I'll share my $0.02 on Jeep's new "truck".
I've driven a full size 4 door truck daily since 2001.
I've owned a 1993 Jeep Wrangler for 17 years. (my weekend toy)
To me a Jeep is used to get you around places/over things that you can't do with a full size truck. The short wheelbase/steep approach/departure angles allow it to climb over and maneuver in tight places. More "technical" offroad stuff like rockcrawling.
To me a truck is a truck. Big. Roomy. Used to haul people/things. Tow. 4WD used to get you through mud/sand/boat ramps/etc... Places that a sedan can't take you carrying more stuff that will fit in a "car".
To me, the Gladiator is neither a Jeep nor a real truck.
It's small - more of a compact truck. Limited towing (underpowered). Interior room looks cramped - especially the back seat. The bed is small - not alot of room to haul stuff. Approach angle looks OK - Departure angle it terrible. Will be dragging rear bumper if you take it offroad like a Jeep . Seems small to me to use as an "expedition" vehicle. The Gladiator reminds me of the old Ford Explorer "Sport Tracs" except with solid front and rear axles.
Guess I'm not the target market demographic Jeep had in mind...
Having said all that... Jeep will have no problem selling as many as they can produce.... Look at the JK/JL sales. Throw a pickup bed on it and stand back.... People waiting in line and paying sticker price.... It's unique and different.
I've driven a full size 4 door truck daily since 2001.
I've owned a 1993 Jeep Wrangler for 17 years. (my weekend toy)
To me a Jeep is used to get you around places/over things that you can't do with a full size truck. The short wheelbase/steep approach/departure angles allow it to climb over and maneuver in tight places. More "technical" offroad stuff like rockcrawling.
To me a truck is a truck. Big. Roomy. Used to haul people/things. Tow. 4WD used to get you through mud/sand/boat ramps/etc... Places that a sedan can't take you carrying more stuff that will fit in a "car".
To me, the Gladiator is neither a Jeep nor a real truck.
It's small - more of a compact truck. Limited towing (underpowered). Interior room looks cramped - especially the back seat. The bed is small - not alot of room to haul stuff. Approach angle looks OK - Departure angle it terrible. Will be dragging rear bumper if you take it offroad like a Jeep . Seems small to me to use as an "expedition" vehicle. The Gladiator reminds me of the old Ford Explorer "Sport Tracs" except with solid front and rear axles.
Guess I'm not the target market demographic Jeep had in mind...
Having said all that... Jeep will have no problem selling as many as they can produce.... Look at the JK/JL sales. Throw a pickup bed on it and stand back.... People waiting in line and paying sticker price.... It's unique and different.
