George Boulton
July 4, 2024
The Jeep Gladiator was born from the ashes of its 1940s direct descendant. It was one of the most talked-about vehicle releases when it came out in 2018, and was Jeep’s first pickup launched since the Comanche in 1992.
Living with a Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Gladiator: A legend reborn for adventure.
"The Gladiator? It's all about adventure and individuality. I absolutely love it!"
Now it’s been out for a few years, owners are coming together and discussing what they love and hate about living with the Gladiator.
On Cars.com, the Gladiator has had more than 50 owners’ reviews, and an impressive 98% of drivers would recommend one. Here’s why:
The Good
Jennifer from Ormand Beach, Florida, a former Wrangler owner, couldn’t be happier: “Going from a Wrangler to a Gladiator, I wasn’t sure how the extra bed would handle.
“But guess what? It handles like a dream – even better than my Wrangler in every way!”
Jennifer is officially in “Jeep heaven,” she’s stoked about the added functionality: “The bed gives me so much more space for hauling stuff, from beach gear to whatever project I’m working on.
“Plus, the turning radius and overall driving ease are unbelievable. Every car these days seems the same, boring me to tears. The Gladiator? It’s all about adventure and individuality. I absolutely love it!”
The Bad
While many owners rave about the Gladiator, Mike from Mendota Heights, Minnesota, encountered some bumps in the road (literally).
He rated his Gladiator a three out of five stars, citing suspension concerns: “I’d give it a higher rating, but I’ve had some pretty scary suspension issues at highway speeds.
“On rough or uneven pavement, the Jeep shakes and shudders like crazy, making it hard to control. It actually crossed lanes on me twice!
“I tried contacting Mopar through their website, which is a nightmare to navigate, but finally reached a rep by phone. They said I need to bring it in for a diagnosis.”
The Takeaway:
The Jeep Gladiator seems like a winner for many drivers, offering the classic Wrangler spirit with some added muscle for hauling stuff.
But like Mike’s experience shows, it’s important to take care of any mechanical gremlins that pop up to keep your Gladiator a safe and enjoyable ride.
