Verdict
A
Mid-size SUV · USA · 1996, 2021-present
Ford Bronco
Reborn 2021 to fight the Wrangler. Fan service that worked.
Years
1996, 2021-present
Generations
1
Segment
Mid-size SUV
The original Bronco died in 1996 (after the OJ Simpson white-Bronco moment had given it a permanent cultural place). Ford brought it back in 2021 as a Wrangler-fighter — body-on-frame, removable doors and roof, real low-range transfer case, locking differentials, and styling that referenced the classic 60s/70s Broncos. The Raptor variant has a 418bhp twin-turbo V6 and Multimatic dampers. Wait lists for the first model year were comical. Reliability has had teething issues — the 2.7L engine had recalls — but the Bronco is the most exciting new American SUV in 20 years.
Generations
Click any generation for the deep dive
2021-present
6th Gen · U725
Reborn 2021. Direct Wrangler rival. Raptor variant is for Baja-style off-road.
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Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2021-present · 6th Gen · U725
- 2.7 EcoBoost valvetrain failures (Ford recall, addressed)
- Hardtop roof leaks
- Soft top zipper failures
- Front axle CV joint squeak