If they build it, I will buy it! I have never owned a Jeep but I have always owned a truck and don't plan on changing. I love the styling and the diesel engine. I have been waiting for someone to put a diesel engine in a small to mid-size truck. Jeep has a winner here.

i have owned a wrangler's and cherokees and have always wanted a j10 or a commanche but i am getting married and i need the cab space that the gladiator offers it should come to market lock stock and barrel.. with rising fuel prices we need the small diesel for us commuters and weekend handymen but we need a real bed that can handle a backhoe load of mulch or sand. build it and i will buy one ... we should all email DC and show them that this needs to be a model, but maybe DC is afraid of this hurting the prescious dakota (the reason they killed the commanche) - ic

build it I'll buy it.

Did anyone happen to notice, that while looking at the interior pics of the Gladiator, that one of them, the gear shift boot is rubberized, and in another pic, it's leather. Did they make two of them? Go to Jeep.com and look at the pics from the autoshow..weird...

ScramblerKen is right, a Gladiator on the frame of a TJ would be too thin and small..they completely unique platform it sits on now is perfect. Even though the AEV Brute looks awesome, it's still built on a TJ platform and is very narrow and it's box has limited space. The current Gladiator size makes it perfect to compete with mid-size trucks like the Ford Ranger, Mazda B-Series (same thing as a ranger), Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, the GMC Canyon and it's sister truck, the Colorado. Just by what I've seen so far, I'm pretty sure Ford is pretty scared, 'cause it would blow the Explorer Sport Trac out of the water...and it's also a lot more appealing and less expensive than that fugly thing Chevy calls the avalanche...Let me remind you, not many of those trucks (if any) have a bed as long as 8'11". So if they make that Gladiator the way it is, it would actually be ahead of all those guys in terms of bed size. Room for some sheets of plywood, and even a small tool box! GIDDY UP!

While I agree with the production woes that DCX may face if trying to produce this thing, I believe they will make whatever adjustments necessary to thier assembly plants to build it.

Another thought, the pictures of this truck remind me so much of the old Willys pickup. Makes me want to get my butt in gear and start restoring the pair we have rusting in a barn up in Michigan. Maybe I should just wait for the Gladiator to satisfy my needs for a truck! Come on DC throw us a bone here!

Exactly, build it, and I will buy it! I am glad to hear that the dealers are lobbying for it too. It really makes a lot of sense to have a pick up of this size in the Jeep line. But unfortunatly sometimes DC isn't exactly known for their sense. I mean getting rid of the Cherokee and replacing it with a Liberty? Go figure. But...if we are lucky, they will build it, and we will buy it. I am going to start saving now so maybe I can buy one new rather than waiting for a good used one at a good price. I am a broke college girl, what can I say? Let's keep our collective fingers crossed eh?

Jeep will be missing the boat and losing marketshare if they do not build this vehicle. They need something like this to round out there line and keep people coming in the door.

Jeep will be missing the boat and losing marketshare if they do not build this vehicle. They need something like this to round out there line and keep people coming in the door.

Yeah, they should definatly build it. I'd say the best way to go would be to stick with a small diesel (like the one that's in the prototype right now) and have an availble cummins for it with greater towing capacity for those folks with larger loads. Not to mention, as an avid Jeep fan, i gotta say, i'm getting kinda tired of one of my favourite automotive companies only having 3 vehicles in their showroom, 1 of which many people dislike (Yea, the liberty, but i like it) Come on, DC, give the green light...add some variety to Jeep's lonely line...let's see a few more models in the next few years to choose from..

I wonder why the chevy avalanche isn't listed as a
direct competitor, especially as they share the whole
extend-the-bed-into-the-cabin idea. I'd rather have the
Gladiator than the tacky avalanche any day.

here is my comment
I'am going to talk to local Jeep Dealer to lobby for the Gladiator. Jeep needs a P/U in their line and now is the time to build one.

here is my comment

It is laughable, but when the liberty came out I
remember having to cringe every time I heard or read a
press release, because they all said the liberty drew its
inspiration from the Dakar. (long live the XJ)

Would it be great? Yes. Will Jeep build it? No. Why? Because we're talking about Jeep - who NEVER, EVER builds any of the cool concepts they show, despite public acclaim for them.

Instead, the next thing they'll offer us is a TJ replacement that'll be the equivelant of a 1992 Geo Tracker.

Jeep needs Bob Lutz in the WORST way.

This is indeed the truly utilitarian approach that made Jeep famous – the epitome of optimal space use and a functional drive train. The Gladiator could potentially fill the needed slot for a smaller pickup now that Toyota has abandonded the original Tacoma for a larger model; this aspect is especially appealing for those of us that need a true work vehicle that can maneuver is tight quarters. I would certainly hope that DC keeps the utilitarian six-speed manual and diesel option as it translates nicely to the six speed/diesel combination so successful in the Dodge pu. And DC, please retain the simplicity; you can make a city version with automatic everything at some later time.

Would love to see GLADIATOR built. Just remember to keep it simple. We don't all want fancy trucks with lots of plastic and chrome. MAKE IT A JEEP Solid, tough, dependable, and usable for everyday with out having to worry about getting it dirty or breaking it. Dana 60 rear, Dana 44 or 55 or 60 front, nv 4500 trans, atlas II transfer, disc brakes on all conners and minimum 37 inch tires. V8 gas or straight 6 disel.

Without kids where would future Jeep owners come from. My dad bought his first Jeep (CJ-5) when I was three years old. My parents have owned Jeeps ever since, and now that I am out on my own I also own a Jeep. When I have kids they will ride in a Jeep because it is most likely all I will drive.

Also, keep in mind you were a kid at one time.

I saw a video on the Gladiator...totally awesome! I would buy one in a heartbeat...so long as my Rubicon is paid off by the time it comes out...I will keep it and get the truck.

Just make sure they ditch that fold down cab to bed thing...that part is the dumbest idea going these days...like on the Chevy Avalance. I mean really who wants all the crap in the bed blowing on your neck? And your cargo slaming into your seat...or head...that is a suburbanist concept for folks that dont use the bed of a truck, unless they bought a table at the local megastore.

I think there is a market for the Gladiator in it's auto show form. Just look at the responses on this web site alone.

While there may not be as big a market for small and mid-sized trucks I think the Gladiator would hold a unique place in the market. It appeals to Wrangler lovers who need something a little bit more practical (while the Wrangler is an incredible vehicle, it doesn't really work for runs to Home Depot). Don't get me wrong, the Wrangler does open-air and off-road fun better than ANY other vehicle out there.

The Gladiator is practical, utilitarian, off-road capable, and has a classic design that I think could age very well within the Jeep lineup (no need to redesign every five years). It is very reminiscent of the Willys pickups of the 1950's.

I am not sure how the dimensions add up, but perhaps the redesigned (2007) Liberty could ride on the same chassis?

I too like the Gladiator concept, but I doubt Jeep will build it. I do think they will have a pickup truck in their lineup, but not as exotic as the Gladiator. Jeep is a conservative company, not one that takes chances. With DCX at the helm, that adds to the factor of the Gladiator not being produced. The other issue is the Gladiator is a niche pickup truck, not mainstream. For this vehicle to survive, it would need a stable mate that the Gladiator could borrow most of the body and chassis from.

Looking at the past, we were told the Liberty was inspired by the Dakar (4 Door TJ Wrangler). Yeah, they both had a 7 slot grill. If Jeep does produce a pickup, the most in common with the Gladiator will probably be a seven slot grill.

What I think might happen is Jeep would be allowed to use the new Commander platform to produce a pickup truck similar to the Ford Sport-trac. The Commander already shares much from the Grand Cherokee, and technically, it is using a stretched version of the new Grand Cherokee platform. Also note, some of the articles have hinted that if Jeep was to get a pickup truck, it would be a 4 door model, not a ‘club cab’ design like the Gladiator.

Why not use the new Jeep Wrangler platform? It’s too small and too narrow. Additionally, the Wrangler assembly plant probably could not handle the vehicle. Jeep will be busy enough getting the 3 new partners to successfully launch the new 2 and 4 door Wrangler.

Another possibility is DCX letting Jeep have a variation of the Dakota, just like they are doing for Mitsubishi. I hope this does not happen, since I don’t see what the point would be to having a 7-slot grilled Dakota. Sadly the new Jeep Scout will have a Dodge version, and the next-Gen Liberty will have a Dodge cousin as well.

here is my comment

Build it and I'll buy it! NOW!!

I think Jeep needs something like this. The point is a good one, that Jeep has always had a no-nonsense (or nosensewhatsoever, in Liberty's case) approach. The Gladiator makes sense in a company like Jeep. With all the fluffy, whip-cream-on-top pickups around, Jeep should show the SUT market how it's done since it invented Sport Utility in the first place. If you knew nothing of a company other than their marquee vehicle, who would you buy a truck from? A camry maker or a Wrangler maker?

What's so perplexing is that Jeep seems to come up with concept vehicles simply to tease those who are so loyal. Why flaunt a Dakar if you're going to make a Liberty? Are they flaunting the Gladiator with something else in mind? I certainly hope not, it would seem to be a pretty foolish move. Besides, why not take a chance, DC? Companies with supposedly savvy marketing depts have made dumber diecisions (I mean, what's the point of the Lincoln Blackwood, really?). This vehicle could be an excellent seller. I definitely think it should go into production.

Build it and I will buy it.
I have a 97 Wrangler, and 02 Liberty.
I need a truck. It needs to have a 7500 pound tow capacity at least so I can pull a toyhauler or a camper trailer. Getting a little ols for sleeping on the ground in a tent.

Build it and I will buy it.
I have a 97 Wrangler, and 02 Liberty.
I need a truck. It needs to have a 7500 pound tow capacity at least so I can pull a toyhauler or a camper trailer. Getting a little ols for sleeping on the ground in a tent.

I think this is the best looking pick-up truck I've have seen in a long time!! I can't wait for it to be available to me!! I WILL own one of these!! My question is how soon can I be in one of these??

I like the gladiator and hope they build it. I sure would be on the list to buy. I do not like the liberty and jeep lost me as a customer when the cherokee was cancelled.

here is my commenti am a owner of a 1981 jeep scrambler and it is long overdue to have a full size p/u type jeep again i feel if they will build it many truck guys will buy this as something that would fall inbetween a hummer and a reg pickup and i know i will. just make sure and give us a number of power choices a hemi for sure bill wahe

here is my comment
I would buy it because it looks capable of doing things I want to do.

here is my comment
Great idea with Turbo diesel. Just what I'm looking for. Now will they build it?

here is my comment
Hope like hell they build Gladiator P/U. My hobby
is surf fishing and from what I've seen Gladiator
with 4 cylinder Turbo diesel would be awesome. Also the torque 295 ft lbs would pull my small fishing boat easily. Can't wait to see it in showrooms.

I agree wholeheartedly. As a jeep enthusiast for over 40 years and a present owner of a 98 wrangler, a 52 CJ3A and a53 CJ3B, I sure hope a new gladiator is built. The prototype and options revealed are exactly what I'm looking for.

Ever since the Gladiator made it's debut at the Detroit Auto Show we have been bombarded with phone calls from people wanting to know when we are getting it. Jeep dealers and salespeople need to communicate with DCX and let them know how much interest is being generated in this thing. EVERYONE I know says the same thing..."build it and we will buy it." As far as the Liberty not being "inspired" by the Dakar, it also has styling cues based on the Jeepster concept. More accurately, the Liberty is a cross breed of the two with the Dakar influence at the rear of the vehicle. Keep the faith. More Jeep vehicles are on the way. Can you say "Scout"?

http://www.jeep.com/wccsapp/universal/J/index.jsp?appStr=wccs&titleStr=Contact+Jeep&familyStr=brand&franchise=J&actionURL=%2Fwccs%2Fbrand_forms%2Fus%2Fwebform.jsp&promotion=null&category=U

If there is a more appropriate email contact , someone please provide it.

Email Them(or whoever this email contacts): and voice your wishes for the Gladiator to go into production. and cross your fingers

people with children shouldn't own Jeeps...That's why they make R A V 4's and Honda C R V's Jeeps are for independent,single and carefree persons...you wanna haul your no-neck monsters around? BUY A MINIVAN and don't make Jeep make one 'cus all you families complain. The single person needs something to call his/her own!..JON was right on that comment.....! Damn "Disneyfication" of America....what's next??? a Tellitubbie version of the 4dr Wrangler....with a special container in the floor for diapers and toys?...gheeeeeeeessszzhhhhh..get outa here...

I have a '97 Jeep Cherokee with 172,000 miles on it and NEVER a mechanical breakdown.

I want a truck, if they build it with the same toughness and dependability as the cherokee and keep it simple so i can play in the mud and explore the trails i will be among the first in line to buy one.

message to Chrysler..." if you build it...we will buy it"

here is my comment
HURRY! Hurry!

I imagine that Jeep sees a potential market here, but it seems it would be yet another large SUV in an already saturated market -- how many times can that pie be split. And, why should Jeep jump into a market with yet another mid or large-size PU truck? This market is also already saturated. I do, however, see a market for the Gladiator based on the Wrangler platform. Most of the world uses small efficient PUs. Hence, on a world scale, the Gladiator makes perfect sense particularly with its six-speed manual and diesel engine -- 30 MPG should appeal to alot of people. A compact Gladiator epitomizes the truly functional utilitarian approach that made Jeep famous. Moreover, there will be people looking for a compact maneuverable PU now that Toyota has abondoned that market.

here is my comment
The big news is a small/medium truck with 4cylinder turbo diesel. That would be the key to
my interest,check around there aren't any small p/u's with diesel option. (that I'm aware of).

I would like to make an argument for basing the Gladiator on the Wrangler frame. Most of the rest of the world does not drive the land-barges that are so prevalent in NA. Rather, small efficient PUs are more the norm. On a world scale, the Gladiator is potentially well targeted. As for NA, why should Jeep jump into a market with yet another mid-size truck? This market is already saturated. Let's think outside the box -- one of the reasons the Wrangler is successful is simply because of its ability to go where the barges simply can't fit. A compact Gladiator epitomizes the truly functional utilitarian approach that made Jeep famous. Moreover, the Gladiator could potentially fill the compact slot abandoned by Toyota. I believe there is a need for a compact PU as there are many of us who need a vehicle that can maneuver in tight quarters -- for example, as a firefighter, there are times when our type6 wildfire trucks are just too large to negotiate marginal roads/trails and a small HD truck such as the Gladiator would be ideal. I would also hope that DC keeps the utilitarian six speed manual and diesel option -- what other PU could provide near 30 MPG

This truck looks too much like a production vehicle. It's not that far off from what they could produce. And why a concept truck if they aren't thinking of building a truck. I mean the Dakar, looking back on it they basically built a new 4 door Jeep called the Liberty. I know it was not what many were wanting but there was a reason they built that concept. Who knows, the new Wrangler 4 door may be the ultimate result of that Dakar Concept, just a little slow in coming.
I think that Jeep will build a truck of some sort. They almost built the Scrambler TJ but maybe it's a good thing they didn't as we will get even a bigger/better truck.

Everything I've seen indicates that this platform is new,
it's not a dakota platform or another jeep platform. What
if it is the new wrangler platform? Does this mean the
new wrangler will be 10" wider than its predecesser?I
hope so. I hope the wrangler, the 4-door wrangler and
the gladiator are all built on this general plan. I think
the dimensions are just right for a jeep. Also, it seems
like no coincidence to me that we are seeing the truck
version before the 4-door wrangler version. Hummer
did the same thing when they showed their h3 truck
with the stupid nike tires before putting their over priced
h3 cherokee knock off into production.

To me it looks great, but i would definately need to sit in one cuz they look kinda small. Price has to be right as there is much competition now in truck market. If its decked out for a reasonable price and is the size of the titan or f150 im there anything less i'll stick with my wrangler........

I also come from a family of Jeep owners. When my mother was pregnant with me, my father owned a '79 CJ-5. He had to sell it because my mother was getting too big to climb into it. I believe it was because of that occurance that i grew up to love jeeps. My first ever vehicle was an old, beat up '84 CJ-7. I then moved away and transfered the ownership to my dad, who immediately felt nostalgic driving my CJ. A few years later, and he's bought himself his second Jeep. A beautiful, immaculate '93 YJ (4 cyl, 5 spd) It's a beauty. He's already talking about how he'd put a Gladiator in his driveway (and of course, so would I, Jeep could definatly make use of a truck like the Gladdy, anyone who says otherwise, must be happy with the line up only having 3 vehicles to choose from in over the past 10 years) I not only am looking forward to Jeep expanding thier lineup, but soon, i'll be owning my second jeep (TJ) and hopefully the Gladiator aswell. I've been Jeepin' many times, and you won't believe how many of those times i've seen the dads or the moms bringing thier kids on the trail. It's awesome...who do you think the future jeepers are? It's those kids...

Hopefully with a new four door Wrangler everyone will finally get over the Dakar concept not being built.

DONT PAY ANY MIND TO JON. SOME TIMES HE JUST GETS A LITTLE CONFUSED.AFTER TELLING ME ALMOST A YEAR AGO THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME FOR HAVING 3 KIDS AND ITS MY PROBLEM I NEED MORE ROOM THAN WHAT MY GRAND HAS IN IT AND THERE IS NO NEED OR ROOM FOR A FULL SIZE JEEP IN THE LINE UP, I READ ONE OF HIS CURRENT POSTINGS IN WHICH HE SAID HE WOULD BUY A COMMANDER.THAT BEING SAID, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK DC FOR FINALLY GIVING US A TRUCK(EVEN IF IT IS JUST A CONCEPT).I CAN TELL YOU THEY MUST BE READING THEIR EMAILS BECAUSE IVE SENT ENOUGH OF THEM.DC IF YOU BUILD IT I'LL BUY IT.I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THIS TO MY TRUCK COLLECTION(81 J-10 & 87 J-20).THE GLADIATOR WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION TO THE LINE AND ONE STEP CLOSER TO A NEW J SERIES TRUCK! OH AND BY THE WAY SOME OF YOU THAT TOLD ME THERE WAS NO NEED FOR JEEP TO HAVE A TRUCK AND THAT IT WOULD BE POINTLESS, IVE NOTICED YOUR NAMES ATTACHED TO POSTINGS THAT STATE YOU WOULD BUY THIS TRUCK.FOR THE REST OF YOU TRUE JEEP BROTHERS AND SISTERS,KEEP THE FAITH

"I mean the Dakar, looking back on it they basically built a new 4 door Jeep called the Liberty."

The only thing in common between the Liberty and the Dakar is four doors (and the number of slots on the grill). The very idea that there's any similiarity between the Dakar concept and what we got in the Liberty is laughable.

I wanted a Scrambler so bad I could taste it - then German management at DCX gave us the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Make the plopping sound here. Would I spend dough on a Gladiator as pictured with a diesel? You betcha! Will I ever see one? No way! Why? German management. They don't understand what Americans want because they aren't American. They want to tell us what we want - the same way they operate in Germany. I've been living here for the past six years, so I really don't ever expect to see anything inspiring out of Jeep ever again as long as the Germans are running things. Sorry....

I guess i pulled the trigger early as i just purchased a rubi unlimited dec. 31. I love the jeep but to get the gladiator is what i would really have liked. I never thought it would go to production as we all know how DCX is about concepts....oh well i will just enjoy the unlimited let the kinks get worked outta the gladiator and purchase one in a few years.....

Greg,

The bed length on the Gladiator is not as long as you think...here are the specs from Jeep's web site:

Bed Length: 5' 8" (1,725 mm)
(midgate expanded) - 6' 8" (2,026 mm)

(expanded w/ tailgate down - minimum) - 8' 11" (2,723 mm)

You get the 8 feet from opening the mid gate, and dropping the tailgate.

Also, keep in mind one of the excuses the Unlimited TJ pickup truck was not produced was that Dieter stated there is no market for small pickups. A pickup based on the Wrangler would be a small truck, and current trends have most manufacturers dropping their small trucks, or making them larger than previous years.

Once again, I think Jeep will be allowed to have a pickup again in their line, but I doubt it would be as radical as the Gladiator. I hope I'm wrong.

here is my comment ... the jeep pick up will be small and based on the wrangler and not large, at least at first. My reasoning is that the new Dakota has dropped the reg cab from the line up. This gives jeep an oportunity to test the waters for a small jeep truck and fill DC's gap in that market segment. I'm expecting a two door and or a 3 door ext cab like the concept. I wouldn't expect anything off of the Commander frame or anything F-150 size unless this small truck goes extreamly well and DC decideds they want some of the fullsize truck market other than what they get from RAM.

IF JEEP STARTS SELLING THE NEW GLADIATOR, I WILL BE THE FIRST IN LINE.
SR

Here is a video featuring comments by Dieter Zetsche regarding the Jeep Gladiator:

http://www.rockcrawler.com/reviews/jeep/gladiator/naias_2005/gladiator.mpg