H3 disapointment

firemedicntx · July 20, 2005

I have to say that I am very disapointed in the H3. I have been seeing them driving around here the last few weeks, and finally took a closer look at one on the lot. When the hummer came out it was marketed as a way a civilian could own a variant of the M998 HMMWV multipurpose military vehicle. The first civilian hummers were very close to the active duty ones. Its capabilities were very close as well. I was in an infantry unit for ten years and have driven my share of the real hummers. The H1 is a very good vehicle and I wouldnt hesitate taking it anywhere.

What happened!

This H3 thing I keep seeing driving around aint no hummer. It looks like a Jeep cherokee to me, only a jeep can do more. And an I-5? Who made this decsion? Thats what the one I looked at had in it. Doesnt look like anything else would fit anyway.

I will buy me a used H1 one of these days. I plan on dropping a duramax in it and running it on bio-diesel like that guy in Cali, but I cant agree with what GM has done to the hummer line.

They should rename it in my opinion, it doesnt deserve the hummer name.

What would be a good name for it, maybe "Jr" or, "H model YV" (yuppy version).? lol

Scyry · July 20, 2005

Everything I have read says it is more capable than the H2, the smaller size probably helps in that department. As for the I-5, I bet it has something to do with meeting governemnt regulations. Like Chevy has to sell X small cars to offset the poor gas mileage of their LD trucks, just guessing, could be way off base on that idea.

MrQuadrasteer · July 20, 2005

I kinda like the new H3s. A lot more than the H2, that's for sure

I drove an H1 for a little over a year while I served- the thing was unstoppable !!!!

If the I5 fits, then a V8 should fit. I bet we see H3s with V8s in a couple years. Might consider one then. But the I5 is such a dog- I had a Colorado loaner with the I5, and while peppy around town, it sucks major on the freeway....

Fireman, have you sen the H1 Alpha ?? Got a 'Max and Ally from the factory

And a $125,000 price tag

firemedicntx · July 20, 2005

The H3 is probably a very good suv for soccer moms and the occasional offroader, dont get me wrong I didnt mean to sound like I was saying it was a bad, uncapable vehicle. Just that its not a hummer is all.

I guess I envisioned GM building on the real hummers attributes as the new models hit the streets and mud. Like its unique drive train and braking system, oh, and space/size.

Maybe Im just naive to think that they wouldnt have neutered it like they did. It seems to me that they just produced a new body to put on their truck chasis, then cut out its heart, replacing it with an economy engine.

MrQuadrasteer,

Yeah I read about those, but I didnt think they were factory. The 125k is a little out of my budget range. I know I could build one for alot cheaper, even with all the mods I want to do. It will be a long time before Im able to do it though. Like when the kiddos grow up. lol Heck by then they will be cheap.

MrQuadrasteer · July 20, 2005

I totally agree about them mis-using the Hummer name. It's disgraceful to the real Hummers....

And GM actually doing something right, from start to finish ?!!!!?

Yeah, right !!!!

Tucson_02Silverado · July 20, 2005

I don't think GM has ever really marketed the H2/H3 as capable as the H1.

From past article before the H2 release, GM was adding enough capabilities to production SUV's frame/drivetrain to be 90% capable of H1. Zero approach angle climb out, deep water dredging, yeah buy the H1 instead.

H1, H2, H3 if you were really serious about off-road capabilities, you'd be mod/building your own rig anyways. There's alot of people saying no way to IFS/IRS anyways for off-roading and if they were true to their own word wouldn't even be using the H1.

vhato · July 20, 2005

I think GM has the right idea. The H2 and H3 are very capable vehicles with unique water fording abilities. The only real competition is the Range Rover Series of vehicles and Jeep Cherokee/Liberty. The H2/H3 fit well in both form and function, IMO.

The H3 may only have an I5, but a V8 would require a larger radiator, larger tubing, probably a different firewall as well as an increase in MSRP. The I5 is very efficient giving the mileage of a 4-cylinder and the performance of "V6". Add to that the 4L60-E (with is torquey 3.06:1 First Gear and fuel siping 0.69:1 Overdrive) and 4.56:1 gears and you have an off-the line screamer.

The H3 is light and well balanced. Not just a Colorado with a liberty body, but a real piece of design work, built for total balance in all situations, from the soccer mom attempting to traverse the speed bump at the mall to the father trying to get to his private fishing hole.

Sure, it was a brilliant marketing strategy from GM to build upon the Hummer Heritage. But who would really buy an H2 or H3 if it weren't a Hummer?? I wouldn't. They could call them the Cave Dweller 1 and Puddle Jumper 2 and make no money even with the proof of their off-road worthiness. Call them Hummers and people like me make sacrifices just to buy one. For now I will stick with my trusty 'ole pickup truck because I can't afford an H2. The H3 is too small and perfect for my fiancee. I want big and thirsty.

firemedicntx · July 21, 2005

vhato,

WUT?

Wingnut · July 21, 2005

Hmpf...I like them both. And like Vhato, think that GM had it right with using the Hummer badging.

Were I in need of an SUV right now, I'd be looking at both of them. They are every bit as capable (if not a bit more) off-road as my Z71, which is more than 99.9% of the population ever needs. I spend quite a bit of time off road, and I would take either the H2 or H3 anyplace I would stick either of my trucks.

And firemedicntx, you must be in the minority with the way you feel, because they can't keep the H2 and H3 on the lots here. People like them and people buy them, which is why GM is making them as fast as they can.

USA1Fan · July 21, 2005

IMO the H3 is much more capable off road than the majority of '4WD' vehicles on the market right now (barring the Jeeps and Hummers mentioned by vhato and custom built rigs). It has super low gearing (at least as an option), great wheel travel and articulation, decent approach and departure angles, and good ground clearance. It's just made to creep around in the rough stuff.. ;)

jhm · August 1, 2005

I totally agree about them mis-using the Hummer name. It's disgraceful to the real Hummers....

And GM actually doing something right, from start to finish ?!!!!?

Yeah, right !!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yea, what is next the H4? A re-badged suzuki samari? I wouldn't buy an H3 it is for wannabe's.

Zane · August 2, 2005

I won't take the time to explain too much, but I will say, i've had the chance to drive an H3 around for the last (almost) week. This is NOT a "wanna be" HUMMER. This is the real deal. And i've driven EVERY model HUMMER on the market. H1, H2, H2 SUT, and now H3.

Prepare to see alot about the H3 on GM-TC soon

zippy · August 2, 2005

i'm not big on the hp issue, but other than that the truck drove around just fine. if you weren't driving it hard you really didn't notice the lack of power. the suspension seems to work well. my guess would be that with the adventure package the truck will be quite impressive off road as long as you don't get into mud where hp is a big deal. it's a hummer for sure.

well, maybe not. if you've ever driven an H1 you'd know that this isn't much of a hummer. what people always seem to think is a real hummer is a vehicle that you barely fit in if you're taller than about 5'6" and weigh more than 140. this would be the H1. not only are they uncomfortble and slow, they drive like a tank and take up the entire road. i'd take an H2 or H3 over it anyday.

Wingnut · August 3, 2005

Yeah, and the H1 only seats 4 people of that size.

It will climb a tree though.

Josh · August 4, 2005

i think its funy when people talk about the new hummers not being "real."

well they might not be an h1, but why make another truck and make it the same? I think is obvious most hummer owners drive them on the road with an occasional off roading and this is what these vehicles are made for. I dont need an h1 or have the money, but the H3 kicks some seriousass. May look similiar to a jeep but in person it screems hummer.