Can we talk about 2 things ?

[JD101]

First , why couldn't Jeep at least put a proper dedicated front clip on the Gladiator? For all the waiting we did it really sucks to call it a Gladiator and have no real distinguishing factor from a wrangler when viewed from the front . It would have been cool to see a variation of the CDR or innovative auto front clip . Even a later model throw back would be nice .

Second , why do I keep coming across haters of the 2.0t in the JL ( I know it's not offered in the Gladiator ) . It's is a pretty strong running little engine , and murders my 3.6 . I get a ton of comments on how it's not suitable and doesn't make power , but have these folks actually driven a 2.0. I've had both and just want to clear the air . From a power perspective the 2.0 rips .

Sponsored

 

[futzin']

I agree on the former. I try hard not to use the name. Call it the JT, mostly.

 

[Mr._Bill]

It's all about production costs. Use as much of the existing as possible, with only necessary changes. As much as we would like a distinct truck that follows the original, it is difficult to get it past the accountants who have to answer to management who have to answer to shareholders.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Apparently a young person who doesn't realize this has been practiced for many years, not just by Jeep.
How about Lexus SUVs built on a Toyota platform for a modern comparison.
I could go back and list some cars that share parts, even almost entire front ends, with each other.

IMO, they made the Gladiator to appeal to people who wanted a small truck but also wanted a Jeep (like me??) It's easy to modify a Gladiator because so many parts interchange - bumpers, fenders, and more. It was on purpose.
There was no reason to not do it, many reasons TO do it.
If they changed the front by much, there's so much that likely wouldn't happen, and we may not even have the JT.

 

[Charles 236]

I agree that the 2.0 is a strong little engine, but I prefer the relative simplicity of the 3.6 Pentastar. It is a proven engine that works great with the eight speed. The 2.0 has great power, I have driven many of them (I work at a Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership), I have always been impressed by the power it makes.

 

[NachoRuby]

I like that it looks (and pretty much is) exactly like a Wrangler from the front. A throwback front clip would be kind of cool as a novelty or aftermarket accessory, but I want my gladiator to look like my Wrangler. It's also a plus when looking for parts. Because everything from the doors forward that fits a Wrangler fits a a JT. If it were truly unique, we wouldn't have nearly the aftermarket support we have.

It's not a new thing though. Until very recently, Chevy pickup trucks and Chevy SUVs had identical front ends. VW golfs and Jettas were identical in the front for several generations. Look at a 90s bronco and a 90s f150. Manufacturers have been doing this for years.

 

[ecidiego]

I like that it looks (and pretty much is) exactly like a Wrangler from the front. A throwback front clip would be kind of cool as a novelty or aftermarket accessory, but I want my gladiator to look like my Wrangler. It's also a plus when looking for parts. Because everything from the doors forward that fits a Wrangler fits a a JT. If it were truly unique, we wouldn't have nearly the aftermarket support we have.

It's not a new thing though. Until very recently, Chevy pickup trucks and Chevy SUVs had identical front ends. VW golfs and Jettas were identical in the front for several generations. Look at a 90s bronco and a 90s f150. Manufacturers have been doing this for years.

I like when Wrangler owners Wave you. You know they regret it when they pass you and see the bed.

Lol

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I like when Wrangler owners Wave you. You know they regret it when they pass you and see the bed.

Lol

I've had them wave when they were nearly side by side on the road. They could easily see the side of my truck.
There will always be stuck-up snobs, everywhere, but I've gotten waves from Wrangler people when Gladiator drivers don't even look, they drive right by.

 

[Orange01z28]

First , why couldn't Jeep at least put a proper dedicated front clip on the Gladiator? For all the waiting we did it really sucks to call it a Gladiator and have no real distinguishing factor from a wrangler when viewed from the front . It would have been cool to see a variation of the CDR or innovative auto front clip . Even a later model throw back would be nice .

Second , why do I keep coming across haters of the 2.0t in the JL ( I know it's not offered in the Gladiator ) . It's is a pretty strong running little engine , and murders my 3.6 . I get a ton of comments on how it's not suitable and doesn't make power , but have these folks actually driven a 2.0. I've had both and just want to clear the air . From a power perspective the 2.0 rips .

I think it's cooler that it DOESN'T have a dedicated front clip and how many parts are shared

 

[Shopshirt]

You mean like Things like this?

I like that it looks (and pretty much is) exactly like a Wrangler from the front. A throwback front clip would be kind of cool as a novelty or aftermarket accessory, but I want my gladiator to look like my Wrangler. It's also a plus when looking for parts. Because everything from the doors forward that fits a Wrangler fits a a JT. If it were truly unique, we wouldn't have nearly the aftermarket support we have.

It's not a new thing though. Until very recently, Chevy pickup trucks and Chevy SUVs had identical front ends. VW golfs and Jettas were identical in the front for several generations. Look at a 90s bronco and a 90s f150. Manufacturers have been doing this for years.

This is how I feel as well. I like that it looks like a Wrangler and there are a lot of interchangeable parts.

 

[ecidiego]

I've had them wave when they were nearly side by side on the road. They could easily see the side of my truck.
There will always be stuck-up snobs, everywhere, but I've gotten waves from Wrangler people when Gladiator drivers don't even look, they drive right by.

We need to have a beer one day, much of the time I'm just cracking jokes.

 

[JKJ]

I like when Wrangler owners Wave you. You know they regret it when they pass you and see the bed.

Lol

I was just gonna type the same thing. Too funny.

 

[fun2drum]

I was just gonna type the same thing. Too funny.

I know - dang it - beat me to it too.

 

[JD101]

I love the the goofy snobbery among jeep owners . You should have seen the hate I got driving a built samurai ?

 

[Jefe1018]

1. Because they didn’t.

2. Because it’s a 4 cylinder in a Jeep, I could care less.

Sponsored