Broncophiles have missed the Bronco since it departed in 1996. So, Ford has decided to bring it back, much to the delight of its fans. But, this time Ford is going to capitalize on lessons they learned from Jeep when they bring the Bronco back. Jeep, you know, that other off-road legend, the one with the Wrangler.

Lessons learned from Jeep

The Jeep Wrangler has been around since World War II. It has proved to be a capable off-roader since day one. However, during the decades since its introduction Mopar, FCA’s in-house parts house, along with the aftermarket industry, have made great strides in offering upgrades to the Wrangler and the whole Jeep line. Upgrade options have made it possible for enthusiasts to modify their Jeep to their specific tastes, such as the addition of lift kits, big tires, bikini tops, roof racks, and a plethora of other items. Additionally, there are plenty of Jeep forums, events, and blogs that have developed.

All manufacturers learn from each other. Ford has certainly seen Jeep’s rabid fandom and learned from it. That is what Bronconation.com was born out of – the love of the vehicle, the ability to personalize it, and the opportunity for fans to form community bonds. But this is where things are different. The Bronco community does not have to build this camaraderie over decades, as Jeep did. Ford is making sure that the avenues are already there when the new off-roader launches.

New web community active now

Bronconation.com is live now. The community promises exclusive access to Bronco related news, articles, customer stories, forums, member maps, owner round-ups, events, meet and greets, interactive maps, trail-finder, how-to guides, feature builds, video tutorials, inspiration, apparel, and decals. There is a lot planned for the site. If Jeep enthusiasts are any indication, the new site will also be lovingly embraced by more than just owners, but also by off-road enthusiasts in general. The Bronco is an off-road legend of its own. So, now it will have an online community for enthusiasts to enjoy the new off-road legend.

See the introduction video below.

Dig into the site, and you find this, 

“Welcome to Bronco Nation! We are the first and only nationally recognized and certified Bronco community by Ford Motor Company.”

Here is another interesting note from the site,

“TO US, BRONCO MEANS FREEDOM, HERITAGE, AND GETTING BACK TO THE WILD.

Take your seat in our circle of independent adventurers, enthusiasts, and builders. Here, we celebrate, discuss, and collaborate on all things Bronco. A community dedicated to carrying on a rich off-road legacy, while delivering breaking news and blazing trails for the next generation of the Bronco family.”

RELATED: Reasons Not To Like The 2021 Ford Bronco

Not just for the new Bronco

It is important to note that the website is not solely for the new Bronco. Ford has designed this community to include the entire production run including its beginnings in 1966. 

It does not end there either. Bronco Nation has been launched on different social media platforms as well. They have their own pages on Facebook (The Bronco Nation), Instagram (@thebronconation), and Youtube (The Bronco Nation). No Twitter account is available yet. 

All in all, it looks like Ford is playing the launch of the Bronco smartly. They are not just putting the vehicle out there and waiting for it to catch on and develop into a community of staunch supporters like Jeep did, albeit successfully. Instead, Ford is making sure the community path has been laid for fans to have everything ready for them once they arrive at the party. Bronconation.com is tying it all together for day one.