SURVEY: Are 8 GOAT modes necessary

[FoCoBronc]

I’m surprised by number of comments about not using GOAT modes. But honestly, I don’t either. Is this over engineering by Ford or an inexpensive reliable feature to cover all potential users. Some are almost interchangeable by selecting 2WD or 4WD like sport/Baja. I've also seen comments that Eco does not get any better mpg around town than normal.

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[Brian_B]

Some people like tech stuff, this appeals to those.

I know when I go out with some friends, they are all about switching goat modes around, and they are almost more into what GOAT mode to use than they are about the obstacle or trail.

I just push 4Lo and go.

 

[crenca]

Is this over engineering by Ford or an inexpensive reliable feature to cover all potential users

I suspect it does not require much more money/parts then the vehicle would already have for stability control, etc., and given the marketing angle they're well worth any extra expense for Ford.

Like Brian I never use them, and almost everybody else I wheel with is in a Jeep or Toyota so I forget they're even there until I come to this forum

 

[Lej512]

I’m surprised by number of comments about not using GOAT modes. But honestly, I don’t either. Is this over engineering by Ford or an inexpensive reliable feature to cover all potential users. Some are almost interchangeable by selecting 2WD or 4WD like sport/Baja. I've also seen comments that Eco does not get any better mpg around town than normal.

Me too. Two Bronco over four years in snowy upstate NY and I still have only used "Slippery" may a dozen times and Sport 4 or 5 just to see what it did. But then, I'm not an off roader.

 

[Snacktime]

Sport and Baja (urban assault mode).

 

[GoHawks63]

My smarta$$ response would be, Yes, you really need them if you want to "Go Over All Terrain".

In all seriousness though, most of us will only use a handful, and often I will manually select AWD, 4WD and lockers if needed.

However, I have, like many here, owned off-road vehicles in the past, so I am familiar with these features.

Having said that, I believe Ford created the modes to make it easier, and maybe less intimidating for those who aren't as familiar with the capabilities and the modes create a sort of "easy" button for them. The modes also do things that aren't possible, or maybe a bit more difficult or not as obvious. Such as adjusting throttle response, stiffening steering, adjustments to AdvanceTrac, sensitivity to airbags being triggered, etc.

Since most of your drivetrain components today are electronically engaged such as 4WD and lockers, I see that aside from some additional programming, there isn't a significant additional cost associated for creating all of them. Although I could be wrong.

 

[AZ_Liberty]

I have a manual, so as far as I am concerned they are all silly, and have never used a single one.

 

[PWillette]

I don't use the dial much but how else would you get into sport mode?

 

[Thor_1]

It only needs one mode: Sport. People can select the 4WD system they need based on conditions.

 

[userdude]

Missing GOAT modes:

- Hay Ride
- Sunday Afternoon Drive
- Slow Lanin'
- Cripple Creek
- Spinning (in the sand)
- Full Throttle Bottle Hollar
- Lipstick and Makeup
- Traffic
- Corner 'N Speed
- Stop Signs and Red Lights
- One for the Ages
- Driving Gloves
- No! Popo! Guv'nah!
- Test Mode (AKA Tweakers)

 

[not on the rug]

I drive in Sport all day every day. Sport and then tap it back into 2wd. It's the only way to drive these bricks.

4hi in super deep snow a few times. In light snow? I rip around in my normal Sport/2wd and turn the traction control off. Might as well have some fun.

I haven't done any serious crawling or desert running yet, so sadly no Baja mode use for me. Not a lot of desert in NJ though...

 

[itwelder]

I use Eco for much of my normal street driving because I like green. Manufacturer's need to understand that blue is not a good color for any instruments or indicators.

 

[userdude]

I have a manual, so as far as I am concerned they are all silly, and have never used a single one.

Manuals are silly.

 

[orion]

The one and only time I used a GOAT mode, mud and ruts, I got the 4x4 errors that people complain about on here.

I have a manual and just use what I need when I need it.

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

I’m surprised by number of comments about not using GOAT modes. But honestly, I don’t either. Is this over engineering by Ford or an inexpensive reliable feature to cover all potential users. Some are almost interchangeable by selecting 2WD or 4WD like sport/Baja. I've also seen comments that Eco does not get any better mpg around town than normal.

If you have Sport Mode and you’ve never used it, you really don’t know your Bronco yet.

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