The New Jeep Gladiator?

Seems like every 4x4 magizine has a cover article or feature regarding the Gladiator. I have to admit I'm not as star struck by this new model and I wondering if I should be . . .

Its the other Jeep concept I was excited about (picture #2). The new Gladiator just seems kinda bland and boring to me.

 

I was actually pricing out a new "gladiator" this morning. I guess the price could be worse but if it were a 2 door, diesel, and manual, I would probably see about pulling the trigger on one but it's
hard to see myself owning something newer than the 90's. I personally don't like all the electronic gadgetry. Too much to go wrong and replacing it would be costly. I'll stick with my old junk for now.
I like the bruiser conversions...

 

Diesel and manual would have me excited. These look alright and have a lot of features if you're into that. It's still a lot more interesting than a Tacoma to me, especially with the solid front axle. Toyota has been keeping the goods (cough cough 70 series) far away from the United States, or it could be our regulations.

The really modern stuff has too much plastic and electronics for me though. The numbers (power, fuel economy, etc.) are good but I don't like giving up things like character, durability, simplicity, and longevity to achieve them. It's all about finding your priorities and the happy medium.

 

My predictions: The Gladiator is going to sell like hotcakes for about 2 years. Then the sales will slide rapidly and level off at less than half of the first year demand. I think this is going to be a real niche product. Remember not to many years ago the big 3 killed all of their compact/medium pickups because they couldn't sell enough.

Reasons:

1. There is definitely some pent up demand, and this will be an easy choice for someone who wants a small crew cab truck but also likes jeeps. so the first two years will be spent meeting this market.
2. People who want to use it as a truck won't be interested in the puny bed, and will be better served by one of the other mid-size trucks. And those other trucks will be significantly cheaper
3. People who buy this as a fashion statement will quickly tire of driving a vehicle that is 2.5 feet longer than a Wrangler Unlimited

 

but if I had $45k to spend on a toy truck, this would be a serious contender

 

I like the 2-door concept Gladiator they had at Moab, it was light blue.

But then again, I decided to make my own.....

 

Agreed! If I were going to purchase a new Jeep pickup it would be the J6 that you're referring to.

 

I wonder why they showcase sweet rigs at MOAB, and then they do to not put the most popular (crowd favorite) models into production. Like I said, I've been eyeing new Jeep models for some time, but then they come out with models like the Gladiator (in its current configuration) and I'm like

 

Does any mind that it's a Fiat ? I do. Fix It Again Tony................

 

Yeah. We all know Jeep has changed ownership over the years but it seems FIAT taking up the banner is a new low.
Scratch that, it’s not Chinese owned is it?

 

Fiat could be ? Or maybe KRAFT Foods !!!!!! Who really knows in Global Big Business these days ????

 

Careful what you wish for Lockman, lol.

 

It's sad to say it based on Fiat's prior reputation, but from what I've heard, the modern jeeps have only gotten better under their ownership. What does that say about Daimler? Honestly though, I dont think people had the best things to say about AMC either

 

I think it is time to admit that us guys in the jeep fan base can be a bit on the contrarian side. We wanted a long wheel base jeep, but hated the unlimited, we wanted a pickup but we hate the cab/bed configuration, and if we ever get a V8 back, it will without a doubt be the wrong V8. We are tough to please, which is why we always end up building our own

 

Also, as long as we are drooling over concepts.....

 

Wasn't wish'n, IRQVET.................Just a possible observation from my Forward Post !

 

I was all hot about a gladiator, went to the local jeep dealer and built one. There are a few cheesy things I don't like about the gladiator, mainly the aluminum steering knuckles and how there is no paint under the cab and bed. They will be the biggest rot boxes of the decade. Now I am waiting for the Ford Bronco to come out. If it looks more like a 60's one and is solid front axle, I'd probably get that instead. I heard straight from people in the know that it is supposed to compete directly with jeep wranglers.

I just hope the bronco doesn't end up like the ranger and chevy blazer.

 

there has been only one jeep concept that caught my eye
but it was never met to be built


the 4 door wrangler pick up was selling when they first hit the lot . now I think it's more of if / want
you can get a better pick up in same price range

 

No kidding, is the bed galvanized or aluminum? If the bed is mild steel, and its not coated, the Gladiator will be the todays version of the Scouts as far as rust goes . . .