Last year the Gladiator was heralded to be the next best thing since sliced bread, and it hit the market and has sold in less than stellar numbers ...not bad numbers, but less than stellar. Stellar being 20,000 units a month the Tacoma sells. The Gladiator simply was never the vehicle that FCA executives claimed it was going to be.
Now Ford has finally brought the Bronco to market, and named the Wrangler as the target it will capture marketshare from.
That is a joke.
As well received as the Bronco will be, it simply will not phase the Wrangler ...here's why:
1. It isn't a Jeep. That encompasses an entire culture, owner groups, clubs and families. You can only be in that click with one thing ..you guessed it..only in a jeep.
2. It appeals to different buyers. The Bronco will be more in the high end specialty vehicle owner category ..like the Raptor , Cobra, and similar vehicles. It will have some prestige.
3. The top that is removable doesn't remove easily..it will be removed once then never again by some , and many will fear to create leaks , and never remove it . The Wrangler has more top options than about every convertible on the market combined.
Am I saying it will be a failure? Absolutely not.
Ford is doing a very good job with this type vehicle, and the Bronco has been long awaited. Ford is making some exciting vehicles.
The 392 Rubicon is not the answer to the Bronco...it's the answer to underpowered 3.6 JLU Wrangler.
I love Fords , but the possibility of a V8 JLU is a far bigger announcement than the Bronco. It very well may stand the Jeep world on its head.
I will tell you this ...if it gets produced , it will be the fastest selling debut we may ever see.
I am happy to see such a beloved vehicle as the Bronco return. I wish it had never left.
And it very well may help usher in one of the biggest changes in Wrangler development we may ever see... Something also equestrian badly needed...ponies