here is my comment; If they put the gladiator into production I will certainly buy one, currently we have a grand and a TJ , a crew cab would be the kiddie !

here is my comment I love the look of this truck.If you build it I would buy one . I am not that far from retirement and this would make a great tow vehicle for my motorhome . Please put it in production.

here is my comment

This Thing is a Complete Hit!...If your going to build any mid-size truck...then this the one to build. The Dakota is getting tired, the Ranger is a Ford, Chevy looks like some one rammed a cabbage up its ass, and what else is there but Japanese Junks!

The reason this is a complete hit is that it has the "Spirit" of truck ruggedness and embodies the history of the great Jeep Pickups and Jeeps in general!

Remember Jeep, Daimler/Chrysler...You build trucks/cars for people...not bean-counters and research teams who think they know what people want...they don't!

Human beings do things because of how they think it will make them "Feel", and that is why they will buy this truck; because they like it alot and believe it will make them feel good. Know What? It Will...

This is a "Great Machine" destined to go into automotive history! Don't be Fools...embrace this design and go down in history as the leader of Automotive Design in the 21st Century!

PS. Don't Change a Thing!...Start Production Tomorrow!

here is my comment
I'm in the diesel camp for sure. The 295lbs of torque @ 1800 rpms ain,t to shabby for my use. The
hp is so-so @ 163 hp but it's ok. More then likly
there will be a gas option probably a 3.7 V6. But
that turbo Detroit Diesel will still be going when
the gas motor is junk. My next truck will be the diesel Gladiator if they build it.

PS only if diesel is available.

I am very excited about the introduction of this vehicle. I have always had a fond memory of the Jeep pickups of the past. In addtion I have always wanted to own a Toyota or Nissan pickup from overseas due to the diesel motor. This would combine the Jeep heritage with the diesel motor, along with ingenious featurs. Where do I sign up to own one. I will look forward to its debut.

I don't know who designed this truck but, they certainly nailed it. It is classic right from the concept. Too few vehicles are classic from the get go and this is one. It would be a sound investment to buy two and put one in storage for the next 20 years. Hey, would it be crazy to consider taking over the factory and building it ourselves if they decide not to? Just a joke, don't freak; but, having seen this concept vehicle I don't know if I can live without it. Guess I'll just have to go get counciling if it isn't offered soon. It would be like showing a kid candy and saying no, you can't have any.

Bring on the club cab model and roll em off the line!

From Automotive News (subscription only - may show up on AutoWeek later)
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=51279

Chrysler weighs building Jeep Gladiator
By Rick Kranz
Automotive News / January 17, 2005

DETROIT - The Chrysler group will develop a business case this year to determine if it makes sense to build a Jeep pickup.

The analysis will center around the Jeep Gladiator concept, an extended cab pickup unveiled last week at the Detroit auto show.

Consumer and press reaction will be gauged at the show, said Eric Ridenour, the Chrysler group's executive vice president of product development. If the response is positive, he said, the next step is to see "how you would do it." As part of the business case, Ridenour said, among the questions asked will be "Does this thing look like something that is worthwhile? Is it consistent with the brand? Does it resonate with the customer? Can we sell it and make a good profit? If all those things hold, we tend to go 'yes.' "

The Gladiator concept is 9.9 inches wider and 38 inches longer than the 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Its vehicle platform is not a current one.

The Gladiator concept has an expandable pickup bed. The pickup bed is 4 feet wide and 5 feet, 8 inches long. When open, a midgate door under the rear window expands the cargo space to 6 feet, 8 inches and ultimately to 8 feet, 11 inches with the midgate open into the passenger compartment and the tailgate down.

Speaking of the size of the Gladiator's pickup bed and its expandable qualities, Ridenour said the automaker believes this design would be acceptable to Jeep customers.

"But we are still doing research to make sure," he said. "There are a lot of different trucks in the marketplace, and we think some (beds) are too short." Ridenour did not identify those trucks.

You know, you can pick up alot of clues by what is said and how it said. That article seems to be tipping the cards ever more forward. It is a very
attractive vehicle. I showed it the various shots to my kids (we have a YJ & TJ) and they just loved it.

Another poster on this board wondered if we weren't getting a preview of the new Wrangler in the Gladiator. That was a very perceptive
observation because I think manufacturers value the feedback from shows.

If the Gladiator is indeed the new Wrangler in disguise, and it can be made on the same assembly line (Jeep is dumb not to do that), then we'll see it. And, it will sell like crazy, too, a true hit
right out of the chute.

These are exciting times for Jeep!

It's only missing 1 thing - the 4.0 I-6.
I'd love to see some sort of canvas top that could extend over
the bed too, but I'm sure the aftermarket will jump on that pretty
quick. Maybe a couple of bed mounted seats like the old subarus
had?

here is my comment: build it, build it, build it. I will gladly trade in my Audi to get into this Gladitor. My only question is this--Do they gave the guts to really build it?

If they Built it, I'll buy it! I'll walk right into the dealer and pay CA$H, give them my wife and first born!

here is my comment absolutely love it finally a truck to go to town to farm and ranch hose off go to the club in-real cowboy cool. like the others keep it simply keep it cheap dont wimp it up with fancy factory doodads put out 2 versions bare bones stock and one with a few luxuries-don't make it a yuppy h2/h3 ---think of it in terms of a 67 bronco-tough, primitive, totally cool-dcx cant build it fast enough

I would be sincerely dissapointed if this truck is not built. It is the most attractive truck I've ever seen. I will not be able to rest until I get to buy one.

I like this truck a lot. I presently need a pickup truck and find that the current crop of trucks are too big and inefficient and the more economical small trucks are generally too small. I realize that Toyota has just upsized the Tacoma and I may go that route. However, I've been holding off buying a truck because of all of the Jeep truck rumors floating about. I am a Jeep nut and really want a true Jeep truck. Not some sad, rebadged Dakota. Which by the way DCX is not in any way desierable. It looks like crap. And I would not buy even a slightly revised "jeep version" of this truck.

Personally I think the trend away from the overgrown full sized pickup truck is about to get well underway. Ford, Chevy, Dodge, etc. have all increased the size of thier full size trucks so much that they are not practical for every day use. As fuel costs rise the trend towards slightly smaller full size vehicles will grow and the need for alternative engines such as Diesel will also increase.

I personally have been waiting around to see if Jeep will build such a vehicle as the Gladiator. I want a extended cab, mid-sized truck with an efficient Diesel option. Also since this will be a daily driver having the vehicle be fun and enjoyable is also important. The Gladiator meets all of these needs for me, and more. Also all of my Jeep buddies are all freaking out over this thing. DCX would be stupid in not building this vehicle and they would certainly lament the a decision not to build it at some point in time.

DCX,

Please contact me please and let me know when I can get a deposit to your for one of these. Yes, I'm that serious! I want it and will buy now!

*Drools* I love my XJ, but man, if they ever produced the Gladiator, I'd be right there money in hand. Maybe I should start saving now? Regardless, I am still on my first car, and my first Jeep at the same time, and this would be a logical step up for me. I might even be able to get my snowmobile in that! DCX, if you read this, produce the Gladiator!

This is an excellent move by Jeep. I also have high hopes this vehicle will be produced. Making it an extended cab is perfect..also, making the move towards diesel is excellent. I think it's about time Jeep phazes out the I-6 and moves on to more fuel efficient Diesel engines. The higher compression ratios, higher volumetric efficency (thanks to the turbo), and all the other pluses that come from a diesel make it far better than the non-supercharged I-6. Dont get me wrong, the I-6 was and still is a great engine, but engine technology has changed so much, especially with Diesel. I'm in the market for a truck right now and i'd buy one in a heartbeat. Good job, DC, now you just gotta put it into production.

here is my comment

This is a vehicle that fits all of my needs;
a pickup
an offroader
a nice big sunroof
SFA

I think the exterior and interior look awesome!

Sell one and I'll buy it today.

her i love my new unlimited red with black hardtop

but i would get one of these in thre or four years

without hesitation

As I stated before, if they build it I will buy it.

here is my comment;

Don`t drool too much over it . It might cause them to not build it.

Remember the Dakar concept. You know, the one that made everyone I know begg chrysler to put it in production. Heck even my (a vehicle is to go from point a to point b ) father was interested , wich is not an easy task.

Silently wish for it and it might come thrue.

Keep in mind, extending the bed AND adding the crew cab would make the Gladiator a lot longer. This would cut down on the vehicle's off-road capability. The longer the wheelbase, the lower the breakover angle.

If Jeep was to make the Gladiator bigger, with a crew cab and longer bed, it would compete directly with the Dodge Ram Power Wagon. DCX is most likely not going to create a niche vehicle to compete with another one of their niche vehicles.

Also, the interview with Dieter Zetsche clearly states that Jeep worked a long time to get the proportions right on the vehicle.

here is my comment: love the look and the idea, but the interior is to small, do not ruin it with those tiny rear seats. Make it a two seater, forget the tiny rear seats and come up with something functional, or make it bigger.

I, like most of the responders to the Gladiator concept, would buy one in a heart-beat. This vehicle provides the true Jeep image, and would give customers an alternative to the current boring mid-size pickups that are currently available. My dog was real excited to see a door made just for her. Sadly, I doubt Jeep would be allowed to build such a vehicle for a couple of reasons:

1) The vehicle is only good for a very niche market. As cool as a truck this is, it is so non-plain, very few would be sold to commercial outfits.

2) Jeep has wanted to get back into building trucks again, but DCX has been blocking that path. DCX has viewed Dodge as their truck group, not Jeep.

3) The platform used is similar but probably not the TK platform. Rumor has it that the TK platform will be a couple of inches wider than the TJ, and the Gladiator is around 10 inches wider than the TJ. This is crucial in that to build this niche vehicle, they need a stable mate that can make up the difference in sales to allow a niche vehicle like this to be produced.

Because the TJ/TK Wrangler is too small, the best Jeep could produce is a vehicle similar in size to AEV’s Brute. I think the Brute is an awesome little truck, but a non-extended cab and narrow frame limits the vehicle’s marketability. Having a narrow frame that is very long in length may not meet crash standards. Additionally, Dieter has said there is no market for small pickup trucks, so I doubt Jeep will be allowed to go in this direction.

If feedback on the Gladiator is positive enough, Jeep might get a pickup truck in their line. Instead of the Gladiator, I would not be surprised Jeep gets a truck built off of the Dakota, but not as diverse as the Gladiator. Think of a 7-slot grilled Dakota.

What I could see happen is if the Ford Sport-trac remains successful, Jeep might be allowed to build a similar vehicle off of the Commander platform. Another possibility is building something like the Gladiator off of the Dakota platform. The dimensions of the Gladiator are very close to the Dakota. Sadly, I doubt this would happen. The difference between the Dakota and Gladiator body styles is way too diverse. Look how similar the Mitsubishi Rader looks like the Dakota. The production line for the Dakota would have to be heavily modified to accommodate a vehicle like the Gladiator and regular Dakota.

A third possibility is Jeep building the Rescue and building the Gladiator off of that platform. This is probably our best hope of getting something very close to the Gladiator. I’d love to see Jeep go down this path, but once again, I doubt this will happen. Building the Rescue is a bit risky as this part of the markets future is a bit unclear.

Either way, I still think it is a good idea to let Jeep know how much we like the Gladiator. Who knows, maybe this will become the ‘Prowler’ type of vehicle in the Jeep line. The Gladiator could become a limited production vehicle for Jeep enthusiasts. For a while, Jeep was planning on doing something like this with the AEV Brute, so you never know.

As far as the new TK, I think some styling hints will come from the Gladiator. Typically, what we have in the show rooms now was designed 2-3 years ago, so I think the looks of the TK are already done. What will be interesting to see is what the 4-door TK will look like. Will they use suicide doors like the Toyota FJ concept (which goes into production this year), or will it be more like the TJ Dakar concept.

Changing subjects, I finally have a VIN number assigned to my Rubi Unlimited, and it looks like it will be built in early February. I also am happy to report that something must have changed at DC Customer assistance, or I just got lucky and talked to someone that knows what is going on. In the past, I would get less than friendly assistance, and I felt I was a big burden to the other person on the phone. This time I had a very knowledgeable woman who actually knew what the different build stages meant.

I absolutely love it. I would buy one in a second, plus I will be in need of a new vehicle in the next 2 years or so. I've always wanted a pickup, but I want a Jeep Wrangler also. Well I think it fits both of my needs (or is that wants).

Also just for the heck of it I sent a e-mail to DCX via their Contact Us, CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE link telling them how much I like the Gladiator. And here was their reply
"Thank you for your recent email to DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation
regarding the Jeep Gladiator concept vehicle.

The time and effort you took to communicate your opinion is appreciated. Information of the kind offered in your note is always a welcomed and
important way of getting feedback. It is a help in providing the greatest possible satisfaction for customers. I have fowarded your comments on to our product development team for review."

Not that my 2 cents is worth much more than 2 cents to DCX, but it can't hurt. Maybe if they get enough positive comments we will actually see it.

Like Barry, I,too was previously a ALL GM owner...my family too. But my Mother broke the grain and wanted what?..A Jeep?..Not GM?..hummm...I liked (loved) her Grand Cherokee 4.7 Limited SO much I bought my own '95 YJ and '93 ZJ Limited!..My aunt recently got her '04 Liberty..and well so the family now goes...These Jeeps are GREAT vehicles and VERY reliable..and well This new Gladitor picture of an actual,not composite CG pix makes it even MORE Appealing...Great Jeep Great Truck!...

I would order one of these today if it was avaiable. I have real high hopes they produce this truck. I think the size of this truck is important as if it was too small it would be useless a truck. The fact is can haul 4X8 material is key for this to be sucessful. The Scrambler is not big enough to be considered a truck and would not have sold well. I think the next generation Ford Explorer Sport-Trac is going to have a roll down real window with a fold down seat. The Gladiator would be the best of both worlds, a great 4X4 like a Wrangler with the day to day usefullness as a truck. Alot of people could justify buying one of these for their daily driver unlike a Wrangler that is not real practical for most to own if it's your only vehicle.

REmovable doors? Fold down windsheild? Canvas roof?
This sure is a roundabout way of saying were sorry
about the Dakar, but obviously we'll be producing it
soon, when we see the response to the Gladiator.
Skrambler Ken, you should be happy!

here is my comment

I would order one today! I bet they won't build it!

Awesome but...... crew cab!!! crew cab!!!!!!!

here is my commentThis thing rules, BUILD IT NOW!

Jeep, Get your head out of you tail and can the compass/scout garbage. Make this truck. The only problem is the space for the 2nd row. My kids are getting bigger and we need something to get us to and from the beach. Have your style crew do a little more on the bed to make it more like the bed on the old Gladiator (similar to the one on the Brute which you failed to make too). Jeeps are on/off road vehicles made for people who spend a lot of time outside, Rhino line the interior of the Gladiator so we can hose out the mud and sand!

here is my comment I want one! Nothing else lets get them to make it!

I never have been a Jeep guy,not my thing.I have always owned small trucks but nothing out there appeals to me,that is why I am still driving my 93 Mazda.I would buy a Gladiator today,it seems like it has everything I would want in a truck,and I really like the diesel.Its awesome!!

here is my comment

I love it
I'll buy it now
make the Gladiator

I traded in the ole Dakota on a new diesel Jeep Liberty. The dealer told me that they expect to begin selling that cool little Gladiator truck in 2006. Too bad my Dakota was suffering from near term terminal illness or I may have waited one more year and got the truck.........I really do like the Liberty though.

About double the gas mileage and a long warranty ahead.

I guess I can't be Dakotaman anymore!

here is my comment I am 42 y/o, have 5 kids and am on my 8th Jeep. My first car was a Jeep, my wife chose to be driven to the hospital in a Jeep X3 to give birth. I have most publications on Jeeps. You might even think that I like Jeeps but, we have just had enough of this really bad gas milage. Jeep really needs to get with it and make the Gladiator so we can once again afford to go 4 wheeling and make the round trip without having to take out a 2nd mortgage!!!!!

Oops,....I meant Jeep Comanche and not Jeepster

In 1993 I bought a 4X4 Dodge Dakota. My Dakota now has many miles on it and is dying. I need a replacement now. The Jeepster truck had been retired about the time I bought my Dakota or I would have bought one.

The Gladiator looks exactly like what I have been wanting. Why isn't it for sale now? I need a new four wheel drive truck now.

Gosh Darn that truck looks pretty. They'd be durn stupid if they don't build it.

Wow! I mean WOW! Ford man myself but this would make wana have one. Build it and lets see if its JEEP... Better let Ford build it. 8-)

...Mike

The styling is a bit disappointing with the stand out hinges, bolt on mirrors, small rear windows, and tiny fog lights. It's like they wanted a cool vehicle to stand out from other trucks and made some bold additions that don't really work well together in an attempt to achive a cool retro look like Ford did with the new Mustang. The AEV Brute is a far more sexy IMHO.

But beauty is only skin deep. It's not ugly enough to prevent me from lusting for one. After my wife bought a '03 Rubicon I swore I'd never buy spend that kind of money to get another brand new vehicle. Then Jeep goes and shows off exactly what I'll be looking for in a couple years. Reasonable fuel economy for me to use as my daily driver, great off road ability to get to great camping spots, room for other passangers, room to haul stuff, presumably great after market support should I decide I need to enhance its off road ability, lots of power... It's got everything! If they build this I'll be the first guy in town to own a 07 model (hopefully 'Rubicon' edition)!

AEV Brute photographs:
http://www.aev-conversions.com/Gallery_Brute.html

Hey folks. Why not a 3.7 magnum power for this vehicle. We do not need another underpowered jeep in this world. I know, I have one and had two. Both were anemic gas hogs.

here is my comment
We're for most part agreed if they build it, it should sell. The diesel in a Jeep P/U makes it awesome in my book. Now will they build is the question.

Buid it. I'll buy it.

build it keep it cheap. keep it plain. dont put gadets in it. keep the manual transmission in it. put manual lock out hubs on it. put opening vent windows in the front doors. paint it OD green. make it a real mans off road viechle. do it now.. My 86 ford ranger is getting tired. It is almost perfect. v6, 5 speed, king cab, positraction, manual hubs, vent windows in doors 4 wheel drive. 24mpg on hiway.

What a fantastic, gorgeous vehicle! The whole
world loves a Jeep that looks like a Jeep!I pray
that DC decides to build the Gladiator and the
Rescue as a whole new dual line based upon
the same common platform.

It seems natural that the 2-door (really 3-door)
Gladiator coupled with the 4-door Rescue
would be tremendously successful
out here in the Rocky Mountain region.

I'd buy one of each.

Don't let the Gladiator transmorgrify into a
frustrating dead-end as what happened to the
Dakar. Build it DC! Build the Gladiator! Sales
will go insane out here in the Rockies.

here is my comment
Just build it. It will sell. Would like one in my driveway next to my wife's 2004 Sahara.

here is my comment
Just build it!!!!!!!!!!!

As much as I like the Gladiator concept, when it comes to actually buying a small truck, it's problematic to buy one, even a Jeep, with that small of a back row of seats. If I buy a pickup, I may want to keep it for 15 years. I question how much water will end up leaking in via that movable back. While I'm at, do we need another pickup truck with a 5'6" bed? I don't. I want at least a 6'8" bed, without any funny sliding back end cabs. What I want is a longer Jeep pickup, with a real crewcab, a real 6'8" or even 8' bed without sliding mechanisms.

So, make it longer, with a real crewcab. Even if you have to take a DaK platform and rework the front end to have sfa on it.

Please... I believe the earlier poster was correct when they said this vehicle would sell to a niche market... why I believe this is true is because when it comes to buying a truck, it's a much easier justification if momma can comfortably fit the kids in the back when you drive on the weekend... and you know how helpful momma can be when you're trying to buy a new truck. And I don't mean your mother :-) And when you can't fit your ATV or dirt bike in the bed wihtout leaving the tailgate down, it just doesn't work. If I want to settle for that, I might just as well settle for that Honda SLUT pickup... NOT!

can be easily redesigned into a four door family wagon (like Dark...)?

here is my comment: I've always been a strict General Motors fan and always will be but, The Jeep Gladiator, if produced, would be my first non-General Motors owned vehicle. I've been waiting for the H3 to come out but after seeing The Gladiator Jeep I'm not sure I can resist, the deciding factors will depend on price and horsepower.
Regards,
Barry

Amazing what a Jeep grill will do for my impression of a vehicle. I have an admittedly unjustified dislike of pickups but I like this thing. Perhaps my view is skewed as a Jeep lover. But I'll agree, it's much more practical than the Wrangler with it's hauling capacity. I also think that (assuming it's produced) we'll see aftermarket accesories. I like it.

I drooled all over my shirt! When can I get one? And a turbo diesel hooked to a manual speed, lockers f&r, hoseout interior. Flexible bed. This is just too cool. And 34 inch tires from the factory! You could actually drive from the showroom to the trail. I want it and I want it now.

i want it, i want it, i want it i want it i want it,......
and so do most off my friends.

theres only one

The moment I read about the Gladiator in my 4-Wheel Drive magazine,and saw the picture I was hooked. I absolutly love the concept!! If Jeep were to make the Gladiator I would definatly want to buy it.

here is my commentBetween my sons and myself we have a Wrangler, Cherokee , and a Grand Cherokee. I also drive a Dodge Ram pick up which i would gladly trade in on the Gladiator! It would make a nice addition to our stable of Jeeps!