r/overlanding • u/According-Tax-1433 • 13d ago
Expedition Portal Girlfriend is looking at getting a Bronco (advice from actual owners)
Girlfriend is looking at getting a Bronco. She's very experience traveling. Owned van/vanlife, 4runner, jeep, etc..
Looking for feedback from actual long time travel/owners of the bronco and pros/cons.
We just looked at a used one and she loved it. but i kept noticing odd things like trim missing.
How do these things actually hold up on the road long term w/ offroading?
EDIT:
She currently owns a 4runner TRD PRO 160k & Sprinter 2500.
NOT looking for another TOYOTA. so please stop.... We've owned 2x jeeps with over 300k. Had a taco 80k broke all the time offroad, and 4runner is NOT a solution to her issue.
This is not a daily driver.. We both WFH and travel full time.
Picking either a 2dr Bronco, 2dr jeep, or similar for travel & tow behind.
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u/peakdecline 13d ago
I owned one for a year and a half. Mine... was definitely not an ideal ownership experience. Poor quality trim pieces being a definite issue.
I had a leak in the rear hatch on mine that took a couple dealership visits to get fixed, for instance.
My sway bar disconnect system completely failed, needed replacement (under warranty). My front passenger side headlight died (replaced under warranty).
The windows rattle unless you crank them toward the vehicle (DIY'able but annoying and not a true permanent fix).
Likewise, my Bronco had WAY more wind noise and in general poor wind sealing on areas like the front windshield where it meets the top than my Jeep Gladiator did. This wasn't just a "duh a removable roof is loud", it was a "this is very loud even for a removable roof".
Another in the "build quality sucks" was my rear speaker rattle. I did a lot to try and resolve this and never got to a true permanent solution.
If you're looking to really off-road it and will plan on kitting it out with a winch and such you need to do a lot of research. The ones with the adaptive cruise control require an ACC box relocation (that may or may not work 100% correctly).
Again, I owned a Jeep (Gladiator). In general I thought my Bronco was significantly poorer in build quality, trim pieces, interior touch points, etc. than my Jeep. Yes, the Bronco generally handled better. I wouldn't even really said it rode better (highly trim and package dependent. The Bilsteins that come on a lot of them, like the Sasquatch package ones, are very stiff and in my opinion ride poorly for dirt road use. But a Raptor or one with the HOSS 3.0 system ride really great.). I did enjoy the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, makes great power. However the Ford 10-speed is worse in all ways than the Jeep's ZF 8-speed.
My two cents? I'd go either the Jeep direction for something I feel is truly just made more for off-road use in basically every way. I'd buy a Jeep again, I would not buy a Bronco again. Or I'd go the Toyota route and get a 4Runner for more reliability and about 90% of the off-road capability. It depends on what you're doing.
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u/foodfighter 13d ago
In general I thought my Bronco was significantly poorer in build quality, trim pieces, interior touch points, etc. than my Jeep.
Holy cow - if a Jeep guy is saying the overall quality is worse than a Gladiator, frickin' run away.
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u/i_hate_agile 13d ago
That's what I thought. Ford interior is usually pretty nice.
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u/peakdecline 13d ago
Bronco interior really has nothing in common but the infotainment with say an F-150 or Explorer. There's way more rough plastics in a Bronco at the touch points than anything I've been in. And in a way that would be ok, for it's use case, if they were assembled well. But it's not.
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u/The_lewolf 13d ago
I ended up in an Expedition Tremor after I decided that the Broncos were not big enough to sleep in. Man it’s like two different companies made those vehicles.
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u/peakdecline 13d ago
I understand people love to shit on Jeeps. But my Gladiator was flawless. And I abused the hell out of that thing.
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u/foodfighter 13d ago
That's honestly good to hear.
But in the same breath, I feel that a flawless modern Stellantis product is a bit like an unreliable lemon of a late-1990's Toyota - an extreme outlier.
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u/EnKryptedToast1 11d ago
There are like 12 active recalls with Ford Broncos right now, and two of those don’t have fixes. STAY AWAY
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u/TheDude-Esquire 13d ago edited 13d ago
I’ve had mine a little over a year and it’s been flawless. Trim is good, ride is good, handles awesome off-road. I’ve had Jeep guys ooh and awing in the obstacle course at the off-road park, the power delivery and steadiness clearly stands out. Mounting on a rock, hitting the sway disconnect (seeing that the “limited” range of the ifs isn’t nearly so bad as some pictures will make it out to be) and gliding through stands out.
And the creature comforts are just better in the bronco, the tech actually works (the hood is tall and visibility is an issue, but the forward trail camera makes up for it). And to be fair, this is top trim, ‘25 badlands with Sasquatch. But I haven’t seen anything that gives me pause compared to an off the lot jeep.
The thing is too that most of the 4 wheel groups and mostly Jeep, so the bronco stands out. But we haven’t had an outing where the bronco couldn’t keep up.
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u/razehound 13d ago
Trim missing? Are you looking on FB marketplace or at a dealer?
If she was happy with the jeep shell be happy with the bronco
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u/RagnarKon 13d ago
Owned one since 2022. Love it.
There are kinda two sides of the overlanding world and whole spectrum in-between. One side is your more dedicated off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler. On the other end is kinda your more dedicated travel vehicles, like an AWD/4x4 sleeper van.
The Bronco definitely more towards the Jeep Wrangler/off-road end of the spectrum. And much like the Jeep Wrangler, it doesn't tow much and the cargo capacity is relatively low. BUT... it is also much more off-road capable than the sleeper-van end of the spectrum.
So it largely depends on what she needs. If she wants an off-roader that behaves well on the road, then Bronco is great. If she wants a vehicle she can take on long-distance trips with all her stuff in the back that can also make it down those loosely maintained forest service road... then maybe the Bronco is not the best choice.
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u/Playful-Job2938 13d ago
Junk, get a 4 runner
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u/thetimechaser 13d ago
This. I mean just look at the comments in this thread. Pretty much every one is like “X and Y broke within 3 years but I like it” lol.
I’d still take the Bronco over a Jeep any day though
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u/Agreeable_Prize_7724 13d ago
I own a 2023, it's pretty good, but I would aim for 2024+, they fixed most of the build quality issues and the rear seat comfort issues by then. Both engines are relatively reliable, but unless you are getting 2025+ the v6 is probably a better engine, no carbon buildup. It's not a great daily driver, it's pretty loud inside, and it handles well for an off roader, but its not a sporty car by any means. Off-road, they are excellent. It's amazing how capable it is.
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u/Hades42 13d ago
38k miles on my 22 Bronco with some moderate off-roading. 2x coast to coast drives, about 2900 off pavement miles. I’ve got about 3500 miles driving 5th gen 4Runners on road.
Aside from the current wiring harness recall from Ford I’ve had a great experience. A used one with trim missing is weird and indicative of the previous owner, not factory issues IMO.
I’m considering pushing my wife towards a 6g 4Runner when her Crosstrek finally dies. She will value the quietness a lot more and doesn’t care about 35s/37s. I plan to have my Bronco till it dies.
Bronco is not super quiet on highways (esp soft top) but plenty of power. Factory designed for 35s makes upgrades easy, factory front and rear lockers (plus extra beefy steering rack on certain years/trims) makes it a great base vehicle for off-roading or overlanding.
I have no weird rattles or missing bits except a skid plate bolt that got left off during an oil change, have jumped train tracks plenty and since moving to CO beat on forest service, washboards, and cobbles with zero issues (except an aftermarket shock problem - don’t get the Ford performance Bilstein 6100s, go straight aftermarket).
If I were doing it again I’d buy a Sasquatch or Badlands 23 or 24+ with the severe duty or hoss 3.0 steering rack and both lockers. Hard top if you can find one. That’s my recommendation for y’all based on what you’ve said.
AFAIK the only real weird gimmick that exists in large numbers is the window reset issue. I end up resetting my rear passenger window about 3x/month.
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u/802GreenMountain 13d ago
Friend, once she has a bronco she’s surely going to want a cowboy. Discourage her or your days are numbered.
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u/jofer 12d ago edited 12d ago
I've had a 2-door badlands sasquatch with the 2.7 for 3 years now and wheeled it across a lot of various things in utah and the mountain west. At this point, it's accumulated a fair amount of mods, but I'm deliberately still on 35's. With a 2-door, 37's really aren't that necessary, i.m.o.
I've had almost no issues. The sway bar disconnect did stop working suddenly at about 30k miles. That was replaced under warranty. Otherwise, the recent wiring harness wear recall and a rear camera recall (done at the same time) has been it.
I absolutely love it. There's not as much space in a 2-door, but removing the rear seats helps a lot. I have a platform for my dog in the back with room for crates or random gear underneath. You will need to think about how you pack in a 2-door. I have a half roof rack for the ground tent and a couple of dry bags. Before that, I limited it to backpacking gear, but with the rack and some interior mods, it's easy to pack comfier gear (even including a tent heater) and food for me the wife and the dog for up to about 4 days. Longer if I strip things down to fit the second 20L water jug.
The handling is awesome. It's a blast to drive off-road and vastly more comfortable than anything else I've ridden in. Admittedly, I'm not on the stock suspension (I'm running 8112's). But the badlands suspension wasn't bad. Even with the stock suspension, you can push things quite hard on rough trails and over whoops without losing control.
The sway bar disconnect really helps with articulation. The articulation is actually pretty incredible for an IFS rig. No, it's not solid front axles, but that's not always better outside of the rocks. IFS has some advantages (e.g. in deep snow, as well as high speed). Either way, I don't think IFS is the drawback some folks will make it out to be. I do a fair bit of rock crawling, though mine's a bit more of a desert-running build. The bronco makes for a good all around offroader either way. Yeah, a jeep will win if you're purely focused on the rocks, but you do have to drive there and back. You can spend all day on the trails and drive 2 hours each way without being beat up and exhausted in an IFS rig.
I've had no issues with build quality. There's some rubbing where the seals sit against the tailgate, but other than minor paint wear in that spot, it's been very solid. Everything has held up well. The interior is "plasticky", sure, but I want that. Easier to clean, and it's constantly dusty and gets muddy inside a lot. I prefer the vinyl seats for that reason.
It's had less issues than my brother's Tacoma, at any rate, and it's night and day more capable.
With that said, there are some known gotchas to setting up flat towing on a bronco. It's easy to do incorrectly. It's also relatively heavy compared to a 2-door jeep. I don't flat tow, so I don't worry much about that, but be sure to read the flat towing instructions about 5 times before you try to tow it. It's easy to miss steps and not as simple as just putting things in neutral.
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u/nofr0mMEdawg 13d ago
Why are chicks so obsessed with broncos? I swear 80% of broncos I see on the road it’s a chick driving it.
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u/i_hate_agile 13d ago
They like the Sport for sure.
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u/thetimechaser 13d ago
The sport is honestly more capable than it has any right to be lol. This is probably what most people should be driving but “muh lifestyle”
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u/lakelost 13d ago
Daily driver 2024 four-door Badlands Sasquatch hardtop. 24,000 miles. No problems at all.
You can get a lemon with any brand. I’ve had good luck with Fords and I don’t like how the Wrangler drives. I strongly consider a forerunner, but felt that the Bronco did more of what I needed it to do. If it was my only vehicle, I probably would’ve gone with the Toyota, but I also have an F350 that’s in great shape as a back up.
If she is going to want to overland in it and sleep in the rig consider the Toyota. If that happens and she wants it heavily optioned, I would take a hard look at at the Land Cruiser. When you add enough options to a ‘Runner I think the Land Cruiser becomes more favorably priced.
If she is more interested in on road comfort than serious off-road capability, the Explorer is also a great choice.
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u/AggressiveChange420 13d ago
owned one for 6 months..biggest pos. Car has no soul, clunky , inferior trim to any jeep I ever owned. Sold it and got back to a jeep. I'm a Ford dude but Bronco is a failure
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u/OptimalWallaby8153 13d ago edited 13d ago
My grandfather had a classic that we rolled around in for years, and I loved the thing to death. It was a 76, and he would drive it from Oklahoma to Colorado annually for hunting trips, dragging a trailer along behind every time. He was pretty hyped that at low enough speed, it would crawl almost any grade, and never failed him. It's still in the family years after he stopped driving it.
I don't know if your GF is looking at getting a new one and I can't speak to those, but if she's looking at a classic that's in good condition, do recommend. That said, it's probably small for a full overland build with sleeping accommodations unless she's not very tall
I would also say that I've owned 5 4runners, 2 of the V8's, and am currently driving a V8. I'm tall (~6') and can sleep in the back, and those V8s can handle anything you throw at them, along with sunroofs and rear window that recedes into the rear door (notable because this is a feature that I *love* and landcruisers don't have this). Not gonna mention gas prices here, but a well-kept 4runner V8 is a killer vehicle
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u/Charming-Jelly-3365 13d ago
I do not own one. Looked at them, watched a lot of reviews on YouTube. Bought a used Tacoma instead. Seems to depend on how you intend to use it. Light duty maybe okay. But the more the four-wheeling and the harder the trail, and trouble becomes likely. Front suspension breakage for example. I saw that TrailMater out of Moab just had to to a full day in the backcountry to pull a brand new Bronco out which had a transmission breakdown.
On the other hand, Bent Off Road Recovery took a flood damaged unit, rebuilt it and upgraded it and uses it to rescue other four wheelers.
Looking at the new Broncos has me feeling all nostalgic for the real deal, the originals. Once saw one lose a tire, roll over on the highway. Owner righted it, distributed the weight of whatever was inside to the opposite corner and drove it home on three wheels.
I was impressed.
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u/Agent7619 Overlander 13d ago
Which Bronco?
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u/According-Tax-1433 12d ago
we only get higher trim models. so far toyotas/jeeps. She perfers a 2 door right now to tow behind
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u/Agent7619 Overlander 12d ago
There are two different "Bronco" models made by Ford
They are completely different vehicles with extremely different capabilities.
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u/GoodnightKara 13d ago
38k since 2023 on my Bronco Badlands 4 door and I love it. It’s not a daily driver for us and essentially all of those miles are trips, overlanding, and off-roading.
I’ve had a handful of issues, some of which took more than one visit to dealer to solve (drive shaft replaced, front diff rebuilt, calipers replaced, roof leak, window issues, etc.). However, none of them have diminished the fun I’ve had in this vehicle.
I have it built out as a overlanding rig, so it’s lifted and leveled with a RTT, awning, shower tent, Starlink, and so on. It can be a bit tight even with two people, but I love it.
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u/patlaska 13d ago
drive shaft replaced, front diff rebuilt, calipers replaced
This is kinda crazy for less than 40k miles and 3 years
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u/Ok_Poetry_1650 13d ago
It’s insane. I’d be pissed off if I was relying on this vehicle as a daily driver. Luckily this guy isn’t, which I’m sure helps.
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u/GoodnightKara 13d ago
Not a guy. But you’re right, I’m not DDing it, so the impact is minimal. 💁♀️
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u/GoodnightKara 13d ago edited 13d ago
Totally agree. But thankfully that’s what the warranty and the $2000 extended warranty (which is nothing cost considering context) are for. The initial model years for most vehicles are rough. I’m neither surprised nor disappointed. They got taken care of and Wattson lives on.
Edit: also, 4 years, not 3. Not that it makes a ton of difference though.
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u/w3aponofchoice 12d ago
I owned one for just over a year. The build quality was poor and it’s not as capable as a Wrangler. Also the roof was noisy and sounded like the windows were always open. I can’t recommend it.
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u/tallgeese333 13d ago
The new model hasn't been around all that long, you should look to vehicles that share the platform.
It is built on the T6 platform which has been around for a while. It uses the 2.3L and 2.7L ecoboost which are extremely common.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_EcoBoost_engine#2.3_L
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_EcoBoost_engine
I think the 7 speed is exclusive to the Bronco but don't quote me on that. The 10 speed is relatively common and shared with the explorer at least.
I think most new ford's have assembly/material issues. Interior parts, moving parts like the frameless windows wobbling. There can be tech/electrical gremlins. All of that should have been fixed under warranty if you're buying used, try and check what warranty issues have been solved.
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u/MetalMindedguy 13d ago
Do the raptor bronco.
It’s Awsome.
Basic bronco’s aren’t even in the same field.
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u/goodwc72 13d ago
Offroading and overlanding have become two completely different things.
Personally I wouldnt "offroad" anything I can't afford to fix/break. I prefer vehicles with less electronic dependencies and cheaper parts.
For overlanding id probably get something more fuel efficient as most of your time is on pavement anyways.
Id pass on the Bronco until we starting seeing them break 100k
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u/MojaveMac 13d ago
Had a Bronco Sasquatch at work… it left me stranded at 200 miles due to a coolant leak from the radiator hose.
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u/4thAndLong 13d ago
I’ve got a 2023. Only real issue is the shit subwoofer that rattles like crazy. The system was updated in 2025 and it’s better, but not completely solved.
I haven’t done any of the recalls (haven’t had any issues with the suspected problem areas and I avoid the dealership like a plague)
I off-road it, hard. And it has held up great.
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u/bob_lala 13d ago
I just had a soft top one for a week as a rental. don't get the soft top!
it is hard to take on/off and transfers a LOT of heat during the warm weather
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u/fallenredwoods 13d ago
I have a buddy with one and he likes it but doesn’t love it due to several mechanical issues. His is a 22’ so hopefully they have fixed some issues. If your girlfriend didn’t mind a POS Jeep, she’ll probably enjoy the bronco more. If she wants reliability, I’d get a 5th gen 4Runner instead.
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u/According-Tax-1433 12d ago
We own a 5th gen 4runner TRD PRO & Jeep JT Mojave. both with about 160k
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u/AloneDoughnut 25' Tremor 13d ago
I had one, and I absolutely loved it while it was good. Pit of the box it was super capable, relatively comfortable to drive (for a box with removable roof) and honestly was a lot of fun. However, I suffered from an electrical gremlin somewhere in the wiring loom and the auto start/stop tried to kill me several times.
It's more comfortable and reliable than an out of the box Jeep. It has better features and improves on everything that makes a Jeep rough for daily driving. It comfortably fit my family of 4 and 2 dogs.
I upgraded to a F150 for a long list of reasons, and have loved it. If I won the lottery I'd buy one as my adventure vehicle in a heartbeat, but that has to do with a little rose tinted glasses and a really solid experience with my dealer.
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u/Global_Choice4698 13d ago
Wife's coworker has one. It is ALWAYS in the shop, A newer one, not sure what year.
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u/Yeet_man_79932 Expeditionary 12d ago
I think another question is if it’s a new Bronco or an original Bronco either full size or Bronco 2. If it does happen to be a new model, I don’t recommend it purely based on how easy it is for it to break down. However I would strongly advise getting an older model due to its ease of maintenance and due to its proven reliability
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u/White_Holy_Cross72 12d ago
It's like half the people on here didn't read your full post or don't care...
I've had my 2023 Bronco since new. Zero issues. Stay on top of the maintenance like any vehicle and you should be fine. I traded a 2010 F-150 for it that I also bought new. Never had issues with that other than replacing tires and windshields.
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u/Same_Budget7915 11d ago
Avoid the Covid years. 2020-2022 maybe 23 also? Some of them were released incomplete. So weird electrical issues. No ac working in the rear was a big one but there was various issues due to electronic shortages. New owners were supposedly ok to bring them back to the dealership for repairs once the shortages were over but it’s just something to keep an eye on.
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u/SupremePizza123 11d ago
I’m not an owner however one of my coworkers was a Ford technician, not a lube tech, not too long ago. I asked him about the Bronco and he said they’re not very good vehicles. Build quality is subpar as mentioned by others. Things like to fall apart. As far as mechanical issues, he stated that cam phasers, turbos, turbo seals were the most common problems during his time as a tech, of course there’s a case of confirmation bias.
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u/bigglitterdick 11d ago
I have never owned your girlfriend before. Mine likes low profile tires and fancy rims, so I would be solid yes for a bronco.
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u/Nearby-Ad4525 10d ago
Sean from (the story till now) overlanding- 4x4 channel on youtube just talked about the Broncos he owned in his latest video. He had nothing good to say..
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u/HenryW1863 13d ago
Does she have something else to drive as well?
Broncos have never made very good daily drivers.
Can be fun toys if one has the budget.
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u/According-Tax-1433 12d ago
currently she owns 5th gen 4runner TRD PRO. but cant tow it behind the sprinter w/o a good amount spent on it. Honestly its a great vehicle. but not perfect for her travel lifestyle. Thats why looking at Bronco/jeep 2dr. we WFH/travel. so everything is a toy lol
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u/Ok_Poetry_1650 13d ago
I have an uncle who bought one, spent more time in the shop then it did on trails unfortunately. He ended up trading it in for a jeep.
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u/ImpressiveWave5044 9d ago
Do NOT buy a Bronco. Overpriced and overhyped. Loaded with recalls and failure. And my first car was a 1972 Bronco with a 302 and 3 speed column shift. Just do yourself a favor and get a lightly used JK and enjoy your life.
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u/brainhack3r 13d ago
The hardest part of getting a Bronco is calling your parents and telling them you're mentally handicapped.
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u/Mammoth-Bike1995 13d ago
They are basically Escapes with Bronco badges and nifty expensive optional gadgets to pretend you’re a real Overlander.
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u/Shirleysspirits 12d ago
you're talking about a bronco sport, this guy is chasing a 2door bronco. 2 totally different vehicles
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u/According-Tax-1433 12d ago
well she loved her old escape. so that might be a plus for her. Shes traveled all over the world, been to 48 states and almost all the national parks. I dont think i can call her a newb or poser lol
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u/Chillywhale21 13d ago
my buddy had one for 3-4 years and we built a sleep platform for the back. he loved it but he had a higher trim and we did some other upgrades too.
i’ll say that he did have a lot of minor to moderate issues along the way. within the first year it was back at the dealer a handful of times for recalls, and just silly stuff like windows not closing, random bolts appearing in the cabin, brake lights staying on, etc. nothing that major or wasn’t fixable under warranty, but enough for me to never consider one, coming from a 4runner/landcruiser.
i thought it was a great car and it definitely had its pros, but i just prefer toyota and something with less tech, less to go wrong, and more proven.
edit: i’ll add, he just sold it for an older landcruiser 100. take that for what it’s worth.