REVIEW: 2021 Ford Bronco (Mechanic's Perspective)

[@kenleppek]

Love Rich's reviews. They are realistic and not meant to be a promotional tool to sell the vehicle like most others are.

[@tannerstines4783]

never seen a car review that talks about if the engine bay is large enough for a V8 engine swap, love it😂

[@nou8257]

The real question is can you fit as cummins in it tho

[@michaellorah9051]

Hey, a 5.0 with a 6 speed is what this thing should have had as an optional drivetrain.

[@lucasblanchard47]

@@michaellorah9051 bingo!

[@DanielJaegerFilms]

Completely agree with you on the new Blazer. It’s an absolute joke. Just a rebadged Equinox / Traverse.

[@jadebrecks]

GM has been dropping the ball on all their vehicles for a long time...and thats from a Chevy guy

[@Kstang09]

@@jadebrecks You completely fail to acknowledge what "the ball" actually is... GM needs to move units, the easiest way to do that is to sell crossovers to soccer moms & commuting dads. Last I checked the only ball that a company actually needs to keep in the air is an ROI for the shareholders. Dont like it? Blame capitalism, baby.

[@jadebrecks]

@@Kstang09 but evthing they do is one step behind their competitors. Be it options, interiors, or exteriors their competitors work, look, and feel better. Harder to hit your roi being the subpar choice in the market.

[@badgermetal]

Same with the Bronco sport. It's pretty much just a re badged Escape.

[@Morpheen999]

@@Kstang09 That may be the Ball for the big wig executives, But it isn't for the consumer.. As a customer "The Ball" is being able to provide a good attractive product to your entire customer base.. regardless of how little or how small the margins get Right now they are letting there off road customer base down big time.. they need more than the Zr2, its not enough

[@hunterbrock2347]

These are the straight and honest reviews we need. Not the reviews that say "wow, feel how this brand new car handles like a brand new car" and "amazing how this massive screen on the console is just exactly like every other massive console screen that's become standard nowadays". Get in it and under it and all around it, pick it apart and let the consumers know what the predicted earliest fail points will be. I'm glad to see that Ford is giving the Bronco the modern day redemption that it deserves unlike as much as it has been said the Chevy Blazer is a serious flop to anyone who has had or was interested in a prior model Blazer. All this being said, I'm not parting ways with my 1995 7.3 F-250 for a new Bronco or a brand new 6.7 or 7.3 F-250 because the new ones just have this feeling of being totally mass produced and the old ones are each their very own character.

[@michaelwright1602]

Give me back my two knob radio, instead of a cassette, give me a USB port and BT, I'm good. Those huge screens are even more unsafe then texting.

[@joepacelli9713]

I drive a 97 f3shitty crew cab 8ft bed single wheel 7.3l and will til the day I die best truck ever made rides like shit it's slow af and its loud best truck ever built

[@hunterbrock2347]

@@joepacelli9713 yes! I hope to still have mine when I die. I'm looking around at solutions to most of those drawbacks too. For a 4x4, the reverse shackle kit and theirs lots of options for juicing up a 7.3

[@nou8257]

I've got a 02 f350 7.3 with a 6 speed and she's a solid old truck

[@hunterbrock2347]

@John Smith you can't be talking about OBS Ford Broncos and F-250s are you?

[@kenleppek]

Those composite "fuzzy" inner fenders are for sound deadening. They make little noise when rocks and debris hit them. The down side is that they are nearly impossible to clean and hold tons of dust. When you have to work around them it's nothing but a giant dust could.

[@SwedishNutLathe]

And if you get fluids or greases on them, they get heavy, sag, then rip apart😣.

[@kenleppek]

@@SwedishNutLathe junk

[@brentworls8509]

Is that what they make the diaper under my f-150's oil pan out of? That thing is a PITA to remove to do an oil change. seems relatively useless.

[@mackjones7688]

The only way I know to clean that stuff good is to spray it with Valvolene's Hot Stuff degreaser or L.A.'s Totally Awesome cleaner and degreaser and then pressure wash it till the water flushes clear. I prefer the smooth plastic wells on my 2nd gen ram or my treadmill track upgrade on my Nissan D21.

[@kenleppek]

@@mackjones7688 that awesome cleaner is good stuff I use it all the time. Inexpensive too!

[@heavymetalcreationz711]

The modes do help! From an engineering perspective when you change engine mapping to reduce initial tq you help the layperson keep from digging themselves into a hole.

[@throttlebottle5906]

4x4 for dummies modes...

[@MichaelDabish]

@@throttlebottle5906 I mean its smart if you know how the modes effect the mapping you can use it to your advantage. I think its dumb to not used the tech you have if you have it! Normal mode in 4x4 has an extremely touchy thorttel compared to the rest of the modes, that's because on the road a more fine control of the throttle is not needed. Also its not just throttle and engine mapping that changes.... The ABS systems is effected by the modes as well.

[@micahwest5347]

Yes. He needs to reevaluate his stance on the driving settings and traction control stuff. His brains are getting beat around too much launching vehicles off jumps.

[@nou8257]

Wait so you're saying not to give it the beans when stuck

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Do the 4WD modes also interact with the ABS on an individual wheel basis to provide traction when one side is spinning when not using lockers (e.g. at speed)?

[@samuelsamsonian5832]

This is the kind of review we need. If I bought one it would most likely be used.

[@michaelbenoit248]

I don’t buy the new stuff for this very reason that there are little issues that might be sorted out by the time it’s 5/7yrs old when it’s cheap enough.

[@jtyree0226]

@@Jerry__S exactly, I would never buy a used ecoboost let alone one of these Broncos that were beat on and all the factory defects that Ford will fight not to replace

[@nathtcamp]

First real truth with no hype I have heard on the internet. You sir, are a refreshing truthsayer and I am a fan.

[@carboncaveman1748]

The wife and I got a Badlands a few weeks ago. Love it. Mentioned that when it’s ours not the banks I want to 2.8 Repower swap it. She’s all in. We got the Manual with the 4cly. Glad we did. The dealership in Quesnel was taking a client for a test drive and the 2.7 V6 tossed its cookies before it cleared the parking lot. We had one issue in the first week, one of the wires on the fuel system for the #3 cylinder wiggled out and it was filling the cylinder with fuel, and passing un burned fuel out the exhaust valve. Covered by warranty and since has run great. In 2 ft of snow, or 16” of mud and up narly pole lines in the Cariboo this little truck is a proper weapon. I’m almost 50 so my full send is tame, but my crawl is on creep. We really enjoy your channel and have learned a lot from it. Thanks for the great content looking forward to more on the Bronco. Cheer’s

[@nigelcampbell8460]

Licensed🇨🇦 Tech here, the world needs more reviews from mechanic perspective. Keep em coming.

[@rogerstephenson5639]

What an excellent review! It is so refreshing to see a review that doesn't just rave about the technology and fancy doodads and favors a real world owners' point of view. Thank you!

[@scottcol23]

I love the fact that this was a Holley event and you were able to review their Bronco. Meaning we get a straight to point honest review showing us the good along with the real faults and QC issues without Ford breathing down your neck. Thanks Rich.

[@chrisran24]

For anyone who wants to know, the Black Diamond and Badlands trims both come with more skid plates than the Wildtrak we're looking at here. Rock rails replace the side steps as well on those trims.

[@WeekendWarriors87]

Interesting review, but a few things were off. Terrain modes don't change 4x4 as you said, but they change the biggest problem off road, traction control and abs. That's what makes them special. Also, that unit has aftermarket tires and wheels on it, and I saw on other units that they have more skid plates underneath so odd that this one didn't. Especially over the gas tank which I've seen before, I think it's an option that this didn't have. Same with side steps, actual rock rails are an option. Interesting note on the panel gaps though, and the transmission pan

[@WeekendWarriors87]

@@Bird76Mojo76 I dont believe they are... they have more negative offset and look nothing like the squatch wheels. Tires are also different, as the bronco doesnt come with BFGs for sasquatch. Honestly those in the vid look like 37s, I think its a full aftermarket wheel and tire.

[@ZeGermanHam]

@@Bird76Mojo76 Those are not Ford wheels. They are aftermarket units.

[@ZeGermanHam]

Yep, This example has had some skid plates removed by Holley or whatever other aftermarket company has touched this vehicile. From the factory, the 2021 Bronco comes equipped with skid plates to protect the engine, transfer case, transmission, and fuel tank.

[@WeekendWarriors87]

@@ZeGermanHam Thanks for that. I just wanted to make sure prospective buyers know whats included on the real deal. The panel gaps and tie rods are definitely still issues I am glad he pointed out!

[@ZeGermanHam]

@@WeekendWarriors87 Yep, I agree with you. I don't think it was the smartest idea for Rich to use a modified example that is missing some equipment to represent all Broncos. As for the panel gaps, I'm not entirely surprised. My father's 2017 Mustang has some pretty glaring panel gap irregularities as well. Regardless prospective Bronco owners would be well advised to wait a year or two before buying. Let Ford work out the bugs, wait for the ADM to fade, and get a better built vehicle.

[@hi4429]

This guy is brutally honest and realistic. Even if some of what he says is opinion it’s good to hear his perspective. We need more people like this! How are we supposed to improve if everything was “perfect”?

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

The world needs more reviews like this so buyers can make more informed buying choices...the engineering that went into the creation of a vehicle is way more important than the size of the infotainment screen or how toasty warm your heated steering wheel can get

[@larrydavidson3402]

Wow, finally an honest review on a vehicle. It's always about glitz and glamor, mot this one.

[@Mhatter12]

Finally old vs new! Thank you!

[@isaakunger4557]

My Best utube channel by far DEBOSS GARAGE honesty is endless

[@mountainmangarage7572]

I just appreciate the fact you are always honest about your reviews.

[@joek3697]

Love this concept. I would love to see more videos where a mechanic looks over newer vehicles.

[@SimonPhoenix313]

hands down best review Ive seen on the new Bronco. Steering is an issue, people who upgrade to 37s blow the steering. I love a mechanics perspective on new vehicles.

[@noneya135]

This was a great video. I really like hearing it from a mechanics perspective. It'd be awesome if you could do this for more vehicles including trucks.

[@mw3261]

Don’t think you’ll be getting a Christmas card from the bean counters. 😂 Love the real life mechanic perspective

[@ls6097]

Best review I have seen on YT

[@alaing4276]

How refreshing to have a mechanics perspective on a vehicle. I have a bad lands on order but this review highlights a few things for me to be aware of.

[@user-fz3sz2dj4r]

Love the honest review. Better than any sales pitch. Exactly what every normal person wants.. no BS. Love that 2.7 in my f150. Probably super fun in that rig Cheers

[@brentwinkelman1990]

To bad the Ecoboost motors are oil burning pos's...get a 5.0

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

The 2.7 is ECOSHIT.

[@tedlydub]

7.3 swap for sure! Unless you want to drive it. 10mpg kinda hurts a little

[@jl696]

No BS review. I love that. All things considered, it seems like Ford did a pretty good job.

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

Lol no.

[@kenmurray4232]

Good review. I did a walk around a Bronco at my dealer while getting some work done on my 150. You pointed out a lot of the same things I saw, body line gaps being the big one. A sales person came out to show me the under hood & inside extolling all the new toys so I had a chance to sit in it. As a long time Ford person I was not impressed with it. Like you I could foresee a lot of problems if taken off-road. My feeling is that the new Bronco will just be a pavement princess. Anybody that is serious about off-roading will do some major mods before venturing into the mud or rocks. Thanks Rich.

[@michaelwright1602]

There are a lot of issues with this new Bronco... I love the look, but all I see is a money pit down the road.

[@portersorensen8814]

Sadly, that's almost every new rig that built a reputation for being "off-road worthy." They build them to look the part knowing that most of the vehicles sold will never see dirt. And the few that do will either result in more money for them in parts or would be modified either way by serious off-roaders.

[@BJACK703]

Hey Deboss, I’m a die hard Ford guy but I’ve always enjoyed your videos. I acknowledge that everyone’s truck sucks except for theirs. But I’m currently studying for my diesel certification and want to join the industry. Keep up the good videos!

[@rq6775]

Legend has it the Jeep wave started in the days after WWII. Some of the first Jeeps on Main Street were military surplus being driven by GI’s. Jeep waves weren’t waves or peace signs. They were V’s for victory. The internet just confirmed that contemporary uses now include situations where Jeep drivers are letting one another know how many Broncos they helped get unstuck that day. Sick burn…no regrets. Happy Memorial Day

[@michaelblacktree]

I can appreciate that your review isn't "astroturf". There are so many reviews on youtube like that.

[@tomnekuda3818]

Best eval I've seen. Generally, all we get is "Cheerleading" for the Bronco by some guys who aren't even shaving. Thanks for the upload.

[@MrMinnesota99]

The crawl control feature on the taco works well

[@RaceAce_69]

Rich, pls do more car reviews. You do an awesome job. Great mechanic’s perspective unlike many others that just give more sales/marketing-type reviews. Consumers need more negative/honest remarks vs. the mostly “everything is great” car reviews out there.

[@Coffreek]

This was the Bronco review that I was looking for. Thank you.

[@mathieupage2995]

About time I see a real video review. Can you do the new tundra ?

[@djloberg]

I suspect from your comments that your not a “Jeep guy” but I’d love to see a similar unbiased critical review of the JLU Rubicon.

[@coleirish5378]

Now we just need you to do a video on EVERY OTHER VEHICLE!!!!!

[@about17cheezits96]

love the idea of the new bronco, but not enough to abandon my 81 fullsize in the middle of its 4bt swap :)

[@nou8257]

When its done you'll have the best thing since sliced bread

[@n5sdm]

Yup. 1 minute, 28 seconds in you nailed it. It's a style thing. Not really good in the long run off road. Just like the FJ cruiser. Doomed to fail in a slow quiet murmur. Oh and following a golf cart.....real off-road footage there. Good honest review of the build quality though. Thank uou.

[@bvward]

Side view reminds me of a Retro IH Scout II... I'd like to see how it does in off-road and snow conditions. Locking diffs? I haven't read the spec sheet. Will feral cats chew the wiring?

[@michaelwright1602]

It does look like a Scout! I was thinking the same thing, but could not put my finger on it. Old Cornbinder.

[@jasonb6570]

It does have locking diffs front and rear.

[@bvward]

@@jasonb6570 Thanks for the info!

[@YeahJustMe]

A couple of years ago someone did a rendering of their vision of a retro Scout. It was really well done. Never going to happen, but it looked very, very nice. Might have been on Jalopnik. I saved it, but lost it in a computer fail.

[@hajjdawood]

It not only has locking diffs but you can unlock the front independently from the back

[@mikebythesea45]

I appreciate the honesty Rich!

[@Brimstone667]

i think ya did a great job with the vid, lots of points for sure to cover that was super informative

[@Jvasseur1]

Gotta love being early, cant wait to watch.

[@cheeseymccheese7249]

Finally someone who looks at the gaps the way i do.

[@mwcallan2]

Bro... Very refreshing to see this review. Keep it up.

[@RTdaSaint]

I need more of these, this is what the ppl want..under the hood and car reviews

[@reinovator]

Darn Good to see a real 'Wrench' Review of this 'New" Bronco. I'm a GM guy But I do give credit where its Due I do owen a 97 7.3 F250 XLT 4X4 I shouldn't need to explain why. Thanks again.

[@jessepitt]

Old truck =good. New anything = junk.

[@sarcasticj3107]

Excellent video! I'm really interested in the Bronco and it's definitely on my list. Your video touched on several key areas such as the lack of skid plates on the tranny and gas tank and that the fit and finish isn't the best. I haven't heard anyone else point out some of these out. I grew up surrounded by mechanics and I'll take a mechanic's opinion over a car reviewer anyday! Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@hajjdawood]

From the factory they have skid plates for the tranny and gas tank. Whoever modified the bronco forgot to put them back on

[@raionshishi8290]

I think this review wasn't the best example for you to have a take away of all Broncos, because this modified Bronco clearly doesn't represent all Broncos since actual factory production Broncos have skid plates EVERYWHERE needed. Plus the modes do actually make a difference, abs system, traction control, horsepower and torque response, transmission shifting, suspension aggressiveness, steering input, shocks, dampers etc. Some of what is mentioned may or may not be effected but there are more than a few here that i have mentioned that do change and matter when changing modes, also the fit and finish again isn't always something that's the case, and of you wanna make sure than just do a quick look at the body before buying. So far i have yet to see any other videos with these issues or even mentioning having issues.

[@TheBibliofilus]

With the title of the previous video, yea this is the right person to let near a new Bronco!

[@throttlewatch4614]

My mother in law ordered a two , I can’t wait to drive it and check it out.

[@bradnoyes7955]

I saw a review where they were bashing it for not having a decorative engine cover... I was like, IT HAS AN ENGINE COVER, it is hinged and painted to match the rest of the body!

[@JC-yt1pm]

Good video I was just starting to look at these again, All those things reminded me of the last Ford's i owned. Swore i would never buy another one. this reminded me why!

[@JoeMama-vj8es]

Exactly. I'll never learn it seems.

[@michiganman4398]

You should do reviews on other new vehicles. These videos would get you a lot of views because you give a great mechanics review on vehicles that other reviewers don’t give.

[@shawnbroyles8274]

I bought a 1973 when I was 17 in 1997 I dont see myself trading it out on one of these every person I know says how cool it would be to have one I think not thanks rich I love how it pissed itself when you got under there!!

[@eightycutty]

I work at a dealership & the doors are a pain to install. There's no pin on the lower hinges to make alignment easier when you try install by yourself. Even with the bags its a fight. Something else to note the front knuckles are hollow which could lead to damage on the trails

[@xwhogafx815]

Please do these types of videos on all vehicles. I really like hearing your opinion. And keep on keeping on 👍

[@tylerseabook9423]

Absolute best review ever. No lies.

[@S550STANG]

I'm genuinely glad I watched this. I was considering getting one by the end of the year. Kinda has me re considering!

[@brandan3776]

I was to up for a trade in a month nd yeah idk to new of a suv for me

[@Cars.or.Cardioversion]

It's great to see flaws and potential issues, but I wouldn't let this video cause you to reconsider; only because you would be hard pressed to find a new vehicle from any manufacturer without similar issues. Like he said, it's the bean-counters that lead to a lot of these decisions.

[@jvepps]

Reconsider just based of it being a new year model. Smart people wait at least a year or two. Id expect a few recalls.

[@Cars.or.Cardioversion]

@@jvepps Agreed. I never buy a vehicle first year of a new model.

[@jessepitt]

Don’t do it!

[@Stahodad]

1:56 Is there a Canadian Winter setting? Freezing rain and unplowed snow covered roads are in my future..lol.

[@jcollins1305]

Who would have thought to look at the bolts holding the push bar on? Great point how they'll collect water and rust, thereby making removal a pain in the neck. Excellent video.

[@user-bq3bf5ev6v]

Great review! Most reviews are like watching a commercial from the manufacture.

[@joesprague1464]

Thank you.Best review yet.

[@mikeaho4143]

Great review which is geared for the user and mechanic. Thanks for sharing.

[@DieselCreek]

Yes!!!! I HATED the jeep wave when I had my wrangler!! Don’t start anymore stupid trends

[@Mick_A_Knuckle]

Hey, cool seeing you here in the comments. How's the old Autocar coming along?

[@jasongarry1330]

Why would you HATE the Jeep wave? Motorcyclists acknowledge each other as well, part of that comradery, at least in my experience is having people stop if you need assistance. I appreciate other people understanding what makes Jeeps such special vehicles. Nobody is forcing you to wave back but whatever makes you happy.

[@nivek2192]

That foil heat shield stuff hold water. My scooter(ford edge) had the power steering return line rot out because the foil wrap help water in. Fun times waking up to a new asphalt driveway covered in power steering fluid

[@sethperry6210]

Love the new car truck reviews with some good perspective- keep them coming!

[@fugudacat]

Drink another beer buddy.... its an aluminum rear gate lol. I am more concerned with it cracking from fatigue (tire and wheel weight) then "rusting"...

[@brandan3776]

Like I always say "they don't make them like they used to" and will never stop saying it lol awesome video deboss

[@DanielJaegerFilms]

They don’t make them like they used to… and that’s a good thing.

[@Robert_H_Diver]

@@DanielJaegerFilms there’s pros and cons to both newer and older vehicles.

[@jackwills8550]

Because it's true, they don't make things like they used too.

[@JOMaMa..]

@@DanielJaegerFilms facts the older vehicles were GIANT turds

[@barrynelson634]

A Canadian worrying about a water drip, from wher🤣ever, AC, whatever, rusting the skid plate! Now that's hilarious!

[@hurtinalbertan8399]

Favourite KZbin channel, hands down. Thank for the content! 👍👍

[@Just_Joe71]

Nice review. I also see where the open ended crash bars will collect water and mud as well. Thankfully they can be removed.

[@joelchils]

People have already snapped tierods.... nice eye spotting that!

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

They will sell like crazy that’s for sure!

[@miguelsouderado3459]

Those walker evans beadlocks look great on that Bronco.

[@dcmooreesq]

Great review. Gives both the bad and the good.

[@LordHelmut780]

Dude you need to do more reviews, its so nice to actually have a blue collar working guy take on a vehicle not like all these influencers

[@100thMkey]

As a man who's partial to Critical reviews, well done.

[@tomcleghorn4005]

Love the honesty

[@PsychobabbleRapp]

I had a 1984 Bronco the same color combo as yours that was the best vehicle I ever had, it would go anywhere in the snow, we use to go out dare the snow to try and stop us, I pushed snow over the hood at times, I miss that unit

[@waynehamilton5248]

I have a Big Bend with the 2.3 /MT. Rides great, gas mileage around town has been just over 20. I have noticed the hood seems to be slightly misaligned. You can tell if you look straight at it using the grill as a straight line, the left side seems to be a tad bit higher. Wish Ford would have pre-wired all models for the uplifted switches (for example). Thanks for the review.

[@Sevalecan]

Might as well remove the door hinge on the back and spray some epoxy primer on there and then get some clear coat over it, protect your investment. As for the trans pan, I believe I see transmission cooler lines. You may be right that the fluid ends up hotter, but to what extent will be determined by the cooling capacity of that trans cooler. One would hope the engineering behind it was done well.

[@joe08867]

Solid review. I like seeing what could go wrong.

[@chloehennessey6813]

That’s what I needed. A no BS review. And no corpo BS shill review. Keep your Richard in a Vice! P.S Isn’t there a Boss 302 version of the Bronco, Mr Rich?

[@FM-ve2kl]

At 2:01 i could swear rich said rust instead of ruts 😂😂😂

[@landonmckeehan5163]

When talking about some of the corrosion issues like the paint on the hinges on the tailgate and the fender where the windshield washer tank runs through; these items are aluminum and will not rust or corrode. Note that the fenders, doors, and tailgate are all aluminum. Also the side steps are not factory equipment. Over fairly good review.

[@lucada8538]

aluminum oxidases, its still a form of corrosion

[@scortsnorbilenterprises401]

The fenders and doors are aluminum on the new boncos. Not saying that's good or bad, but definitely won't rott as bad as steel

[@buddy8225]

I like the Bronco. My cousin put the requested down payment on his. It will be delivered in 18 months. Very popular.❤️😊

[@envsurf]

Love this vid- Makes me wanna get the base and build it up myself

[@xevious2501]

Big subscribe here!.. man i love your review from a mechanics perspective. much like Sandy's reviews. The sort of incite that truly matters. your mentioning things that could save a new buy big time. Just beefing up a few key areas to improve the vehicle overall. wow. keep it up.!

[@ekwebsta]

Love the honesty! Thank you for that.

[@TopHatGent]

a real honest review

[@smallenginedude71]

Awesome review mate. Perfectly honest and realistic. Nice work!!

[@dannyjudge2876]

You are absolutely right about those torques screws, my F150 has torques CV axle bolts and being their location, they rusted to crap. Had to drill them out or use vice grips, put hex bolts in there place.

[@callen6893]

I’ve been a Ford person before I had a license. I’m fine with you doing an honest review of this. I’m actually considering one, but there’s such a back log who knows when it would show.

[@chrisangelov1378]

This is a proper review !

[@jameskocks4734]

im definitely looking forward to the next gen 4runner match up here.

[@williampetsch1244]

Love your truthful reviews. And the measuring for a V8 totally cool