Ford Bronco

Price Paid:  $24000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1998 / Bronco

Summary:
24k. I would only recomend this auto to someone I didnt like at all. Wish someone would steel it. but I bet they wont.

Strengths:
Big and Big

Weaknesses:
Rusted in 1 year and terrable steering, Leaks oil everywhere. I hate this thing. Wont start when cold.

Similar Products Used:
Bronco. very similar some same problems as before.

Price Paid:  $16600.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 XLT 5.8L

Summary:
It saddens me to write this review as I'll be selling my Bronco in the next month. After spending some time looking into another vehicle (which will most likely be a 2000/2001 Grand Prix GTP), I've realized that I've had no major problems with my truck. You change the oil and check your engine fluids regularly, and you've got a very reliable vehicle. Anyone who has owned one will tell you of the Bronco's dependability. You can take this truck wherever you want: highway, off-road, and even in a little water (though I've never driven through anything more than a couple of feet deep). One would honestly have to try hard to break a Bronco. With the exception of gas mileage (which is ultimately why I'm selling mine), there's no reason for a first time off-road truck/SUV buyer or a veteran of the dirt and mud not to consider the Bronco (if not rule almost anything else out). Bottom line: If you can afford the gas, the weaknesses are all minor. Buckle up, and take your best shot. The Bronco will go the full 12 rounds before you do (damn short weekends!).

Strengths:
Lack of repairs, period (though my rear window key wiring keeps "breaking", but not an expensive fix); sturdy off-road, smooth on-road; space, space, and more space; sliding rear window (very key if you have a dog and convenient to load stuff); handles very nicely for how big it is; engine performance

Weaknesses:
broken record - gas mileage and 32 gallon tank!(hey, it's a V8); slight "clunking" noise when shifting from forward to reverse or park to reverse or drive; rattles in interior door panels from road/trail conditions and aftermarket stereo w/ NO sub; the wheel cover seems to be a "hot" item to steal (had 2 stolen in 3 months)

Similar Products Used:
1994 Explorer XLT - too small and not as powerful, duh!
1997 Expedition XLT - my mom doesn't need to drive off-road; too long; hate the body "styling"; floaty feeling

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 / FORD BRONCO

Summary:
I paid 18,000 for a 1996 Bronco Eddie Bauer with leather and a 5.8L with 35,000 miles in 1999....If I could find another one I'd buy it! With things like this it's all about what YOU want. I started out wanting a Bronco and couldn't find one and then started looking at the Tahoe and Suburban....If the Chevy was about a foot wider...that's what I would be driving. The Bronco has NO COMPARISON in my book. If this is the truck you're thinking about...check around with all manufactuers...and then come home..to the REAL FORD!....

Strengths:
This SUV is HEAVEN SENT!!! I have the Eddie Bauer with leather seats and the 5.8L motor....absolute heaven...I was driving nurses in 2 feet of snow with NO problem! I tow my boat with NO problem! I added a K&N air filter and went with dual exhaust from the cat back and WOW!!! To make sure I went and test drove an Expedition....No comparison...my Bronco has a heck of a lot more room for driver and passenger and a "real" feel...and it feels snappier than the 5.4L Triton...If you gave me an Expedition...I'd sell it and buy another Bronco!

Weaknesses:
I think the wheelbase could be a little longer...when towing the longer wheelbase provides more stability. Transmission is a little "clunky".

Similar Products Used:
Test drove the Expedition...the EX is smoother, doesn't have nearly as much room for the driver and passenger.....power...felt like my Bronco was more powerful but not as smooth....the trans on the EX is REALLY smooth but when you get in the gas on the highway it felt sluggish compared to my Bronco.
Isuzu RODEO....NO COMPARISON.
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee= 4 Wheel drive CAR. nice but not a TRUCK.
1999 Durango...nice truck...but not worth the money...trans problems...and when comparing it to the Bronco....The Durango isn't a TRUCK...
1997 Tahoe/Suburban....TOO narrow! Drives like a BUS...long and narrow. The 350ci didn't pull that hard and the brakes sucked!

Price Paid:  $16000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 Ford Bronco

Summary:
If you want a truck that is very solidly built with tons of power and incredible offroad ability (even stock), the Bronco is for you.

Strengths:
Tons of power from the 351. Unbreakable manual tranfer case/manual hub combo. Very nice interior even in XLT. Excellent turning radius. Great approach and breakover angles. Killer looks. One of the few late model trucks with a solid front axel.

Weaknesses:
Poor fuel mileage ( 12 city, 15 highway). Lots of rattles from interior when on rough roads. Bad departure angle, especially when compared to the excellent approach angle. My 200 watt after market sound system causes extremely annoying vibrations throughout the side panels and doors ( and there aren't even any subs).

Similar Products Used:
Ford 2001 F-250- Obviously cant compare to the power of the 6.8 V10 but is overall better offroad.
Ford 1998 Expedition- Interior of Bronco not as nice but has just as much power and the Bronco tears the Expedition up offroad. IFS and auto 4X4 hurts the Expedition.

Price Paid:  $33500.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 Eddie Bauer

Summary:
Excelent vehicle. Fourth EB Bronco I've owned with nearly 1/2 million miles since 1988 on EB Broncos. Heavy use off road and trailer towing as well.

Strengths:
152,000 miles and still going strong. All bugs finally worked out for 1996 model year, just in time to discontinue the Bronco.

Weaknesses:
Ford stopped making them. Will have to keep this one for ever.

Similar Products Used:
None