Dear GMC: There’s Nothing You Can Do to Compete with Jeep



The idea that GMC could come up with anything to compete with a Jeep Wrangler sounds pretty far-fetched.

Read the rest on the JK-Forum homepage. >>

 

They are probably referring to a vehicle with competitive aesthetics more so than overall on/off road performance. GM has to be concerned about the re-release of the Ford Bronco. It will come in a two door format and if it has a removable top will be an attractive purchase for soccer mom Jeep owners. Believe it or not there are Jeep owners out there who only care about the summer usage...top down, doors off. I always loved the Broncos and Blazers in the 80s. They were full-size four-wheel-drive V8 powered trucks with the removable rear top. I owned a 1987 Blazer and always had the top off in the summer. It wasn't until 1996 that I bought my first Jeep, a 78 CJ5, and I was hooked. No comparison to Jeep by any other vehicle. But I sure don't blame them for trying. The FJ is a perfect example. It looks the look and talks the talk, but performs worse than a child's power wheels Jeep. Just my opinion. Jeep on!

 

I don't see how the idea that GMC could have a Wrangler-esque vehicle on tap is far fetched.

The Wrangler formula is pretty basic- body on frame, solid axles, and a bunch of Chrysler/DC parts-bin stuff for running and switch gear. But in this discussion, it's important whether we're talking about a 2-door or 4-door "Wrangler-esque" SUV. IF we're talking Wrangler Unlimited, then, YES. If we're talking about 2-door Wranglers, then maybe not. I also see the availability of a convertible/removable top from GMC to be a non-starter. The question is, how far down this rabbit hole will they go?

The closest thing GM had to a Wrangler (Unlimited) was the Hummer H3 which was on a modified version of the GMT-355, which was also the basis for the last gen Canyon/Colorado twins. I haven't checked out the new Colorado yet, but the last one was BOF and the H3 was too, both solid rear axles, although the front suspension was independent. Everybody slams Hummer for what it was (and also mostly what it wasn't), but the H3 (and Colorado/Canyon twins) were pretty competent in their element.

It's not impossible to think GM could slap together another 4-door (or even 2-door!) SUV marketed for offroad/allroad crowds. They've got the new Colorado/Canyon to work with, and if the ZR2 concept (diesel/heavy duty/real bumpers/factory winch, a mini- Power Wagon from GM) is any sign of good things coming our way, then no, I wouldn't write off the possibility of seeing a mildly capable "Wrangler-esque" vehicle from GMC. The bigger question is, why would GM pick it's chrome-and-pleather, "white collar" truck brand to go play in the mud? The vehicle seems more befitting of Chevrolet than it does GMC. GM, if you're listening, that's me, begging.

Honestly, I'd love to see GMC (Chevrolet, actually) throw down in the same market as the Wrangler, even if it will most likely come with 4-doors and maybe a not-quite removable top.

 

Brand loyalists will buy whatever the brand puts out if it's new, convenient, and serves the purpose that they are looking to fill. Blazers and Broncos were good vehicles, and most people that owned one of the two were loyal to their model. The fj cruiser does reasonably well because of Toyota loyalists, not because it's an amazing machine. I have to admit I like the bronco prototype that I've seen and after owning 3 silverados in a row and with the redesign GM did this year, I could see them coming up with something good. I love jeeps, but I also respect other brands and what they have to offer.

Sam

 

I agree totally with brand loyalty. Last year I decided I wanted a Jeep after 10 years in crew cab Chevy pick ups. That was probably a "loyalty" decision. I needed a 4 door because I have a family so the JKU was my only option. I have to say that as much as I love the Jeep JK there are also things that I hate about it. Those things are mostly Chrysler related. Ha. I would love to see GM come out with a vehicle that competes with the new Bronco... However I don't think I would ever own one because if you've seen the preliminary prices on the Bronco I'm sure the GM version would be in the same ballpark. It's kind of like the Ford Raptor I have two coworkers that own them and I just can't see how someone would take a $60,000 truck and run it's guts on the trails and mud holes. And by the way, their trucks rarely leave pavement. I myself don't beat this JK around like I did my CJ and YJ. But then again, I didn't pay nearly that much for it. I get the look, feel, and performance I want for a good price without the stigma of trailer queen/mall crawler hanging over my head.

P.S. The Raptors are Bad Ass trucks. They would definitely perform if asked to...

 

Competition breeds innovation. Be nice to see other manufacturers back in the off road game. Unfortunately none of them have really taken it as seriously as Jeep in a very long time.

 

Land Rover does. Just no Defenders for sale in the U.S.

 

Let's look at the direction of Jeep under FCA. The Wrangler is the only off road capable vehicle left and the 2018 JL is probably going to have independent suspension at least in the front. So it will be easier for GMC to go head to head with the Wrangler at that time.

 

Keep an eye on the Polaris Dagor. It's military only right now, but that's how hummer started. And with the Polaris ATV experience, this might have potential is it ever hits the commercial market. http://global.fncstatic.com/static/m.../dogar-876.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using JK-Forum

 

If GM came out with a truly comparable product with comparable after-market support, I'd leave Chrysler in a second. Dealing with Chrysler has been a nightmare every step of the way. I've never dealt with a more shady, incompetent dealer network. I get loving your Jeep because of the versatility and the 'character' but because of my experiences I find next to impossible to believe anyone actually enjoys owning a Chrysler product.