Jeep enthusiasts love the brand thanks to its iconic, powerful, and advanced vehicles, such as the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. However, when comparing all of their products, their most unique automobile to date is undoubtedly the Gladiator. It is one of the best off-roading pickup trucks on the automotive market, and the new 2023 model continues this legacy. Many people don’t know that the Gladiator line was non-existent for decades, making its revival in 2019 all the more exciting. Read on to learn more about the different eras of the Jeep Gladiator.
The First Gladiators
The company released the first line of Jeep Gladiators in 1962 as a work and utility pickup truck. There were a surprisingly large number of configurations for this model, including the narrow box, wide box, cab, stake bed, and extended wheelbases. Gladiators from this era featured many of the same aspects as the ever-popular Jeep Wagoneer, from the platform and powertrain to the front-end styling and interior design. Because of these similarities, truck buyers viewed the Gladiator as a capable work truck rather than a daily driver. By 1971, the Gladiator name was officially dropped from all Jeep-made pickups, and all truck production was effectively halted in 1987.
The Second Generation
In the mid-2000s, Jeep mainly produced and marketed their iconic 4x4s and SUVs. However, in 2005, the brand released plans for a new mid-sized pickup truck with the Gladiator name. And by 2019, the second generation of Gladiators was available for purchase! Unlike the first line of vehicles, this model was not inspired by the Wagoneer. Instead, the platform and front-end stylings were like those of the Wrangler. Plus, the new Gladiators boasted removable doors and hardtop roofs, a highly popular feature of other Jeep cars. To date, we know Jeep Gladiators for their utility and off-roading capabilities, making them truly unique in a world of copycat designs.
Purchasing a Gladiator: New or Used?
Naturally, many Jeep enthusiasts adore the Jeep Gladiator and want to own one of these great vehicles. But is the Gladiator worth purchasing new or used? With other Jeeps, such as Wranglers, you can easily find high-quality automobiles at affordable prices on the secondhand market. However, since there are now Gladiators from 1987-2019, secondary inventory of these cars is rare. As such, it’s recommended that you purchase a new Gladiator when looking for an ideal pickup truck.
By comparing the different eras of the Jeep Gladiator, you can gain a better appreciation for the brand and automotive industry overall. Plus, owning a Gladiator for yourself is worth the investment! The ability to remove and store the Jeep hardtop at a moment’s notice makes this vehicle unlike any other.
