Thinking of buying a Gladiator

[hpva]

Don't do it!!!!!!

What is your reason to not do it?

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[MikeyK]

test drive or rent one. my sales guy gave me the keys for my test drive and let me take off on my own just telling me to not leave the state and drive it as long as i wanted. course i have had a jeep before…wrangler. and i own a fj cruiser so i understand driving a noisy brick down the road with a windshield rock catcher. but the minute i started driving the gladiator it was like returning “home” and was a heck of alot nicer driving than my old ‘97 TJ. luxury lol.

We’ve lived the same Jeep/FJ driving experience. Couldn’t agree more!

 

[MonkeySkunks]

Hi I am new to the site and am thinking of buying a 2022 Gladiator.I have never owned a Jeep but always loved the look.When I first saw the Gladiator it was love at first sight.For the past year I have been researching and reading reviews on the Gladiator and hope to test drive one soon. My main concern is the steering, every review I have read states that their is a lot of road wander on the highway.If I buy one it will see mainly highway use and probably no off-roading.Right now I own a 2012 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton that I will be keeping as my winter plow truck.Could any of you owners give me some input on the steering issue and any other likes and dislikes you may have.Reviews from people who own one I think is the best way to get true info. Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.

I drove cars for the 15 years prior to owning the Gladiator (Rubicon). When I took the JT for a spin while waiting to do my paper work I came to the realization I'd made a horrible decision. The handling on the thing was downright scary. Previous car was a GTI.

[EDIT: The tire pressure was at 45psi I think. When I got back to the dealership I dropped the pressure down to 36. (Knew to bring a pressure gauge with me thanks to the forum)]

Being stubborn enough to go through with a $55k mistake rather than admit the mistake I drove it home on backroads for the first 300+/- miles and got very comfortable with it in the 30-55 mph range. Then we got on the interstate. I literally thought in my head "This isn't safe" and told my two boys that had come with me to "hold on." Again, apparently willing to risk our lives than admit I had made a mistake.

Fast forward a few months and I don't feel safe driving anything else. Almost like i'm sedated or slightly drunk when driving any other vehicle. I feel completely disconnected from the road. There's way more input from the Gladiator than there is to anything else I've driven. I love it!

Highway travel is no problem at all. Interstate travel is fine as well, allbeit a bit noisy and underpowered compared to previous vehicles.

When the doors come off it makes up for any problem it may ever have. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a Gladiator to anyone unless it's specifically being used for a long daily commute. Then I recommend you get a prius and a gladiator.

 

[Gatorac]

The Gladiator is my first Jeep. I've got 14k miles on it now. I've had at least 30 trucks. This is my favorite. It feels "nimble" around town. Easy to maneuver around in parking lots. I love driving with the tops out. I'm really impressed with the tech and electronics. Previous trucks would get left at home unless I needed them for truck stuff. The Gladiator becomes the vehicle of choice almost always.

Having said that, it's got my full attention on the interstate. Especially if it's windy at all. Mine is a 2020 Sport S Max tow and I have not pursued the steering box TSB. The fuel mileage is garbage. If I was only driving long interstate trips, my opinion on how much I love it may be different.

 

[FLGladiator]

Do it.

 

[mert34]

I say go drive one and see for yourself if you like it or not. for me this truck works well for what i need it to do. like others have said wind really likes to push these around. if you ever driven a wrangler then you know what to expect. the 3.6 gets the job done but you can feel the extra weight it has to overcome.

 

[jbehrn]

Hi I am new to the site and am thinking of buying a 2022 Gladiator.I have never owned a Jeep but always loved the look.When I first saw the Gladiator it was love at first sight.For the past year I have been researching and reading reviews on the Gladiator and hope to test drive one soon. My main concern is the steering, every review I have read states that their is a lot of road wander on the highway.If I buy one it will see mainly highway use and probably no off-roading.Right now I own a 2012 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton that I will be keeping as my winter plow truck.Could any of you owners give me some input on the steering issue and any other likes and dislikes you may have.Reviews from people who own one I think is the best way to get true info. Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.

On my third (2020 -> 2021 -> 2022). Love the truck! The best mod I’ve put on is a bed mat…

 

[ecidiego]

My main concern is the steering, every review I have read states that their is a lot of road wander on the highway

I've owned mine since October, here are my 50 cents:

The straight axle front will never, ever feel as responsive and composed steering wise as an independent front. The first couple of days I was like "omg this thing wanders all over the place". I started noticing it less and less and now don't notice it at all. Why? Did it mod itself to IFS? I think that after driving IFS for my entire life, my hand/mind reflex was just programmed for that and the change was "shocking" to my muscle memory. Now that I am used to the way the Jeep steers, I would swear it is no different at all. You just get used to it and it's fine. Muscle memory is gnarly.

 

[ecidiego]

Mine is garbage in terms of ride quality

LOL, mine is amazing. Best riding truck I've been in. Check your shocks for leaks?

 

[JET_83]

LOL, mine is amazing. Best riding truck I've been in. Check your shocks for leaks?

I have, maybe I got a lemon, I dunno. I think I'll be much happier with a better riding Overland anyways.

 

[raypla]

I've owned mine since October, here are my 50 cents:

The straight axle front will never, ever feel as responsive and composed steering wise as an independent front. The first couple of days I was like "omg this thing wanders all over the place". I started noticing it less and less and now don't notice it at all. Why? Did it mod itself to IFS? I think that after driving IFS for my entire life, my hand/mind reflex was just programmed for that and the change was "shocking" to my muscle memory. Now that I am used to the way the Jeep steers, I would swear it is no different at all. You just get used to it and it's fine. Muscle memory is gnarly.

Nicely described, I had a XJ for 10 years, went to a JKR for 5 then JTRD, the increase in wheel base made the ride significantly smoother & predictable. I’ve owned since July, whenever I’m driving it I have a giant smile on my face. I actually walked into a column the other day while staring at my parked Jeep as I walked away, doh. Cannot get enough of this thing.

 

[Gvsukids]

Mine is garbage in terms of ride quality

What is garbage about the ride?

 

[JET_83]

What is garbage about the ride?

It’s really rough, my Rubicon before it rode way better

 

[TheSolarWizard]

Best vehicle in terms of build quality, enjoyment, fun factor that I’ve ever owned (and I’ve owned a lot of them. Way too many to admit). I couldn’t recommend it any more.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

Mine is garbage in terms of ride quality

ifu think a Mojave rides bad then you don’t belong in a Jeep or theres something terribly wrong. Sell it now while values are high and get yourself a crossover. The Mojave rides better than any two or four door “real” Jeep ever made

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