Jeep Gladiator History

The Jeep Gladiator has been generating a lot of buzz ever since fans got a first glance at the concept model. Although Jeep is traditionally known for its rugged SUVs and off-road performance, there have been several pickups that have been a part of Jeep history. Learn about the history of the Jeep Gladiator as well as the other trucks that Jeep has produced throughout the years with our team below!

The Jeep Gladiator Makes its Debut

The Jeep Gladiator/J Series was in production from 1963-1987. The truck was initially designated as the “Gladiator,” but the name changed to J Series in the 1970s. In 1964, Jeep released a 133-hp, low-compression “economy” version of the original 230-cubic-inch inline-six.

The Jeep Gladiator concept first made its debut back in 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show. This concept Jeep truck featured an open-air canvas top, a 2.8L four-cylinder diesel engine, and an expandable truck bed. Jeep fans have been anxiously awaiting the release of a production model Jeep Gladiator, and their wish was finally granted with the debut of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Now, the Jeep Gladiator proves to be effective for drivers, as this truck has quickly become a staple of the Belleville  streets.

Highlights of the current Jeep Gladiator include:

• Hardtop and soft top options
• Best-in-class payload of 1,700 lbs.
• Best-in-class towing capacity of up to 7,650 lbs.

Jeep Truck History

The Jeep Gladiator is not the only truck that has been a part of the Jeep lineup. Let’s take a closer look at this often overlooked part of Jeep history.

• Willys-Overland Jeep 4×4 Truck (1947–1965) – This 1-ton pickup was first powered by a 63-hp four-cylinder engine.
• Jeep FC (Forward Control) Series (1957-1966) – This truck gave drivers the option of two different wheelbases and engines.
• Jeep Jeepster Commando/Commando (1967-1973) – This vehicle originally made its debut in the 1940s but was cut from the lineup in 1951. It returned to the market again in 1967 with an updated front end.
• Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler (1981-1985) – This Jeep pickup features a five-foot truck bed as well as hardtop and soft top variants.
• Jeep Comanche (1986-1992) – This regular cab pickup was based on the Cherokee SUV and had three different engine options at its launch.

Jeep Gladiator Today

Now that we’ve studied the Jeep Gladiator history, it’s worth taking a look at how the Jeep Gladiator concept functions on the East St. Louis streets today. The latest chapter in the storied Jeep Gladiator history comes in the form of a head-turning pickup that offers limitless capabilities. The new Jeep Gladiator for sale near Smithton offers the 4×4 handling you expect from a Jeep and the hauling and storage you demand from a truck.

This beast delivers the best of both worlds in a stylish and efficient package. Whether you need a work zone companion or a weekend warrior, the latest Jeep Gladiator offers the specs you need and more.

Learn More About Jeep Trucks with Auffenberg CDJR

Contact us at Auffenberg CDJR if you would like to know more about the history of the Jeep Gladiator or any other model that has been part of Jeep’s storied legacy. We would be glad to tell you all about the iconic Jeep lineup and show you what the Gladiator’s engines have to offer. If you’re ready to see how the Jeep Gladiator concept suits your needs, visit us in Shiloh to take a test drive!