- First Name
- Ray
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2025
- Threads
- 10
- Messages
- 184
- Reaction score
- 438
- Location
- Brockville, Ontario, Canada
- Vehicle(s)
- 2024 Bronco Sport
- Thread starter
- #1
I have liked and been intrigued with the Bronco Sport since it was first introduced. But at the time I had no need for a new vehicle so I basically admired it from afar.
That changed four months ago when I was faced with needing a new vehicle. I considered a short list of candidates--a varied collection--but, admittedly, the Bronco Sport was pretty much what I was most interested in.
So last October, after going to take a close look and test driving it twice, I pulled the trigger on a 2024 Bronco Sport Big Bend. I lucked out, too, because my local Ford dealer (Riverside Ford in Brockville, Ontario) had one not only equipped almost exactly as I wanted, but also in the very colour I wanted, Hot Pepper Red Metallic.
The one piece of equipment it had I wasn't looking for was the trailer-towing package, but everything else was spot one including the optional 18in. alloys wheels.
Now it's been four months, and while I expected to like my new Bronco Sport I was a bit surprised I like it even more than expected. It has not only been pretty much what I had hoped for, but in some respects it has exceeded my expectations.
I won't go into all the things I like because they would no doubt be familiar to so many of the Bronco Sport owners here. But there are few key things that really resonate for me.
- I really like the size of this vehicle, not too big or too small--just right.
- I like the easy of entry and exit and the comfortable upright seating.
- I like the good visibility outward all-around.
- I like how the dash is clean and not over-designed.
- I like how the info screen isn't oversized like so many other vehicles.
- I love how I can control the most used everyday things without going through the screen (which I only use for music)
- A subtle and silly thing, but I really like the view forward over the bulges on the hood.
- I like the steering and I really like the tight maneuverability.
- I really like driving my Bronco Sport and I always look forward to taking it on the highway.
This was a bit of an adjustment for me as I was coming from a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria which I had modified over the years. A very nice, clean and very cool car, but its time was done and I had to move on. I still think about my CrownVic, but you can't ignore a forty year difference in engineering and technology. My CrownVic was great in so many ways, but my Bronco Sport feels like a sportscar in comparison.
I had considered the other Bronco Sport models, particularly the Badlands. But in the end my choice fell to a silly thing perhaps--I simply like the look of the body-colour roof of the Big Bend better. I think it just looks more finished. I would have liked body-colour door handles, but whatever. And I have zero complaints about the 1.5 litre--I never feel it lacking for power. Around town it feels quick, agile and very maneuverable and on the highway it gets up to speed easily and feels very stable and composed.
The day I brought it home.
I admit I didn't buy this for off-roading. I like the look of it, its comfort, convenience and flexibility, and it's fun to drive. And I'm looking to make a few upgrades.
- Upgraded 18x8 or 18x8.5 wheels with stickier 235 tires.
- Upgraded sport exhaust for a sportier sound.
- K&N air filter
- Redline hood struts instead of the manual prop rod.
I do have a few minor nitpicks. On the Big Bend the audio controls on the steering wheel doesn't have a control to go to the next song selection on the info screen. While the rear hatch isn't heavy and is easy to use it might be nice to have a remote feature for when your hands might be full. I mentioned the manual hood prop rod, which a lot of vehicles have, but in this day and age it's ridiculous and doesn't save much weight to not have pneumatic hood struts.
The one thing I thought I might have some issue with turned out to be a complete non-issue: the rotary dial gear selector. Years ago I had driven a Ford Fusion 2.0L with AWD (very nice car) that had the rotary gear selector and I had found it odd to get used to. But in my Bronco Sport I've found it falls readily to hand, easy to use and I never give it a thought.
I'll be sure to share pics when I do the upgrades.
That changed four months ago when I was faced with needing a new vehicle. I considered a short list of candidates--a varied collection--but, admittedly, the Bronco Sport was pretty much what I was most interested in.
So last October, after going to take a close look and test driving it twice, I pulled the trigger on a 2024 Bronco Sport Big Bend. I lucked out, too, because my local Ford dealer (Riverside Ford in Brockville, Ontario) had one not only equipped almost exactly as I wanted, but also in the very colour I wanted, Hot Pepper Red Metallic.
The one piece of equipment it had I wasn't looking for was the trailer-towing package, but everything else was spot one including the optional 18in. alloys wheels.
Now it's been four months, and while I expected to like my new Bronco Sport I was a bit surprised I like it even more than expected. It has not only been pretty much what I had hoped for, but in some respects it has exceeded my expectations.
I won't go into all the things I like because they would no doubt be familiar to so many of the Bronco Sport owners here. But there are few key things that really resonate for me.
- I really like the size of this vehicle, not too big or too small--just right.
- I like the easy of entry and exit and the comfortable upright seating.
- I like the good visibility outward all-around.
- I like how the dash is clean and not over-designed.
- I like how the info screen isn't oversized like so many other vehicles.
- I love how I can control the most used everyday things without going through the screen (which I only use for music)
- A subtle and silly thing, but I really like the view forward over the bulges on the hood.
- I like the steering and I really like the tight maneuverability.
- I really like driving my Bronco Sport and I always look forward to taking it on the highway.
This was a bit of an adjustment for me as I was coming from a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria which I had modified over the years. A very nice, clean and very cool car, but its time was done and I had to move on. I still think about my CrownVic, but you can't ignore a forty year difference in engineering and technology. My CrownVic was great in so many ways, but my Bronco Sport feels like a sportscar in comparison.
I had considered the other Bronco Sport models, particularly the Badlands. But in the end my choice fell to a silly thing perhaps--I simply like the look of the body-colour roof of the Big Bend better. I think it just looks more finished. I would have liked body-colour door handles, but whatever. And I have zero complaints about the 1.5 litre--I never feel it lacking for power. Around town it feels quick, agile and very maneuverable and on the highway it gets up to speed easily and feels very stable and composed.
The day I brought it home.
I admit I didn't buy this for off-roading. I like the look of it, its comfort, convenience and flexibility, and it's fun to drive. And I'm looking to make a few upgrades.
- Upgraded 18x8 or 18x8.5 wheels with stickier 235 tires.
- Upgraded sport exhaust for a sportier sound.
- K&N air filter
- Redline hood struts instead of the manual prop rod.
I do have a few minor nitpicks. On the Big Bend the audio controls on the steering wheel doesn't have a control to go to the next song selection on the info screen. While the rear hatch isn't heavy and is easy to use it might be nice to have a remote feature for when your hands might be full. I mentioned the manual hood prop rod, which a lot of vehicles have, but in this day and age it's ridiculous and doesn't save much weight to not have pneumatic hood struts.
The one thing I thought I might have some issue with turned out to be a complete non-issue: the rotary dial gear selector. Years ago I had driven a Ford Fusion 2.0L with AWD (very nice car) that had the rotary gear selector and I had found it odd to get used to. But in my Bronco Sport I've found it falls readily to hand, easy to use and I never give it a thought.
I'll be sure to share pics when I do the upgrades.
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