Faults:
Alternator bearing wore out at 150,000.
Electric door lock mechanism on passenger side malfunctioned at 140,000 miles.
Center console latch worn out at 180,000 (interior component).
General Comments:
Excellent acceleration for a 4,700 pound vehicle with great low end torque utilizing the 5.8L Windsor.
Outstanding turning radius at 36.7 feet curb to curb. The big Bronco can out turn a Jeep wrangler and almost all other Ford vehicles with an exception to the Probe, Aspire and Focus. This vehicle is a full size, wide body that will out turn almost all other vehicles on or off road today.
The Bronco has excellent ground clearance for off road performance with the shorter than average truck 105 inch wheel base. The departure angles allow the Bronco to ride up and down most steep inclines with little or no contact with the ground.
The Bronco's Fiberglass top which is "removable" combined with the weight of the bench seat and closer rear end center of gravity give it excellent traction. The weight over the rear tires is desired for added traction over lighter rear end pickups.
The Bronco feels identical to the big, safe Ford F-Series pickups with a sports car type handling and agility characteristic unlike all other pickup trucks. Even Grandma can park it with a last minute glance at a sharp angled parking spot.
The interior is the same as a full size Ford truck and is very roomy and comfortable with excellent stock speakers, soft yet supportive bucket seats with arm rests, power windows and doors in the XLT. Overall the Bronco is a very enjoyable, fun and safe vehicle to drive with excellent visibility. It's ruggedness and size combine to help it hold it's own on the road. It will pass up just about anything with exception to a gas station.
The Bronco has qualities that in my opinion, will out perform almost any other vehicle for best all-around performance with the exception of it's thirst for fuel.
Cries from many have been heard for the big Bronco to return. Hopefully Ford will see fit to shorten a beautiful Excursion into a two door variant and call it the "new" Bronco. It is simply the best vehicle I have ever owned.
26th Mar 2012, 18:05
I agree with you. I have a 1990 Ford Bronco XLT with a 5.0L V8 with a 5 speed transmission. I haven't drove a truck yet that will out perform it, on or off the road. It's a powerhouse in the woods, and a reliable truck in any kind of weather.