One Week In - How livable is the new Bronco?

[Ripcurl]

Thanks for the additional details.

I know you said the build is perfect for you, but are you eyeing any accessories at this point?

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[Tricky Dick]

If you've happened to take notice, How good are the headlights, hi/low, beam pattern, etc?

After experiencing our Legacy"s phenomenal beam pattern, it's become a thing for me.
"You mean to tell me headlight design doesn't have to be crappy?"

Ooh yes, this. The only good lighting I've had from Ford was a 03 SVTF.

 

[PREMiERdrum]

If you've happened to take notice, How good are the headlights, hi/low, beam pattern, etc?

After experiencing our Legacy"s phenomenal beam pattern, it's become a thing for me.
"You mean to tell me headlight design doesn't have to be crappy?"

In full transparency, my last 2 daily drivers were a 2013 Flex preceded by a 2008 Fusion. Lighting tech has made HUGE strides in the time between then and now! The Bronco has a nice *broad* wash of light and the auto high beams work much better than I would have expected. The pattern is much better than that of our Explorer which throws a bit narrow and boxy.

Thanks for the write up and congrats. I’m curious about the swing gate operation. What do you do for the last 3rd of the travel? Finish the operation manually?

Yep, you can push it a tiny bit more to hit the "rest" in travel at 90 degrees, or push through that travel to the 2nd stop which is a good ways past 90. Having the strut is a big help, it's just getting used to stopping and letting the strut take over.

Awesone write up. I have a few questions….

1. How is the sound system with the top on, with panels removed and with the top off?

2. How is the air conditioner system for the passengers in the back when it is hotter outside, above 80 degreeS?

Lots of initial reports that the Sound and A/C in the rear are lacking.
Thank you,
-Chad

The sound system is adequate and absolutely no better. The cones all appear to be fairly undersized (likely made to fit in the dash top and C-ring pods) but the sound with the EQ flatlined is very hollow and tinny. Bump up your low and mid and take down your high and it sounds like a fine car stereo system. There is plenty of power to keep the music audible even with the roof off and windows down at speed.

It's been pretty hot here - over 100 with nearly 100% humidity. It does take the back seat a few moments more to cool off than the front, but my kids have actually complained about getting cold while I have the front climate set to my comfort. When running AC with the roof off, I agree that the air movement pulls the cold air up and away from the back seat.

The lack of rear vents hasn't been an issue for us, though I'm sure the kids miss having their own climate controls like they had in my Flex and have in our Explorer. The complaints here seem to be loud enough that I can't imagine Ford not addressing it.

 

[radprez]

I don't know, guys. Waiting until 2023 just to get my painted top (IMO the only one that looks at all decent)? Rubicon's looking better every day - and they're available!

 

[redone17]

1. How is the sound system with the top on, with panels removed and with the top off?

I would also would like to hear some feedback on that...especially from a musician...even if he has 65% of his hearing left

 

[mlcinema]

Hey @PREMiERdrum 21mpg is great. I know this is a question that really can’t be answered, but how do you think a 2-door Black Diamond 2.3 non-sasquatch will compare?

 

[Bulletbill]

One week in and I have no regrets in my build - this is exactly the Bronco that fits me. IF you're thinking about sacrificing some of your preferred options to try and get one sooner, I'd recommend against it. You've waited this long to get just what you want, and I can promise these rigs have the goods to deliver once they arrive.

Thanks for the great review. Any whistling noise from the mirrors? A couple of other members have mentioned it, and I am curious to see if its wide spread or confined to a particular model.

 

[PREMiERdrum]

Thanks for the additional details.

I know you said the build is perfect for you, but are you eyeing any accessories at this point?

Nothing major at this point. I'd like to add the sill plates as there is a good bit of horizontal painted surface at the entrances that I could see getting scratched up. Other than that, some visual upgrades to the grille lettering and trailsights and inserts for the "BRONCO" on the passenger side dash will probably come along.

At this point I'm more inclined to put some money into upgrading the speakers. I don't need a sub or anything crazy, just a better full-range sound reproduction.

Hey @PREMiERdrum 21mpg is great. I know this is a question that really can’t be answered, but how do you think a 2-door Black Diamond 2.3 non-sasquatch will compare?

I'd expect it to be very, very similar. I'm curious myself to get into a 2dr at some point to see if it feels that much more nimble.

 

[termin8]

Awesome write up, glad you are enjoying your ride. My 2013 edge has a bad buffeting noise, so welcome the bronco for this improvement when it comes.

 

[HotdogThud]

Ha! Dude, no need to be so modest. Everybody in the Bronco universe knows who you are.

You’re the drummer in the Betty Bangs!

Drummers don't have groupies, dude. Everyone knows this.

 

[tapper881]

Thanks for the continued updates/reviews! These are crazy helpful for those of us still playing the waiting game.

 

[PREMiERdrum]

Thanks for the great review. Any whistling noise from the mirrors? A couple of other members have mentioned it, and I am curious to see if its wide spread or confined to a particular model.

I noticed whistling around the mirrors and roof line once so far, and that was going 80mph down the interstate in moderate to high winds. Otherwise I haven't experienced it.

 

[PREMiERdrum]

Drummers don't have groupies, dude. Everyone knows this.

Correct, we don't have groupies. We have girlfriends.

 

[HotdogThud]

At this point I'm more inclined to put some money into upgrading the speakers. I don't need a sub or anything crazy, just a better full-range sound reproduction.

I'm looking to do the same right off the bat. If/When you do this, mind getting some measurements of the front and rear speakers for those of us shopping on crutchfield? (they don't have model info yet for their parts picker)

 

[Pitpup]

I don't know, guys. Waiting until 2023 just to get my painted top (IMO the only one that looks at all decent)? Rubicon's looking better every day - and they're available!

Kewl Beans... ADIOS! Be sure to hit the delete key on your profile on the way out.

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