If ever there was a perfect vehicle in the perfect color at the perfect time, the Jeep Gladiator was it. The Comanche was out of production, Jeep was juuuuuust introducing the 2004 1/2 Wrangler Unlimited, and the Jeep public was primed and ready for a pickup truck.
Enter Dodge and Ram trucks, who said only THEY could make trucks under the Chrysler umbrella. Let me tell you right here and now so that we’re all on the same page: Ram makes great trucks. Really like the Laramie Long Horn. But … well, because they killed this truck, I’m not a big fan of the division. I’ll walk to another dealership to buy a Ford King Ranch because this rig didn’t go into production. Thanks, Ram.
From Jeep:
Jeep brand vehicles are known for being able to conquer terrain that competitors fear and for a heritage steeped in utility. The Jeep Gladiator concept vehicle rides over boundaries and limits in addition to the terrain and obstacles.
The Gladiator is a lifestyle pickup with all of the rugged functionality of the famed Jeep Wrangler. It is a super utility truck that features an open-air canvas roof, removable doors and fold-down windshield so driver and passengers can get in touch with the outdoors, and an expandable pickup-truck bed and clever storage compartments to offer truly useful cargo capacity.
“Jeep Gladiator is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage that explores what shape and features a modern Jeep pickup might have,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President — Chrysler Group LLC Design.
Jeep enthusiasts will likely recognize the Gladiator name from the 1962 fullsize pickup truck model. Other Jeep elements on today’s Gladiator that blend style and function include the seven-slot grille, an open-air passenger compartment, a Command Trac part-time 4×4 system, front- and rear-locking differentials, a front winch and full skid plates.
While the heritage rings true, Gladiator is also a thoroughly modern pickup, intelligently engineered for an active lifestyle. The Jeep brand has always embodied function in a right-sized vehicle, and the Gladiator continues that theme by offering more utility and storage than would be expected in a vehicle scaled for maneuverability and ease of driving.
Inside, Gladiator is thoroughly contemporary with a utility theme. The color palate includes Armour Green with Dark Slate Gray accents. The seats are weatherproof and the interior is designed for hose-out ease of care. Not surprisingly, Gladiator features all the necessary technology for finding the way there and back including GPS, a navigation system and a communications system.
“This vehicle blends classic cues with contemporary functionality and innovation,” said Creed. “The timeless silhouette — even the bedside-mounted spare of classic Jeep pickups — is merged with a modern chassis, a turbo diesel powertrain and a flexible, expandable truck bed.”
And from the official press release back in 2004:
Auburn Hills, Mich. – The Jeep® Gladiator is a lifestyle pick-up with all the capability of the famed Wrangler. It is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage, featuring the historic box side-mounted spare of past models. Gladiator, the first “Flexible Utility Truck” from Jeep features an open-air canvass top, an expandable truck bed and a stowaway rear seat cushion. And it has an extendable bed that can stretch from 5′ 8″ t0 6′ 8″ to 8′ 11″ in mere seconds.
The Jeep Gladiator. A glimpse of where the brand might go in the near future. Will you be there? General and estimated specifications include:
Vehicle Weight: 4,150 lb (est.)
Length: 205″ (5,207 mm)
Wheelbase: 138.4″ (3,515 mm)
Front Overhang: 28.3″ (718 mm)
Rear Overhang: 38.3″ (974 mm)
Width (MAX): 76.6″ (1,947 mm)
Height: 74.8″ (1,900 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: 65.6″/66.2″
Bed Length: 5′ 8″ (1,725 mm)
(midgate expanded) – 6′ 8″ (2,026 mm)
(expanded w/ tailgate down – minimum) – 8′ 11″ (2,723 mm)
Engine: 2.8L 1-4 Turbo Diesel
Part time 4×4; Manual 5-speed Trans.
Suspension:
Front – Solid Axle w/ 5 bar links
Single coil springs
Rear – Solid Axle w/ 5 bar links
Dual Coilover Springs
Ground Clearance – 13.7″ (348 mm)
Front/Rear Tire Size: 265/75R18″
Wheel Size: 18″ x 8″