I recently bought an Alfa Romeo Giulia after trading in my Ram 1500 (the Hemi Tick was driving me crazy). I loved the high seating position of the truck and how it felt on the road, but I’ve always been intrigued by the new Ford Broncos. They look amazing, and I decided to check one out at a local dealership. Honestly, it felt solid to me, even though the plastic doors threw me off a bit (I get why they are plastic though).
My question is… why do so many reviews and posts say the Bronco feels cheaply built? It didn’t feel that way to me at all. Are they talking about specific parts, or is this just a case of unrealistic expectations? I’m aware engine and mechanical issues might be a separate concern, but for the overall build, it seemed well-made to me.
I have a 2024 Heritage edition, and I think the build quality is solid. You have to remember that it’s built primarily for off-roading. A lot of the negative reviews come from people comparing it to luxury cars like Volvos or Audis because of the price tag, but that’s not a fair comparison. The only real competitor is the Jeep Wrangler.
It’s loud, heavy, and lacks some comfort features, but that’s intentional. It’s designed to handle off-road adventures, and if you buy it with that in mind, you won’t regret it. I smile every time I see my Bronco parked and when I get back into it. It’s the first car that makes me feel this way.
I went with the 2.7L engine, which some people criticize, but I love it. The torque surprises everyone when I step on the gas. A lot of bad reviews come from people who didn’t understand what the Bronco is built for and then blame it for not being what they expected.
@Ray
Totally agree with this. People assume the price means it’s a luxury car, but it’s a purpose-built off-roader. Compared to its competition, like the Wrangler, the Bronco feels much better. It drives smoother, has better seats, and still holds its own off-road. No, it’s not as refined as a Lexus or a Land Rover, but that’s not the point of this vehicle.
Jamie said:
I’ve got a 2022 Badlands, and it feels really solid. No complaints so far.
Same here. It’s a rugged vehicle, and I love that about it. My family has dragged in dirt, sand, mud, and snow, but after a quick cleanup, it’s like new again. I even hosed down the rear seats once after a messy road trip. Perfect for adventures.
I have a First Edition, so my experience might be different, but the build quality has been hit or miss. The structure feels sturdy, but some of the materials don’t compare to higher-end brands like Volvo. Things like trim pieces can feel flimsy, but the core components are solid and reliable. It’s a trade-off that makes sense for a vehicle like this.
Are you sure about the plastic doors? The outer part is aluminum. Build quality is fine, and if you’ve been happy with Stellantis products, you’ll probably like Ford too.
Tobin said:
Are you sure about the plastic doors? The outer part is aluminum. Build quality is fine, and if you’ve been happy with Stellantis products, you’ll probably like Ford too.
I was talking about the inside door panels—they’re definitely plastic.
I went to the Off-Roadeo event in New Hampshire, and they had around 40 Broncos there, all 2022 models. They’ve been through some tough miles, and they’re holding up great.
I’ve got a 2022 Bronco and came from driving Grand Cherokees and a Tacoma. I love my Bronco, but I’ll be honest… the build quality isn’t great. The plastics feel cheap, things rattle and squeak, and the frameless windows wobble a lot when opening and closing. Despite all that, I adore this car. Mechanically, it’s solid, and driving it feels amazing. It’s just that some of the details feel rushed.
