The Ford Bronco was first released in 1966 as a vehicle for the public. The car was marketed as an all-purpose use vehicle with four-wheel drive. Though, in all honestly, it was more for off-road driving. The six-cylinder engine produced 105 horsepower and became an iconic vehicle.
Everything You Need to Know About Ford Bronco Reliability
An Overview of the Ford Bronco and its Reliability Ratings
The new Ford Bronco can be purchased as a two-door or four-door. Both come with a 10-Speed automatic transmission or a 7-Speed manual transmission that functions as a 6-speed with one ultra-low crawler gear. They are powered by a 4-Cyl Turbo 2.3 liter EcoBoost producing 275 horsepower on the base trim.
For a little extra, you can upgrade to the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 that throws out 315 horsepower. Or you could opt for the Ford Bronco Raptor with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that produces 418 horsepower.
The fuel economy on the base trim is rated at 16-20/17-22 mpg city/highway. Not the most outstanding fuel economy but it is fairly average for this type of vehicle. While the 2.7-liter engine is rated at 17-18/17-20 mpg.
When it comes to reliability, it is not the best. Consumer Reports rated the 2022 Ford Bronco reliability rating at 30/100. This is certainly not good. It does beat the Jeep Wrangler which has a rating of 25/100. They are both knocked right out by the Toyota 4Runner with a rating of 71/100. The ride is also considered to be less than ideal. While comfort, cargo space, and headlamps are rated highly.
Do keep in mind that there are not many years of Broncos to be able to make a comparison and as the years go on more information will be available. In the end, the Bronco is seen as a desirable car that many owners enjoy driving. Whether it is on road or off road.
What Safety Features Does the Ford Bronco have?
The Ford Bronco is one of the vehicles uplifted by the Ford Co-Pilot360. Ultimately meaning that the car has a number of excellent and modern features. The safety elements in the car include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Automatic high beams
- Hill start assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert is optional or included, depending on the trim level
How Does the New Ford Bronco Compare to Other SUVs?
The main competitor for the Ford Bronco is the Jeep Wrangler. Other SUVs include the Toyota 4Runner and Land Rover Defender.
Up until the relaunch of the Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler was without a rival. Now they are directly comparable and offer the driver different experiences. Both are ideal for going off road and they both have removable parts to customize the experience as well.
The only true difference between the two is the ride. The Bronco is a little better on the road compared to the Wrangler. Though the Wrangler has slightly better fuel economy. The two are close to the same price point as well. The Bronco is wider which can make it feel overwhelming at times.
Both vehicles offer the driver an exciting off road experience without doing too many upgrades. The best would be to take each one for a test drive and see which one suits your driving style.
Overall, the Bronco is a great choice for drivers looking for something that be taken off road without hassle. If you are looking for engine reliability, it might be a good idea to look at the 4Runner. Again, take it out for a drive first. The one that you choose will be the one that suits you best.
Ford Bronco Warranty Options
Ford offers fairly decent factory warranties for their vehicles. Here is what you can expect when you buy a Ford Bronco new:
- Bumper to Bumper: 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Safety Restraint System: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Corrosion (Perforation only): 5 years / Unlimited miles
- Roadside Assistance Program: 5 years / 60,000 miles
If you are driver an older model or one that has already reached the factory warranty mileage, you can look at an extended warranty from Ford or a vehicle service contract from a third-party provider. They can sometimes have better perks than the factory warranty while being more affordable in some cases as well.
FAQs
The 2024 Ford Bronco has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What are the most desirable years for a Ford Bronco? ›
There are six generations of the Ford Bronco, including the newest model that was introduced in 2021. Of the five classic body styles, the first-generation Bronco is, by far, the most desirable. These Broncos were built from 1966 through 1977 with very few changes along the way.
How long do Bronco engines last? ›
If you're buying a new 2023 Ford Bronco, you can expect your well-maintained SUV to last up to 200,000 miles without the need for any major repairs, barring any accidents. The life of a used model can be affected by how properly or improperly that vehicle is being cared for.
Which Bronco engine is more reliable? ›
In reality, the 2.4L 4-cylinder is likely the best as far as pure logic and value are concerned. However, if you want the best engine no matter the cost and reliability, the 3.0L V6 is the king of the crop.
Are Broncos or Jeeps more reliable? ›
In terms of reliability, the Jeep Wrangler consistently outperforms the Ford Bronco.
What was the worst year for the Broncos? ›
The 1963 Denver Broncos season was the fourth season for the team in the American Football League (AFL). They finished with a record of two wins, eleven losses, and one tie, and finished fourth in the AFL's Western Division, and also the worst record in the league.
What year is Bronco to stay away from? ›
Quick Answer: Avoid Ford Bronco Sport Year Model 2021 and 2022. When looking for the Ford Bronco Sport years to avoid, we recommend staying away from the first iterations of the car.
What year is the best Broncos? ›
The franchise has experienced three major periods of success. The first was from 1976 to 1981, when the Broncos did not have a losing season (a season when the team has more losses than wins), and won two AFC West division titles, and one AFC championship. The second began in 1983 and ended in 1998.
What is the best model Bronco to buy? ›
The Ford Bronco Wildtrak earns its top spot among Bronco trims for several compelling reasons. Designed for the ultimate off-road experience, it comes equipped with a Sasquatch Package as standard, featuring larger 35-inch tires, high-clearance fenders, and locking front and rear differentials.
Which Bronco engine is failing? ›
One of the most common engine issues in Ford Bronco revolves around the 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. This engine type has been reported to have problems that lead to total engine failure in some cases.
With proper maintenance and care, the new Bronco should last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.
What is the most reliable year of the Ford Bronco? ›
Though let's be clear, this car was built to last. Out of all the years of the first-generation Bronco, 1977 is widely considered to be the best year although anything from 74 is not only sought after, but more widely available.
Is a 2.3 or 2.7 Bronco better? ›
Choosing between Bronco models, the 2.3L and 2.7L engine, depends on several factors. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and plan on using your Ford Bronco SUV for daily commuting or long road trips, the 2.3L engine is the better choice.
Is a 2.3 EcoBoost better than a V6? ›
The biggest difference between the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 3.7L V6 engines can be found in the mid-range. The EcoBoost essentially has a shelf beginning at 2,000 RPM and carrying pretty steady until about 5,000 RPM. Whereas the six-cylinder motor has a steady, flat torque curve throughout the same range.
Are Ford Broncos expensive to maintain? ›
Estimating Ford Bronco Maintenance Costs
The cost of maintaining and repairing a Ford Bronco can vary widely, but owners can generally expect to spend between $95 and $404 per service visit, with an average of $134.
Do Ford Broncos ride well? ›
The resurrected Bronco has clearly been designed to compete with the iconic Jeep Wrangler. We found the boxy Bronco to be a superior daily-driver to the Jeep in many ways, with better handling and a more comfortable ride, yet like the Jeep it's an immensely-capable off-roader.
