Top 5 Lessons Learned After Living With a Ford Bronco For a Year and a Half! 

I love how they always throw around reliable. It’s been 8k miles so I would hope the power train held up in that short period.

Your comment about the dealerships ruining an otherwise excellent vehicle is spot on. I know several people who would have bought one if they could have just paid MSRP. In fact I’m a Jeep guy and I’ve even considered it, but every time I look at prices I just get angry. At this point I’m not sure I’d ever buy from a dealer again. Edit: Maybe someone out there is currently taking excellent care of my future Bronco. They’ll baby it for 10 years and then sell it to me. Thank you, random Bronco owner!

I waited 2.5 years for my build and finally got it in October. It’s my favorite vehicle by far. Highly recommend it if you can get one. Better on road comfort than a wrangler and spacious like a 4Runner. Worth the wait.

Mine is a 2d, Sasquatch, 2.7 (paid MSRP exactly). On road drive quality is excellent around town and at hwy speeds. It far exceeded my expectations. I'd be completely comfortable taking this cross country. My dealer said my wait time would be cut by 6 months if I changed my order to a 4d soft top. I thought about it. I'm glad I decided to wait for the 2d.

I have a 2021 Black Diamond 2 dr Sasquatch with the 2.3 L, have 2 kids and absolutely love it. No problems with a 2 door at all. No regretts.

Tommy Have watched you grow over the last few years into a very knowledgeable and talented automotive reviewer Good job and you have now surpassed the talents of your father.

I’ve had my 2023, Bronco two-door Sasquatch for one year now and absolutely love it! I found the entire factory ordering experience fun and like nothing else I’ve ever seen before. But most importantly, the fit, and the finish on the Bronco are superb. I couldn’t be more pleased with this my first Ford product. 👍🇺🇸

I absolutely agree with you saying that Ford dealerships rune the experience. I just went through trying to buy one and the dealership experience was so ridiculous I ended up buying a competitor vehicle.

I've had my 2023 Badlands two-door for five weeks, now, and have already had it on a couple of nice trails here in Colorado. I like it, but I've learned a couple of things, so far. First, the frameless windows need to be all the way up or all the way down. Anything in-between and they shake so violently that I fear they are going to break. Second, the roll cage bars are really big and hurt like hell when your head bounces off of them. But yeah, I like it so far. As a longtime Wrangler owner, I can say it is a pretty nice vehicle.

Have a 2022 Base 2 door Sasquatch 2.3l manual transmission and couldn’t be happier. That’s the best part of the Bronco so many configurations to choose from .

I don’t know how good the bronco will be to own long-term but I have to say every time I get in it and drive I absolutely love the vehicle I’ve owned mine one month

I agree, I have this Bronco in the same color and setup. The only thing I wish it had is the switch for setting the setting configuration. I miss that. Everything else is top shelf. I cam out of the Wrangler Rubicon and while I really liked the Wrangler, I think the Bronco gives you much more for eat same relative pricing.

I've had mine since 11/21. About to hit 20k miles. So far (knocking on wood) mine has been flawless. Sold my Jeep for it and couldn't be happier. I also got lucky on timing and paid MSRP and got over my original purchase price for my trade-in. Jeep does one thing better...rock crawl with better articulation. If you primarily use your Jeep for technical trails and don't road trip long distances it's the right choice. After that the Bronco is better in every way. Power (392 obviously not included), comfort, roominess, ease of use, and enjoyment. The Rubicon is just exhausting on long trips. Anything over three hours and it gets old fast. Bronco is the most comfortable and capable car I've had out of all the Jeeps, trucks, and 4runners. I'm obviously not a fanboy of one particular brand. So Jeep guys, Ford bros, and Chevy chicks take it easy...it's not personal.

That is the best honest review you have put out. Great job.

I bought a 2022 Badlands (non-Sasquatch) 4 DR with 2.3L and 10 spd auto. I really like the 33" KO2s as they are the right size for my needs and are good in a variety of conditions, including snow. I have the lux package, MIC top, powder coated steel bumper (w/ fog lights), leather trimmed seats and the factory towing package with both 4 and 7 pin harnesses. I get up to 24 MPG while expressway driving at 65 MPH and I'm averaging about 20 MPG overall combined driving (down from 20.6 before winter). I think the off-road suspension is the biggest limiting factor on towing capacity as it isn't very stiff. I think that's the same reason the F150 Raptor doesn't tow anywhere near as much as some other F150 models. I agree that it would be better to have the Bronco Raptor all-digital instrument panel as I don't have much use for my analog speedometer.

I'll agree with everything except the 4 door. My 2 door has done everything I've needed, I enjoy the shorter wheelbase for parking and the rear seats still have the most legroom of any coupe I've seen. I love how chuckable it feels, like a lifted muscle car. Rear ingress is kinda bad though.

This review sets the standard for what one should aspire to achieve, Tommy. I do think that it's not just the Bronco that dealerships have ruined for potential consumers, but the grinding lead times surely made it worse for some buyers. Great work as always though, keep on keepin' on amigo.

I got my 2022 BaseSquatch 4-door V6 for $43K and came in 6 months. I wasnt going to spend any more than that for a toy. I absolutely love it and its been offroad a lot. My only concern is not busting the IFS. Thanks for a great review.

I'm owned a Bronco 11, 30 years ago, with the 2.7 v6, stick shift. The clutch was heavy in a traffic jam, and the fuel pump never lasted very long. Apart from that, great vehicles, on all types of terrain in Jamaica

Love the Bronco! Just does everything well!

I am so excited!!! I just got an e-mail that my Ford Bronco order is being built March 27th!!!!!! :D It has been a year since I ordered it.

Great video, does make me laugh when you guys talk about a longterm update with only 8,000 miles. No matter what brand it is they will usually go 100,000 miles with very little issues.

Wow I’ve been seeing alot of bronco’s in my sisters high school and there’s two hard top and one soft top plus so many bronco sports in high way and street they became popular up in Tennessee love broncos especially the Sasquatch package

I waited nearly two years for ours - in that time we picked up a BMW X5 45e fully loaded. It was an amazing car, and not easy to get either. When the Bronco finally came we said, “Oh we’ll just flip it.” Well after having it for a week, we said NOPE no way we can sell it. We ended up selling the X5! Lol 😂

Awesome update. Good job Tommy!

I just wanted to say I'm impressed with the lack of annoying micro jump cuts.

Tommy is the voice of reason among RU-vid car enthusiasts. Hard to believe its been 18 months.

thanks for the review, i plan to get the exact same in May !

I'd love to hear Tommy's input on the 2023 Wrangler updates. Specifically would love to hear about highway driving (turns, road trip sweat comfort, road and wind noise)

It does have lane centering. You just have to go into the settings and turn it on. Took me months to figure that out.

I waited two years and two months for my 2022 Wildtrak (I ordered it shortly after orders opened in 2020). I did opt for the two door, I prefer it that way. However, I don't disagree with your thoughts on the four door; truthfully, I would've bought one myself had it not been almost $10k more. I was very fortunate to deal with a dealer that would not give me a hard time. I paid MSRP no problem. Would I wait that long again? No, absolutely not. That is an absurd amount of time to wait for a NEW car. That being said, my Bronco has been an absolute joy to drive and it puts my father's Jeep Gladiator Rubicon to shame lol

Mine is in production now after a two year wait. Been following your adventures. Thanks for the reviews and information!

Thank you for the dealer network mention, this is my biggest bone to pick with Ford. It's the primary reason the Raptor is out of reach for me otherwise I would have one already.

I have a 2009 Hummer H3... I'm terribly sad to let it go but excited for the new bronco. I think it'll be a great transition.

MARIE and I both chose 4 door for the same reasons as you Tommy. 1. Practicality 2. Resale 3. Marie prefers the Massive 4 door look 4. For me last reason was wait time of the 4 door being longer. Those are our reasons in order. I don't share Marie's view (point 3)

I had my Badlands, 2.7, Sasquatch, 4door, hardtop delivered last October after a year and a half wait. My dealer experience wasn't bad given they didn't try to add markups. The only thing I wish that I had added on my build was the modular front bumper. The base bumper doesn't provide space to add lights and I think it just looks better.

I was going to look at ordering a 2023 but that was not an option because Ford can’t keep up with production. I didn’t want to wait 2 years for one so I ordered a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys and love it! I was able to order it with everything I wanted and got it in 2 months. Even if you were already in line for a 2022 Bronco, you might wait years if you want all of the best options. Add in the price gouging by dealerships and it makes for a mess.

I have always pressure washed the engine bay for many years. Never had a problem

Great review Tommy! I have been very impressed with everything you guys have put it through. I agree with all of your critiques and compliments. It does seem like a very good all-around SUV and an amazing off-roader! Sad to see it leave the TFL family.

UPDATE ON SELLING THE BRONCO: We will list the Bronco on tflbids.com next Thursday (January 26), so stay tuned for the listing to go live! Also a quick correction: You can only get the hardtop on Two door models, brain fart! -- Tommy

Tommy two door, manual window, manual Wrangler guy…wanting Blue Cruise on a Bronco…he’s really maturing. 😉 in all seriousness, nice review!

I have a 7-speed manual 2.3L and it has plenty of getup and go. I can pass going up I70 without any trouble. Tends to get a little diminishing-returns-ey over 70mph or so though, but what do you expect from brick-like aerodynamics?

From a Bronco owner who had an Fj cruiser then Wrangler - the Bronco really is the best of all worlds

I put 98,000 on my 2020 Honda Passport Elite AWD. Towed a double axle 6x12 motorcycle trailer and a hitch mounted single dirt bike sled carrier (KTM500eXCF). Fire roads, snow, torrential down pour. I fixed the constant short in my audio amplifier myself since a Honda couldn’t figure it out. I’m hard pressed to trade this in for a 4 door Bronco, worse gas mileage, smaller interior, a few other reliability trade outs, but I really love how this thing looks. The towing limitation vs the Passport is also a minus.

You forgot to mention the rear gate. You have to open the rear gate to 90 degrees in order to pull the glass window up. It’s not a deal breaker but it’s annoying if you had a wrangler and were able to open the glass window up when the the gate is cracked open compared to having to open the gate almost all the way on the Bronco Lol This is annoying when in tight spaces like grocery store parking lots, etc. I just don’t seem how Ford missed that small detail lol My only gripe lol My Black Diamond has been amazing 🤩

Sounds FINTAAASTIC Tommy! Great video

I just picked up a 2023 Bronco this weekend!

Only complaints are no rear vents, lack of rear lighting, the gauge cluster could be better. I do wish it had memory seats or cooled seats as well but that’s just being picky. Lux obx here.

The biggest limitations to towing rating are brakes and wheel base. The raptor probably has bigger brakes so thats why it can tow more. Longer wheelbase is a boon when towing but is really not great when offroad - compromises.

Agreed - FOUR-DOOR Version is the way to go!! I was charged only $500 over MSRP :)

I rented a base 2.7L model bronco last week in Hawaii , loved it. One thing I noticed in my short time with the truck, upon take off from a road side stop onto the highway , was enough body flex which in turn interpreted into enough movement to cause a false positive error with front bonnet latch switch and an annoying error message on instrument cluster for around 2 mins... other than that , I loved it and really am looking forward to the potential super slim chance they sell RHD models in Australia ... I wont hold my breath. Cheers

Another great review Tommy. Glad to see the lapel mics back in action! It really allows you to keep your flow even when the camera stayed in the vehicle and you jumped out and closed the door. Seamless one take 😊

Two door,2.3 ,seven speed standard is my favourite. However I wish it was about 10% smaller. The Bronco sport Badlands is cool if you want an overland type vehicle. A two door Bronco sport badlands would be cool because I like the Sport drivetrain.

It is good to hear that is reliable...

Good job Tommy!

We’ll miss the Bronco on the channel. Love our 4dr BaseSasquatch.

Engine covers are on there way out esp in specialty high performance vehicles like the excellent Bronco. Been said to increase engine temps by up to 20deg!

After a year and a half with mine, I really only wish it would stay in the mode I had it in when I shut it off. I like the sport mode and when I shut it off, it returns to normal (yes it does flash an option to stay in that mode but its an extra button I wish I didn't have to push).

I’d really love to get one, but as you mentioned, they’re still hard to find, and even harder to find one for even close to MSRP in my neck of the woods.

Love the Bronco

Great video, but my favorite is the JKU line-up for Jeep. Minimal tech (less to break). :D

i'm sad to see the bronco go, mainly cause i finally got mine and wanted to take you guys up kelly flats! But i know you're in the business of reviewing the new hot stuff hitting the market. I'm absolutely digging mine, just pulled a 19.7 MPG fillup after a scout troop camping trip. it's hands down WAAAY more comfortable than my wrangler could dream of being.

Yesss we NEED more towing. This is the only thing that’s holding me back from the bronco. I don’t get why it can’t tow more considering it’s built on the ranger platform.

I’m fine with a four door bronco since it’s design has been all over the place through the years. I cannot get onboard with a four door VW GTI tho. That’s one they ruined in a four door platform.

Love the new bronco's

+1 on the comment about dealers. I've driven Wranglers for 20 years but have always been a Ford fan because my family has owned tons of them (and I've owned two Mustangs) but the way the dealers were gouging people just turned me off to the brand. It was like every dealership was being run by Leo Beebe. I may eventually take another look, but for now I just bought another Wrangler.

There's really no reason for the Bronco to tow less than 6,500 lbs. It shares a platform with the Ranger so the 3,500lb restriction feels very artificial.

Thanks for the video. The tow package does come with a 7-pin connector? Also.. do you know if they have wiring up front for a brake controller? If we're towing a smaller camper - 2700 lbs.. would you get the 4 cylinder or V6? Not sure on the sasquatch package.. but probably not.

Bronco does have the hands free lane keeping. My 2024 has it. I paid $2000, under MSRP. So it is getting better.

I can't afford a new car, even without dealership problems, but this review, for the first time in my life, has me considering a Ford product.

Hey Tommy, first off love all the video content. Everybody there does a great job! I have a 2022 Ford Ranger XL 4x4 that I ordered with just the 101a package for the cruise control and the e-locker. I don't have the Terrain Management system like the fx4 ranger you guys just bought. Curious about the performance comparison on the 3 tire slip test. Will the TM make any difference on whether or not the one front tire on ground is able to get off the rollers. I have done my own version of a Tremor with lift kit suspension upgrade, skid plates, tires, rock sliders and front nudge bar with a hidden 9500lb winch. Looking forward to hopefully seeing the video for your ranger on slip test with and without using TM. Thanks

Can I ask what you guys used for a tow hitch receiver and bracket for 4 pin? Thanks!

At 4:54 you mentioned that 4-door broncos can only be had with the hard top but that is incorrect. There is a soft top as well that is insanely common on stock builds

Quick tip for people wanting to buy a Bronco: I bought mine Nov 2022 for MSRP $57,500 (Badlands Sasquatch, high package, tow, and a couple other things). You can get MSRP from many dealerships if you put in a reservation, which is quickly taking less time. I would call around to dealerships and find out if they honor MSRP and tell them you'll order through them if they keep that price. Be prepared to back out but I didn't need to. I waited 2 years but I just had a buddy get a build date after a couple months. If you really want to get into the weeds, ask the dealer how long reservations are taking so you have an idea cause some dealers have many reservations but only a few allocations from Ford. I've loved my Bronco and continue to like it more.

how did it do on the hwy? wandering, road noise inside, fuel efficiency, tiring to be in over a 10 hour day? Thanks !!!

Wait a minute is that in the background, the new shop they haven't shown yet for the Ranch?

I was looking at a 2 door, but dealers in my area were adding 10-15k over MSRP. I ended up buying a 2013 FJ Cruiser and pocketed the extra 35k I would have had to pony up for the Bronco.

2 door Broncos can only be had in hard tops and can have a soft top as an option. The 4 doors can be had with the soft top only. Tommy said the 4 door can only be had with the hard top. ( 4:56 ).

I have 21k miles on mine. I Smile every time i get in it. Average 20.5 mpg with 2.7 auto 4 door squatch.

Hey, remember early on you had a leaking shock. Do you think that was just a faulty individual problem or was that a problem across many copies of the bronco?

Do they still make the hard top version? I keep seeing the soft top "convertible" version.

WHERE did you guys get the GoPro mount? I cannot find one anywhere that screws in.

It's a very good looking 4x4. Is there a upgrade available with anti sway towing pkg to increase the manufacturer 3500lb. Recommended towing weight?

I totally agree with the on road rideability but off-road? I've seen these off-road at the Rubicon trail and they break all the time they do not articulate as good as a Rubicon. If you want something that's across between a Wrangler and a 4Runner and you're not a serious off-roader then I would buy one of those. If you're looking to upgrade it and make it a beast off road and take a lot away from the street get a Rubicon.

Two things about mark-ups on in-demand vehicles like the Bronco. 1. New vehicles operate on a thin profit margin where dealers have to rely on volume to break even. Most people who haven't worked at a dealership would be surprised at how little new cars make, or even are sold at a loss. That money is made up in financing and service contracts, but the business is still more dependent on volume than anything else. 2. The mark up on a high demand vehicle actually pushes volume up. Why? Because it brings in foot-traffic which in turn drives up sales. If you mark up a Bronco, you still sell it, but it takes a anywhere from a couple more days to a couple more weeks to do so. At the end of the month, you've sold as many Broncos as you normally would have, but you've also sold more vehicles to people who came in to look at the Bronco who would never have set foot on the lot otherwise. I won't argue over whether it's greed or simple supply/demand economics, but I ask people to at least see how it benefits the dealer beyond the simple price point of the Bronco.

My 4 door Sasquatch came with a soft top and there are rear air vents…they’re under the front seats.

I am really thinking of possibly getting this. I was looking for a mid-size truck for hunting.

How to you think the 7 speed bronco 2 door would compare with your jeep?

I know I just had the best idea for Ford they should make a fullsize bronco with no top truck bed or tire carrier only on off-road version and towing mirrors like rams and a hybrid engine

ever have any trouble with the windows rolling down when you open door in cold icing up conditions ?

My neighbor had 2 of the 90's Broncos

Bronco has been my dream off-roader since I was a kid. Was beyond excited when they were announced, but me and my wife are trying to buy a house in the Phoenix market and the prices of Broncos are outrageous here. I hope to get one in the next few years.

Ford is having a Lot of problems with the 2.7L V6. After the warranty expires, it’ll start falling apart. We’re on our 4th Ranger. It’s a 11 XLT super cab 4X4. It has every option available in 11. It’s a Great pickup. I don’t like the silver paint so I had it 2 toned in red metallic. I also added a K&N intake and a FlowMaster exhaust with tuned exhaust manifold. I went from 19mpg to 23mpg on the freeway with the cruise set on 75mph. I also added skid plates, running boards, air shocks on the rear, (we haul a lot of dirt, gravel, wood). I hated the 1990 gloomy grey and boring black interior, so I had it reupholstered in red with black trim. I also added nice wheels, and a Line X bed liner. We’re in our late 50s and the Ranger is mainly used for work around our property. It’s 12 years old now but only has 35K miles. I suppose we’ll be driving it until we die. We put 270K miles on our last Ranger. My wife didn’t have it in 4WD and hit a patch of ice and flipped it in a ditch. It totaled the truck, but my wife only had some bruises, so that’s all that matters. We bought our 11 in 19 and it had only 20K miles on it. The original owner was 62 years old when he bought it and he babied it. He sold it to us for $4K less than KBB. Because used car prices have gone up, it now books out for $7K more than we paid for it. I was offered $28K for it last summer but it’s not for sale. Another guy offered me $30K for it. I was tempted, but I know that it’s a great pickup and I’d have to replace it, so again, it’s not for sale.

The erratic fan has to do with Evap coil…. Just had mine replaced under warranty. Get it checked out

I like it, but I wish they would even make it more simple. I would definitely get this if I had to choose between this and the new jeeps.

I have been leaning toward that sunrider. I just dont want to deal with the road noise. Its so dam quite in there

I test drove a not quite base model with a sticker price of $37k. Got back and the sales manager comes out and right in front of me tells the salesman not to sell it to me for less than $57k, even if it sits on the lot for 3 months. Thanked the salesman for his time and left.

I hate digital dashes and radio in my opinion I just love the old simple dashes reason being is when temperatures get down to -24 the digital dashes and radio meses up hard core

Little error, 4 door is standard with the rag top, 2 door is standard with the hard top.

What happened to the TFL bee hive operation?