A three-year-old Ford Bronco depreciates about 36%, slightly better than the average 39% for new cars in the U.S., thanks to its high desirability, versatile configurations, and strong market demand, which help it retain value better than many other vehicles.
On the same day as O.J. Simpson's death announcement, Ford recalled over 40,000 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles due to a potential cracked fuel injector that could cause a fire, with the recall mainly affecting vehicles manufactured in 2022 and 2023. This coincidence is notable given the infamous police chase involving Simpson's Ford Bronco in 1994, and the subsequent discontinuation and reintroduction of the Bronco line by Ford.
The Ford Bronco, initially designed for outdoor enthusiasts, became an iconic symbol in American culture after O.J. Simpson's infamous slow-speed chase in 1994. The vehicle, associated with the former football star's attempt to evade arrest for the murder of his ex-wife and her friend, is now displayed in a Tennessee crime museum. The chase, watched by millions, contributed to the Bronco's cultural significance, although the model was already facing decline due to competition from family-friendly SUVs. The museum's marketing director notes the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding the event, as it remains a shared memory for many Americans.
Thousands of Ford Broncos, famously associated with OJ Simpson's 1994 police chase, were recalled on the same day the disgraced football legend died at age 76. The recall of 22,270 Bronco Sports was due to possible cracked fuel injectors that could cause a fire, as announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The odd timing of the recall coinciding with Simpson's death has drawn attention, especially considering the infamous chase's impact on the original Bronco line's demise in 1996.
A DIY Ford Bronco built from a 2004 F-150 is listed for sale at $20,000. Crafted by Dan Hickey, the custom off-roader involved stripping the bed, doors, electrical system, interior, and safety devices, as well as cutting two and a half feet from the frame. A custom-fabricated body lift was added, along with a roll hoop for rigidity. The back half of the Bronco was closed in with a Leer truck bed topper, and the roof is not removable. The vehicle is powered by a remanufactured 5.4-liter V8 and features stock suspension, Raptor wheels, and BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. Hickey hopes to build another one in the future.
A car buyer in Arizona is out $75,000 after unknowingly purchasing a stolen Ford Bronco Raptor from a factory lot in Detroit. The vehicle had been listed on Craigslist and appeared legitimate, with all the necessary paperwork and an Alaska license plate. However, the sellers had switched the vehicle identification number (VIN), which went unnoticed during a Carfax check and a visit to a third-party motor vehicle division location. When the buyer traded the Bronco for another vehicle at a dealership, a VIN discrepancy was discovered, leading to the involvement of the police. Several other buyers in different states were also scammed with stolen vehicles. The thefts have resulted in criticism of state oversight of third-party motor vehicle division offices. Police investigations are ongoing.
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, with a starting price in the mid-$50,000 range, is set to compete against the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Land Rover Defender in the off-road SUV segment. While the Land Cruiser offers impressive specifications such as ground clearance and towing capacity, its rivals also have their own strengths. The Land Cruiser's turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four hybrid engine produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, and it comes with off-road features like hill descent control and low-speed crawl control. However, the Bronco, Wrangler, and Defender offer their own unique off-road capabilities and features. Ultimately, the winner in this segment will be determined by real-world performance and individual preferences.
A YouTube video featuring 1:18 scale models of off-road vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Suzuki Jimny, Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and modified Lada Niva, showcases their capabilities in miniature form. The video is part of the 1:18 collection of Nischay Sharma, the guy behind the Miniature Automobiles channel on YouTube. The models are highly detailed and accurately recreate the real-life vehicles' off-road capabilities.
Two Ford Bronco owners claim that their dealers denied warranty coverage on broken axle welds after using the off-road-focused Trail Turn Assist feature. The feature reduces the turning radius of the Bronco by applying the brakes to the inside rear wheel in low-speed, high steering angle maneuvers. Ford's documentation warns against using the feature on dry, hard surfaces and with aftermarket suspension mods. While it's unclear if Trail Turn Assist caused the broken welds, the owners' claims raise questions about the Bronco's off-road capabilities and warranty coverage.
Ford has launched a new Bronco Trail App that provides directions to over 18,000 miles of off-pavement trails in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The app is free to use for Bronco owners and displays maps through the Bronco's infotainment system display. The app includes 1,200 different trails that have been professionally curated, and provides details including their length and difficulty. The app also allows users to drop their own pins for future reference, and the maps can be downloaded for offline use. The app is the latest salvo in the escalating Ford Bronco v Jeep Wrangler battle.
Jeep has unveiled the 2024 Wrangler SUV with more features and capabilities to compete with Ford's newer Bronco. The updated Wrangler includes a redesigned interior with additional safety, convenience, and tech features, larger tires, and an 8,000-pound-capacity warn winch. The 2024 Wrangler will be available in Sport, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon, and Rubicon392 models, and will also offer a plug-in hybrid electric version. Jeep hopes to expand its sales by offering the 4xe on a lower-priced model called the Wrangler Sport S.