Discussion: Does pink belong on an off-roader?

Unicorn

I collect those stickers LOL... 1/2 of my top drawer of my rollaway is filled with stickers dating back to 1989.... Prior to that I tossed them. Figure someday it will be fun to go back and look and see how many are still in business.... They are never shown to anyone so... be honest I do not know why I collect them. It is just a habit.

OrangecrushBronco

Like you I collect stickers/patches for my own cartopia junk drawer of brands I use and support. It is a bit crazy to see what some of the vintage car/race stickers can go for online. It can be tempting to sell them so I stopped looking.

Laura

It's not too late! I even got a really clean '89 MJ in '24 from Oklahoma. Not a speck of rust.

Unicorn

I always find it funny to see people pay for accessories and then willingly put a sticker on their vehicle to advertise for the company that they just paid...

JoergH

Do you know the story behind the ducks? I'm curious how many people do ...

MWNew

All I know is Jeep owners leave them on other Jeeps if they like that person's Jeep. Is there more to the Jeep Duck thing?

JoergH

Quick context on the Jeep duck thing, since it keeps coming up.

It actually started during COVID, not as some social media trend. The woman who kicked it off, Allison Parliament, had a pretty negative, uncomfortable interaction with a stranger in a parking lot. Nothing viral or dramatic—just one of those hostile moments that hits harder when everyone was already stressed, isolated, and on edge.

Instead of letting that moment define her day, she decided to flip it and do something small and positive. She had rubber ducks in her Jeep and left one on another Jeep with a simple “nice Jeep” note. That’s it. No branding, no rules, no expectations.

It spread because people liked the idea of a random, low-effort act of kindness during a rough time—not because it was about mods, trail cred, or attention.

Personally, ducks aren’t my thing and I don’t think they really belong in Bronco culture—but if someone enjoys it, cool. Just worth knowing it started as a genuine, human response to a bad moment, not influencer nonsense.

Context matters. You can respect the origin without needing to participate.

MWNew

Many thanks for sharing.. I had no idea.

Also, didn't realize there is a Jeep Wave. Rented a Jeep and every other person driving a Jeep kept waving..

Do B owner have anything similiar? Most of the time other B owners just flat out stop and speak.. Works for me.

Jakob1972

I just like that the Bronco brings people together. Just today we parked behind a desert Sand Sport to eat lunch. And the guy getting out of the sport the same time we were says nice rig. We responded yours too and love the color.
I don’t care what people do with there Broncos if they want to spend their money on it that is their business. I even think if you want to make it a 4 wheel drive street monster like Chip Foose did I’m all for it. https://fordauthority.com/2021/03/chip-foose-draws-2021-ford-bronco-street-rod-for-fun-video/
As long as folks are enjoying their vehicles and not doing stupid stuff in it. I say to each their own. And yes I would drive a pink Bronco I have seen a couple of cool wrapped pink Bronco builds.

JoergH

Quick context on the Jeep duck thing, since it keeps coming up.

It actually started during COVID, not as some social media trend. The woman who kicked it off, Allison Parliament, had a pretty negative, uncomfortable interaction with a stranger in a parking lot. Nothing viral or dramatic—just one of those hostile moments that hits harder when everyone was already stressed, isolated, and on edge.

Instead of letting that moment define her day, she decided to flip it and do something small and positive. She had rubber ducks in her Jeep and left one on another Jeep with a simple “nice Jeep” note. That’s it. No branding, no rules, no expectations.

It spread because people liked the idea of a random, low-effort act of kindness during a rough time—not because it was about mods, trail cred, or attention.

Personally, ducks aren’t my thing and I don’t think they really belong in Bronco culture—but if someone enjoys it, cool. Just worth knowing it started as a genuine, human response to a bad moment, not influencer nonsense.

Context matters. You can respect the origin without needing to participate.

MWNew

All I know is Jeep owners leave them on other Jeeps if they like that person's Jeep. Is there more to the Jeep Duck thing?

MWNew

Many thanks for sharing.. I had no idea.

Also, didn't realize there is a Jeep Wave. Rented a Jeep and every other person driving a Jeep kept waving..

Do B owners have or do anything similiar? Most of the time other B owners just flat out stop and speak.. Works for me.

Laura

When Ford brought back Bronco, the goal was to get people outside and off-road in an SUV that could handle the wild. The 2020 press release introduced a younger audience to the history of the legendary vehicle and reminded Gen 1-5 owners of the power and fun the 4x4s provided for decades:

“Bronco gave rise to the fun and versatile off-road SUV in 1966, becoming the first enjoyable sport utility vehicle for those who wanted to live, work and play outdoors,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer. “Like the original, the all-new Bronco family is engineered to take you to epic places, with capability to deliver confidence on any type of terrain.”

“Bronco delivers on the common thread desired by enthusiasts – authenticity,” said Mark Grueber, Ford U.S. consumer marketing manager at the time of the release. “Building Bronco as Ford’s distinct outdoor brand includes a unique network of experiences, community and engagement that extends far beyond ownership of Bronco and Bronco Sport models.”

Bronco’s defining outdoor-focused features were later revealed to include a transfer case, available locking differentials, bash plates, and underbody protection, and fun-to-get-dirty and easy-to-clean materials. Enthusiasts had no doubt that this vehicle was tough and made to be used.

It was also created to be modular, from the Accessory Ready points to the heavy-duty bumpers, top options, and more, with the goal of letting you make your Bronco your own.

Fast Forward to Deliveries and the Present
This is where it gets interesting: People began modifying and accessorizing their vehicles in a way you wouldn’t. Tune into any forum, subreddit, or Facebook group, and you’ll see people removing trail sights, adding low-profile tires and big rims, or doing a spare tire delete.

While some owners don’t see the purpose of turning a 4x4 into a street-only vehicle, others say they bought it, let them do what they want, whether that’s softening the look or never letting it touch dirt.

So, the question is, does the Bronco brand only equal “rugged” in your mind, or can share space with a floral-wrapped Bronco that may never leave the pavement –– or one that does?

What appearance choices do you think go too far on a Bronco? What takes away from that highly capable and durable aesthetic? Is it graphics? Colors? A factory special edition collab?

Should Broncos be saved for the off-roaders or outdoorsy owners who want to make use of the 4-wheel-drive benefits, or are they equally at home in the driveways of people who want in on their cool looks and open-air concept, who may or may not get that the knobby tire sounds, trail drives, and washable interiors are part of the fun? Do brightly colored, fun Broncos belong around campfires and on the toughest Moab trails, or should they look like they blend in with nature?

If the Bronco world becomes flooded with grumpy bumpers and sparkly accessories, driven by owners who might not align with the original values and intent, or trims are introduced that don't match your idea of Bronco, does the brand lose some worth to you? What will make you leave the brand, or are you in it for life, no matter what other owners do or Ford releases from factory?

Rendator

What's more important — the brand positioning/perception or the mission behind the brand?

Today, though, it’s fair to ask whether Bronco represents a true mission — or whether it has become primarily a branding exercise.

Brand perception is a long game. It takes years to build, and it evolves through owners just as much as through marketing. At the same time, a genuine relationship with nature doesn’t come from advertising. It comes from childhood, from parents, and from the environment we grow up in. These two forces — brand building and personal upbringing — are largely separate.

But modern life complicates things. Technology keeps young people at home, social circles shrink, and outdoor experiences fade. That’s why any expansion of Bronco’s audience can actually be beneficial. Even if someone buys a Bronco mainly for the “look,” it can still plant a seed. A stylish driveway purchase might one day turn into a first trail ride — and that moment can spark a new connection with nature.

In the end, maybe it’s not a conflict between brand and mission. The broader the Bronco community becomes, the more chances there are that some owners discover the real purpose behind the vehicle: freedom, nature, and adventure.

Laura

When Ford brought back Bronco, the goal was to get people outside and off-road in an SUV that could handle the wild. The 2020 press release introduced a younger audience to the history of the legendary vehicle and reminded Gen 1-5 owners of the power and fun the 4x4s provided for decades:

“Bronco gave rise to the fun and versatile off-road SUV in 1966, becoming the first enjoyable sport utility vehicle for those who wanted to live, work and play outdoors,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer. “Like the original, the all-new Bronco family is engineered to take you to epic places, with capability to deliver confidence on any type of terrain.”

“Bronco delivers on the common thread desired by enthusiasts – authenticity,” said Mark Grueber, Ford U.S. consumer marketing manager at the time of the release. “Building Bronco as Ford’s distinct outdoor brand includes a unique network of experiences, community and engagement that extends far beyond ownership of Bronco and Bronco Sport models.”

Bronco’s defining outdoor-focused features were later revealed to include a transfer case, available locking differentials, bash plates, and underbody protection, and fun-to-get-dirty and easy-to-clean materials. Enthusiasts had no doubt that this vehicle was tough and made to be used.

It was also created to be modular, from the Accessory Ready points to the heavy-duty bumpers, top options, and more, with the goal of letting you make your Bronco your own.

Fast Forward to Deliveries and the Present
This is where it gets interesting: People began modifying and accessorizing their vehicles in a way you wouldn’t. Tune into any forum, subreddit, or Facebook group, and you’ll see people removing trail sights, adding low-profile tires and big rims, or doing a spare tire delete.

While some owners don’t see the purpose of turning a 4x4 into a street-only vehicle, others say they bought it, let them do what they want, whether that’s softening the look or never letting it touch dirt.

So, the question is, does the Bronco brand only equal “rugged” in your mind, or can share space with a floral-wrapped Bronco that may never leave the pavement –– or one that does?

What appearance choices do you think go too far on a Bronco? What takes away from that highly capable and durable aesthetic? Is it graphics? Colors? A factory special edition collab?

Should Broncos be saved for the off-roaders or outdoorsy owners who want to make use of the 4-wheel-drive benefits, or are they equally at home in the driveways of people who want in on their cool looks and open-air concept, who may or may not get that the knobby tire sounds, trail drives, and washable interiors are part of the fun? Do brightly colored, fun Broncos belong around campfires and on the toughest Moab trails, or should they look like they blend in with nature?

If the Bronco world becomes flooded with grumpy bumpers and sparkly accessories, driven by owners who might not align with the original values and intent, or trims are introduced that don't match your idea of Bronco, does the brand lose some worth to you? What will make you leave the brand, or are you in it for life, no matter what other owners do or Ford releases from factory?

Laura

When Ford brought back Bronco, the goal was to get people outside and off-road in an SUV that could handle the wild. The 2020 press release introduced a younger audience to the history of the legendary vehicle and reminded Gen 1-5 owners of the power and fun the 4x4s provided for decades:

“Bronco gave rise to the fun and versatile off-road SUV in 1966, becoming the first enjoyable sport utility vehicle for those who wanted to live, work and play outdoors,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer. “Like the original, the all-new Bronco family is engineered to take you to epic places, with capability to deliver confidence on any type of terrain.”

“Bronco delivers on the common thread desired by enthusiasts – authenticity,” said Mark Grueber, Ford U.S. consumer marketing manager at the time of the release. “Building Bronco as Ford’s distinct outdoor brand includes a unique network of experiences, community and engagement that extends far beyond ownership of Bronco and Bronco Sport models.”

Bronco’s defining outdoor-focused features were later revealed to include a transfer case, available locking differentials, bash plates, and underbody protection, and fun-to-get-dirty and easy-to-clean materials. Enthusiasts had no doubt that this vehicle was tough and made to be used.

It was also created to be modular, from the Accessory Ready points to the heavy-duty bumpers, top options, and more, with the goal of letting you make your Bronco your own.

Fast Forward to Deliveries and the Present
This is where it gets interesting: People began modifying and accessorizing their vehicles in a way you wouldn’t. Tune into any forum, subreddit, or Facebook group, and you’ll see people removing trail sights, adding low-profile tires and big rims, or doing a spare tire delete.

While some owners don’t see the purpose of turning a 4x4 into a street-only vehicle, others say they bought it, let them do what they want, whether that’s softening the look or never letting it touch dirt.

So, the question is, does the Bronco brand only equal “rugged” in your mind, or can share space with a floral-wrapped Bronco that may never leave the pavement –– or one that does?

What appearance choices do you think go too far on a Bronco? What takes away from that highly capable and durable aesthetic? Is it graphics? Colors? A factory special edition collab?

Should Broncos be saved for the off-roaders or outdoorsy owners who want to make use of the 4-wheel-drive benefits, or are they equally at home in the driveways of people who want in on their cool looks and open-air concept, who may or may not get that the knobby tire sounds, trail drives, and washable interiors are part of the fun? Do brightly colored, fun Broncos belong around campfires and on the toughest Moab trails, or should they look like they blend in with nature?

If the Bronco world becomes flooded with grumpy bumpers and sparkly accessories, driven by owners who might not align with the original values and intent, or trims are introduced that don't match your idea of Bronco, does the brand lose some worth to you? What will make you leave the brand, or are you in it for life, no matter what other owners do or Ford releases from factory?

Jakob1972

Sometimes branding can pigeonhole a vehicle. Keeping it from evolving or even updating. I spent several hours while I was getting some suspension work done Friday, talking with the owner about off roading, overlanding, and vehicles. I was shocked that this guy that makes his living off of modifying Jeeps his shop is one of the premier 392 swap shops for jeeps and Gladiators. And he says the Jeep wrangler and Gladiators are really crappy vehicles (his words) they are way behind on technology and are stuck in the past because they will not evolve. He was saying those two models would be cancelled if they were under any other brand name. We had a long discussion about why they are set in their ways and what they could do to upgrade. He feels that they will move wranglers to an IFS on the Sahara and base models and only option the solid axel for the Rubicon. If they don’t at least take that step the brand might die altogether. Again his thoughts but it got me thinking.