this dealership has received! The person that ordered the CG one wasn't going to be able to take delivery until this Saturday, so mine is actually the very first one they sold. While at the dealership, I had probably six employees shake my hand and congratulate me on my purchase (closest I'll ever be to feeling like a Rock Star) Two of them, the Sales Manager and the Finance person, had Broncos of their own ordered that they have not yet received and aren't sure when they are getting them (sound familiar?) While at the dealership taking care of the paperwork, there were constantly people walking up to the Bronco looking at it, taking pictures, and coming inside to ask if it was for sale. I jokingly told the Finance person that I had a FOR SALE sign with me and was gonna slap it on the Bronco and make $20k before it got off the lot!

IMPRESSIONS:
So my impressions of the new Bronco so far? The Good: This thing draws a lot of attention......I even had someone in a Jeep give me the "wave" on the way home from the dealership! The size of this vehicle feels perfect for me. It's not too big and not too small. I am pleasantly surprised that this vehicle rides as well, if not better, than my 2015 F150 crew cab. It handles extremely well for a truck based vehicle. While I haven't gotten heavy into the throttle, it seems to have ample power. I am happy with the overall fit and finish of the Bronco. The body lines and styling are really unlike anything else out there. The MIC top seems to be really tight and snug. I did remove the front row panels, and they are extremely easy to remove, lift and carry, and reinstall. I like the finish of the interior and the positioning of the dash. I think its really cool how Ford placed little nuances to the Bronco heritage all over the vehicle. I really like when looking out the windshield how the entire hood sticks out in front of you. It's not like most vehicles where you can't even see the hood or you just see a little bit of the center of the hood. It actually reminds me a lot of the big hood sticking out in front my 69 Mustang. This thing has a huge cargo area....especially if you fold down the back seats. I am happy with the way the 32" tires look. To me, they don't look too small. Bigger tires with definitely give it more attitude and manliness......and of course be better for off-roading, if that's your intent. I looked closely at the door hinges and behind them, and could not find any missing paint or primer, as some have posted in previous threads.

The not so good: As I mention these points, keep in mind I'm pushing 50 years old and do things the "old school" way. So far I have NOT gotten use to all the darn electronics in this thing. At this point, it's pretty overwhelming and I'm hoping it gets better. The radio, or infotainment center as they call it, is way more complicated than what I'm used to.....still trying to figure out how to just switch radio stations! I thinks it's weird that the windows go down 1/2" when you open the door then go up when you close the doors. I think it's strange there isn't an ignition switch or a key to put in the ignition (push button start). It's also very weird that you don't have to use the key fob to unlock the doors......you just put your hand on the door handle and it unlocks! As mentioned in previous threads, the tailgate is very awkward when opening. I'm hoping this gets better as the strut wears in. The tube steps actually seems to make it more difficult to get in and out of the vehicle. Based on my ride height and length of my legs, I think it may be easier to just step directly into the vehicle instead of on the step. Some of this could be that the grab handle is mounted low on the dash instead of high on the A pillar. As mentioned in previous threads, so far the transmission seems to shift rather harshly when accelerating fairly hard from a stop. I believe someone stated that the transmission has to "learn" your driving habits....to me that is some Voodoo stuff! It put quite a scare into me when I opened the hood. I told someone all I needed was piece of garlic bread to go with the plate of spaghetti under the hood.. There are so many wires, computers, sensors, and lines going all over the place it's crazy! It really doesn't appear that Ford engineers gave a lot of thought to the aesthetics under the hood. I really wished they would've tucked a lot of that stuff underneath or loomed it together to give it a cleaner look......but again, I'm old school.

Overall, I really like the Bronco. In my mind, there really isn't anything else like it available. So many of SUV's out there look so much alike that I can't tell one manufacturer from another. With the big BRONCO across the grill, the nods to the past, and the perfect size of this thing......it's just something different than everything else. I know the past year has been stressful waiting on these things.....Hell, I've been waiting since prototype renderings were released 5 or 6 years ago. But if you're still waiting......keep waiting......it will be worth it! I don't think you'll regret it....IMO.

Wow enjoy

 

[IROCnRoll]

I'm 60 and a keep it simple guy. Some tech I'm ok with such as I would hate to have to go back to carbureted engines. My '16 super duty xl has way more stuff than my '88 F250 xlt lariat and most is ok. Still don't like electric shift transfer case and don't like cars with auto stop/start. They say you can't shift on the fly without electric, yet every 4wd I had from my '72 Bronco to my '94 explorer had manual shift and I was always in control and could always shift on the fly.

I'm with you. I could stand for a couple more retro touches like an actual lever for the transfer case. Given you can still get the stick, having that would be cool as well. Also could stand to have a more traditional gauge cluster. Still such a cool vehicle though.

 

[Heart2]

Congratulations! The Race Red looks great! I thought your comment about the tube steps and assist handle was interesting. I can see how they can be in the way at times. I use them on my Ranger when exiting, but not when entering...

 

[69 Mach I]

I don’t understand these dates

Dates edited. Not sure how they were changed….as well as change in format. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[69 Mach I]

LOL on the tech stuff as well! I'm 63 and don't care about the infotainment system or the size of the screen. I like the basics and go for base vehicles- which to me are "loaded". ( I went for a Basesquatch). Jeez just power windows and cruise control is loaded to me. I like the simplicity of my 97 Wrangler- no infotainment system, no USB, no cruise control, manual zipper windows, no power locks, manual key locks with cylinders and a key to start it. I also don't need to look at a huge manual to use the radio- which is FM only. And I can see the "engine" under the hood- and service it somewhat easily.

What concerns me most is the "spaghetti" under the hood. No way are we going to be able to service it or diagnose problems. So after the warranty is up, it's got to go to the Ford dealer and if it needs anything at all it's going to cost- and a LOT. So my 97 Wrangler is not so bad and for a machine that is 24 years old it does basically the same thing- well it is more off road worthy and has a lot more HP and ultimate creature comforts, etc. But for all that technology it still gets the same gas mileage- 17-19 MPG as my old Wrangler. I guess a brick in the wind is a brick in the wind.

I think we’d get along like old friends! Definitely got the extended warranty….crazy if you don’t.

 

[69 Mach I]

Thank you for sharing! My exact build that was supposed to be produced the same week as yours but was pushed to 8/9. The only difference is I ordered mine in velocity black. My only concern is how the Gray/Black/Gray combo will look.

So

Nice write up, i felt like this is being broadcasting live.
I am looking into Bronco and this made me felt certain to get a Bronco.
2022 Bronco, here i come.

Thank you so much. You won’t regret it!

 

[69 Mach I]

Thanks For The Honest old School Review.
Im old school too! And all these Electronic things scare the crap out of me too!
Im so glad I got the Base! I drove a WT and I don’t like the Lane control Crap at all!
our newest Vehicle is a 2011 Frontier, and they are 10 years behind in Tech. Thats why I bought it used! I Just Hope This Ford Will be reliable like a Nissan/Toyota.
Good Luck! and Congratulations!
(That Red Pops! Like the old Ford Bronco “Poppy Red”)

Thank you so much. So I haven’t figured out how to change it yet, but I’m told that we should be able to turn off the lane control feature.

 

[69 Mach I]

Nice write up, good to see a Bronco in Virginia. I was going to say good to see a Bronco with VA plates, but that is definitely the first thing I address when I take delivery. There is no way I am leaving my front plate like it comes from the factory. Maybe by the time mine gets here, there will be a lower, offset option. Enjoy and see you on the roads/trails on day soon.

Thank you. I’m sure before long we’ll see a lot more around the state. I hate having front tags. I have buddy’s with mustangs that just put front tags in glove box!

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