THE vintage Ford Bronco is set to make a comeback with a colorful new design an retro steel wheels – but drivers are braced for a massive price tag.
Ford is offering a redesigned version of the iconic model, inspired by its heyday look.
The new Ford Bronco will be available in a gorgeous retro spec[/caption]
The Free Wheeling design features a ’70s-style sunset paint job[/caption]
The vibrant color scheme is mirrored inside[/caption]
The Ford Bronco made its debut in 1965 and was one of the most popular SUVs on the market before it was discontinued in 1996.
The model itself was brought back in 2021 after almost a quarter of a century and has gained a bit of a cult following.
Now though, the brand is resurrecting the Free Wheeling styling package, which it offered on the Bronco, as well as models like the F-150, back in the ’70s and ’80s.
It will now be available on the base-level Bronco Big Bend from the 2025 model year.
The most striking element of the new trim is the sunset-colored decals emblazoned on the doors.
How to spot add-on fees at the dealership
The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on dealerships that charge buyers unfairly.
However, as many transactions aren’t spotted due to electronically signed documents, many added-on fees aren’t spotted. Here’s how the agency says you can spot them.
- Demand a physical copy of the sales contract or invoice, and read it carefully. Customers aren’t required to pay for add-ons they don’t want, like nitrogen-filled tires, paint protectant, wheel and tire insurance, etc.
- Be sure you understand the total cost, not just the monthly. Make sure the total cost is in writing so you can get an idea of how other fees play into the monthly fee. If it’s different from what you originally agreed on, the dealer may be adding fees.
- Explore your options for financing. First, check with your bank, as they can give better rates on auto loans depending on your credit. Bring a hard copy of your preapproval notice to entice the dealer to meet or beat those terms.
- If you’ve been charged illegally, the FTC encourages you to report it.
Source: FTC
Stripes of deep red and amber give way to vibrant yellow, lending the design a real retro vibe.
At the front, the model name is stamped on the grille in large red letters, while body-matched handles blend seamlessly into the paintwork.
The standard trim also comes with a real vintage favourite – a set of 17″ steel wheels that were beloved on the original model.
However, these are traded out for machined alloys when you opt for the Free Wheeling version of the off-roading Sasquatch spec.
Inside, the black leather seats also boast a section of the sunset pattern matched to red accents on the dash and grab handles.
One headline-grabbing aspect of the new setup is the ability to choose from a trio of different roof styles.
Owners can go for the usual soft-top, a removable hard-top in similarly bright color or a painted Shadow Black fixed version.
The 2025 Bronco will be available to order from January.
Pricing is not confirmed for the Free Wheeling trim but the Big Bend is expected to clock in at around $42,000.
Steve Gilmore, Ford Vehicle Personalization chief designer, said: “Bronco has always been about fun and capability since day one and Free Wheeling’s looks kick that up a notch with its sunset-inspired beach vibes.
“We’ve modernized the new Bronco Free Wheeling in line with today’s fashion and graphic trends, including seats that mimic the color palette of the exterior stripes and unique pops of color that come together in an optimistic way.”
Even the dashboard has colored accents[/caption]
The Bronco has gained a cult following since it came back in 2021[/caption]
Prices are expected to top $42,000[/caption]
