First new Ford...Probably the last Ford

[Rydfree]

I picked up my 2dr 2024 Big Bend a couple months ago. I thought I saw enough YouTube videos and browsed the forums. I wish I would have read more of these forums in hindsight and relied far less on the YouTube excitement videos. The last ford I had was a 91 probe in high school back around 2001. Since then I have owned Honda, Jeep, Toyota, Subaru, and a couple VWs. Overall they all had some minor quirks or annoyances but nothing prepared me for this Bronco. The last 3 cars I owned were brand new. A Crosstrek, GTI and Tiguan. All looked so nice from the dealership. They ran well and just about everything looked like it hadn't been touched or used yet.

This is just not the case for the bronco, but I'll start with the good.

It is very fun to drive. I even enjoy the engine noise. The steering is perfect. The design of the dash and infotainment is perfect. The overall look and design of the vehicle is fantastic. I love that it has a t-top element that is simple to take down and store. Driving without it is a dream and scratches a bit of that open air itch I've had since selling my motorcycle. The marine grade seats and their design are just right. The seat heaters too! They get to therapeutic levels of hot. And it has a built in subwoofer. Again so many things designed so well!

Another thing I knew going in was that the speakers suck. And they do. But I accepted that going in. I switched them all out with kickers and made some tweaks to the eq, etc and it's actually decent now...As long as you keep it under 40ish mph. You're basically on an airplane going over 70 noise wise.

Now for my issues with this thing.
Im not a fan of the quality and construction of just about everything.
It feels like every day I spot something that just isn't quite right to varying degrees or feels cheap. Everyone has mentioned the plastic inside that is highly prone to scratches. I knew that going in and got canvasback liners for the cargo area plastic, but what I wasn't prepared for was the following..

This is the big one and it has driven me crazy since I noticed it. The top was manufactured in a way that the drivers side sticks out further (isn't flush with the rest of the body)and on the passenger side it is flush and looks correct. It's like they do zero alignment or measurement checks to these things when they leave the factory. I've seen body gap inconsistencies all over but nothing like this. So far no cracks but it does have some of the wavy sheen look I have seen in others. Very light honeycombing pattern as well.

Then I noticed the Drivers side door doesn't close without extra force needed and it just doesn't feel quite right. There's only two doors...and this can't be done right?? The glass annoyingly vibrates when it does latch. (Passenger side operates perfectly)

Then I noticed (and might be related to the above) the hard rubber corner in the front part of of the drivers door (that also channels the glass) has already wore through the rubber weather strip on the receiving side of the door jamb exposing aluminum underneath. My guess is the mold used to make it isn't as accurate in shape as the one used on the passenger side. it has to bend in a weird fashion to close completely. I have seen at least one person post pictures of the same wear shortly after purchase.

Sounds like most of your issues would be solved by getting your dealership to warranty that top. That ain't right

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[Deleted member 64703]

Well, I think the issue is that, in the past, no one really expected Ford quality to equal Lexus. But you accepted that because buying a Ford was a lot cheaper than buying a Lexus. That isn't the case anymore. Order a loaded up Badlands and you're into Lexus GX550 territory. And the quality differences are off the charts.

I think that's one way to look at it but not mine. If I were buying for fit and finish, this and a Wrangler would be 2 of the last vehicles I'd consider- and I've had both. You're buying, essentially, a unique vehicle with 1 true competitor. If you pay toward the higher end, I'd hope it's for capability, not luxury, fit and finish.

 

[Bayman]

The only item that has disappointed me on my two Fords (Bronco and Mustang) has been the sound system. However, that was not a major priority.

 

[rgraphic]

I've owned many Ford's. Some new, some used. I have to go along with some of the other posters. Did you drive it before you bought it?

Actually test driving it is what made me want it. I was so thrilled with the drive of it, I didn't meticulously look over the vehicle for cosmetic problems. I'm in the PNW so the rain made it pretty difficult to properly get a good look at the exterior details as well. I didn't notice the gap issue with the roof until the rain let up for a couple days. Like I've said, this is a first noticing issues like this on a new vehicle. People keep saying it's a ford and it's made for off-roading so I shouldn't complain. I dont see what that has to do with the construction QC. It's a lot of money. These issues were definitely preventable...but maybe I did get a Friday build and someone on the line had a hangover, so few can relate.

 

[rgraphic]

Sounds like most of your issues would be solved by getting your dealership to warranty that top. That ain't right

I did have a brief visit with a dealership closer to me than the one I purchased from. They agreed it didn't look right at all. A technician came out and said Ford would more than likely just want them to "seal it up because they will want to go the cheapest route" to which I replied "well that isn't going to fix the fact that it's constructed bulging out to one side". Basically the whole discussion made me want to wait for a decent day to remove the top and take a closer look myself and properly diagnose the problem. I've read way too many stories of dealerships making things worse trying for a quick solution. I did post that I made some pogress with the top by adjusting its seating with the top two bolts. It just balanced the gap to both sides. It looks much better and provides a better seal. Though it doesn't fully resolve it. I think the only option would be a replacement top as it is permanently glued incorrectly it seems. I'm trying to pick my battles tough. I have no bubbling or honeycombing on the back shell.

 

[stampede1]

I humbly disagree... if I couldn't afford to pay cash for all of my vehicles, then I would whole-heartedly agree with you.
I wanted a 2-door Hot-Pepper Red Badlands with the V6, SAS & Lux packages. I got the vehicle new for $3000 below sticker.
One does have to wonder if a $65,000 Bronco is "gentrification", what is the Braptor...??????
I like your thinking though..... it's kind of a slap in the face to the 1st gen Broncos original intent.

The Raptor is not a gentrified Bronco. By design, it does not offer the luxury appointments and options of the current Defender and other pricey brands that will virtually never go off-road. It is the most expensive Bronco and for good reason: It is the most capable store bought, purpose built off-road vehicle currently available, bar none. And it is not only not a slap in the face to the Gen one Bronco, it is an exceptionally conceived and perfectly executed salute to the Baja Bronco and Big Oly of Baja 500/1000 race fame that put Ford Bronco on the map.

 

[CV428]

Why is it hard? Nobody's making you read it, but they do benefit those on the fence about buying. I read a lot of them leading up to delivery of my Badlands, and they helped me to set my expectations correctly. For some, rants like this help them to decide a Bronco isn't right for them.

I agree with the pushback on test driving first. The hard top and other issues aren't as easy to spot when you're taking a test drive, and are distracted with several other considerations that seem more pressing in the moment.

I'm in a weird hypocritical position when it comes to test drives. I always advocate that people test out a vehicle before they buy it. With that said, I have only ever test-driven two vehicles before buying them, and I have owned 18 vehicles. In several cases, there was a test-drive-schedule/bidding war going on for a vehicle that was still on the truck and I slapped down a deposit because I didn't want to deal with people. In other cases, I did enough research on reliability and componentry to feel comfortable buying a vehicle without driving it ("it's built like a tank, I'm sold") . The two that I did test drive had moderate to high mileage and I wanted to make sure they were functioning.

I bought my Bronco sight-unseen and rationalized "there's really nothing else on the market that interests me as a family vehicle, and I refuse to buy a soulless copy+paste crossover or oversized SUV like everyone else on the road." I'm still very happy with my purchase even though there are annoyances. Those annoyances wouldn't have stopped me from buying it though.

 

[buck_6G]

I'm in a weird hypocritical position when it comes to test drives. I always advocate that people test out a vehicle before they buy it. With that said, I have only ever test-driven two vehicles before buying them, and I have owned 18 vehicles. In several cases, there was a test-drive-schedule/bidding war going on for a vehicle that was still on the truck and I slapped down a deposit because I didn't want to deal with people. In other cases, I did enough research on reliability and componentry to feel comfortable buying a vehicle without driving it ("it's built like a tank, I'm sold") . The two that I did test drive had moderate to high mileage and I wanted to make sure they were functioning.

I bought my Bronco sight-unseen and rationalized "there's really nothing else on the market that interests me as a family vehicle, and I refuse to buy a soulless copy+paste crossover or oversized SUV like everyone else on the road." I'm still very happy with my purchase even though there are annoyances. Those annoyances wouldn't have stopped me from buying it though.

This makes a lot of sense now. I'd guess most buyers wouldn't buy sight unseen unless they had substantial disposable income and/or were in the car business.

If I were in your shoes, I'd do the same. The LLMs from Google and Open AI have some pretty awesome deep research capabilities now to accelerate that kind of sight unseen buying decision.

For example, I had Gemini scour forums, NHSTA reports, and review sites to determine whether cam phaser issues in the Bronco Raptor powertrain had been resolved by the 2024 model year. The results were pretty good, and compiled in under 10 minutes. It's like having a grad student to boss around in a lab.

 

[adam1991]

I've discovered the best way to do a physical inspection of the body is a good hand wash and dry. You'll find everything.

 

[2024 Herit6ge]

I've discovered the best way to do a physical inspection of the body is a good hand wash and dry. You'll find everything.

Totally agree. Hand wash, dry, detail and maybe polish and wax (depending on how old the paint is). It gets you in touch with the vehicle and helps you get to know it better. Besides, most dealerships do a mediocre job of detailing cars for delivery.

 

[Nc211]

Totally agree. Hand wash, dry, detail and maybe polish and wax (depending on how old the paint is). It gets you in touch with the vehicle and helps you get to know it better. Besides, most dealerships do a mediocre job of detailing cars for delivery.

100% agree! First thing I do when I buy a car, new or used. I spend a weekend on a full clay bar detail, from the rims to the top of the antenna. Always feel I know every square inch of the car when I’m done, and bonds me to it. One wouldn’t think a brand new car would benefit much from a clay bar detail, but you would be surprised! Plus it helps to keep
It new looking for years to come! I love a clean car!

 

[AZ_Craig]

I have not shared any of your experiences and I have been far less impressed with the value per dollar of VW.

In all fairness, the US and Mexican made VWs are pieces of crap. Materials quality is atrocious.

I had a 2016 Golf R built in Wolfsburg, loved it. Sat in a Atlas at one point and was like, ugh, no way!

 

[AZ_Craig]

The Raptor is not a gentrified Bronco. By design, it does not offer the luxury appointments and options of the current Defender and other pricey brands that will virtually never go off-road. It is the most expensive Bronco and for good reason: It is the most capable store bought, purpose built off-road vehicle currently available, bar none. And it is not only not a slap in the face to the Gen one Bronco, it is an exceptionally conceived and perfectly executed salute to the Baja Bronco and Big Oly of Baja 500/1000 race fame that put Ford Bronco on the map.

The capabilities are unreal and downright insane for a factory build. That being said, I think they did a good job making the interior feel a bit more special.

I owned a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport P290 HSE and seriously considered going with a Defender. Also had a 2016 Toyota 4Runner followed by a 2020 TRD Pro in parallel.

The Raptor blew me away for overall package, especially when considering it in parallel to a LC First Edition and Rubicon 392. The suspension tuning for one thing is an absolute work of art.

So maybe not gentrified, but definitely well done. Just damn expensive! it puts a smile on my face everyday that I don't think a well equiped Defender 110 would have ever been able to do.

And for what it's worth, the quality and reliability in my first 9300 miles has been better than my Land Rover experience. Oh yeah, and oil changes don't cost $400.

It's my first Ford and I like it so much I'm seriously considering going with an Explorer ST to replace my EV6 when my lease is up in 2026 (kind of need a 3rd row family truckster).

 

[Qarlos]

Hate to dismiss your complaints but you get used to it so you can either enjoy driving it warts and all or trade it in on a new Land Cruiser or Defender.

Better hurry. Jaguar/Land Rover just announced they have discontinued imports while they assess the tariff situation. The new Toyota LC Prado is still an option I suppose.

 

[adam1991]

In all fairness, the US and Mexican made VWs are pieces of crap. Materials quality is atrocious.

Au contraire. My 2017 GTI says otherwise.

It's not the factory, it's the generation. Mk7 is peak Golf of whatever specification.

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