Thinking about a Bronco

[doctorsteve]

Let me start by saying I've been a Wrangler guy since 2012. I've had 4 Rubicons. The reason I got into Jeeps initially was I thought it would be cool having the top and doors off. But the biggest thing is having a manual transmission. There were no other vehicles that had all that back then, and I've just stayed with Jeeps. I have never had a problem with any of them and I put about 90K on each one. I'm at 95K on my current one and I think it's time for a change. I'd probably go with a 2 door Bronco with a stick. I don't want an automatic. How is the smaller engine with the stick? Will it go at least as good as my Jeep? I'd like some opinions from those that have had both Jeep and Ford manuals. Thanks

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[Valhalla]

Hi, I've owned 4 CJs I built my wife's JK.

Go drive one. I think you will love the power and the smooth ride. The stick is a noisier transmission so everyone said. I wanted more power to turn tires. Mine is a 2.7 with the 10 speed.

 

[BroncoChallenger]

The guys on here who have the manual and the 4-cylinder, love it. I haven't driven one, because they didn't have one on the lot when we got ours, but we were also getting it for our son's primary vehicle in about a year. Didn't want to train him to drive a manual on something expensive to fix.

But that said, it only makes like, 30 less HP or so than the V6, and with as potent as the 2.7 is with the auto, I have to imagine the 2.3 is pretty darn peppy too.

 

[not on the rug]

The 2.3 vs the 2.7 is only about 30hp difference but nearly 100 lb-ft of tq. I don't know why guys love to leave that number out. The difference is quite noticeable.

If you're used to jeeps, slow and clunky with an absolutely terrible ride, you'll be thrilled with the way that the Bronco rides, 2.3 or 2.7.

Go drive a 2.3 manual and a 2.7 auto and make your decision from that.

 

[timbits588]

West Herr Hamburg shows 2 Broncos with manual transmission in stock and 1 in transit. The Amherst location lists a bunch more, but if you're just doing a test drive, I'd think the Hamburg location would be way more convenient.
I had two 6 speed Wranglers (2013 & 2015). I chose them for the same reason as you... had always driven manuals and at the time it was the only option with a back seat as I was running out of room with my older trucks.
Our Bronco is an auto, so can't help with your current situation, but it was for my wife and she doesn't drive manual. She does absolutely love the vehicle though!

 

[Ride Em Bronco]

Test drive the Bronco with the stick and if you are a manual guy - like all of us on here who own the manual - you will love it.

 

[615_Bronco]

I had an 06 TJ with the 6 speed. You should enjoy the Bronco, I know I have.
Go test drive one and see what you think
GL!

 

[RadDad]

I had 3 manual Jeep wranglers over roughly 15 years here so I can chime in here. One TJ 4 banger, a 2 door JK with stick and a Rubicon manual.

I went with a 2025 4 door 7 speed manual heritage and left behind my 4 door 2021 Rubicon. Stock my Bronco has way more get up and go than the Wrangler and the stick shift is quite a bit smoother. More car like vs truck like and the Bronco may be impossible to stall. The Bronco is better around town and on highway, driving is more comfortable.

I installed the Ford Procal Tuner a month or so ago and now it's a completely different beast. 333hp and 415 lb ft of trq made a high difference for 700 bucks+150 installed to keep my warranty.

Go test drive a bronco 4 cylinder, even the awfulmatic will give you an idea of how awesome they are, but the manual is tooooo sweeeeeet!

 

[johnk135]

I ordered my ‘25 4 door big bend with black diamond package with the manual. The 2.3 has plenty of power. Putting it in sport mode and using high octane gas make a big difference on acceleration and power. But it’s a Bronco, not a Mustang.
I’ve owned a JL Sahara and the difference a I noted are important:
1. The Bronco has independent front suspension and it drives much better on road and especially highways. My JL felt “jittery” on the highway.
2. The Bronco gives you a dead pedal to rest your left foot. No where to go in the Jeep.
3. Soft top operation is a little more complicated in the Bronco, but I like the quality and it’s been quiet enough for a soft top.

good luck with your decision

 

[nx40yrs]

I have a 24 Heritage four door manual and love it

 

[DALOLA]

Let me start by saying I've been a Wrangler guy since 2012. I've had 4 Rubicons.

 

[crzyhawk]

The 2.3 vs the 2.7 is only about 30hp difference but nearly 100 lb-ft of tq. I don't know why guys love to leave that number out. The difference is quite noticeable.

If you're used to jeeps, slow and clunky with an absolutely terrible ride, you'll be thrilled with the way that the Bronco rides, 2.3 or 2.7.

Go drive a 2.3 manual and a 2.7 auto and make your decision from that.

The 2.3 is adequate. I'm not super fond of the range where the 2.3 makes power. Manual transmissions are more fun than autos though, so the V6 isn't an option. There's not a world where I'd accept more power to give up my manual. I'd want more than mere power to accept a slushbox.

 

[doctorsteve]

On another note, how do you feel about 2dr vs 4dr? My kids are grown, so I don't often need a back seat. And I think the 2 door looks a lot better than the 4. Looks are subjective, but with the back seats folded down, you still have a fair amount of storage, right?

 

[crzyhawk]

It's adequate. I haven't run into any issues yet, other than it not really being long enough to sleep in

EDIT: I wouldn't have bought a 4 door.

 

[not on the rug]

The 2.3 is adequate. I'm not super fond of the range where the 2.3 makes power. Manual transmissions are more fun than autos though, so the V6 isn't an option. There's not a world where I'd accept more power to give up my manual. I'd want more than mere power to accept a slushbox.

That's an interesting way to look at things. I love a manual and prefer it as well, but I'd likely never trade power for a stickshift unless that car was insanely fun to row through the gears with. The Bronco is not that type of vehicle. I'd much rather have the power my Wildtrak has than the stickshift.

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