27 Mar 06, 01:00 pm
OK,
Just got back from leave and happened upon an H3 test-drive while I was gone. First impressions: Well-built! Rock-solid whether over pot-holes or curbs. Very responsive around town unlike most reports lead you to believe. Even with the optional 33" tires (Adventure package), acceleration was acceptable below highway speeds. At highway speeds (passing, etc.), was poor. The 32" tires are noticeably better for DD situations. Although I did not go off-roading, the H3 has enough torque to pull it over any obstacle. It's got more roll around corners than most, and visibility is poor due to the smaller side windows. The bullet-proof plastic on the cargo area, and the back of the rear bench (for when you fold it down) is AWSOME!. Those of us who haul our own trash can appreciate!
Still don't know reliability, and won't until it's been out a year or two. Expect it to come back slightly better than the H2 in that department. Don't know why they went with leaf springs in the rear.
Bottom line is wait a year or two to see how they hold up, as with any new model. First impressions were enough that I made them an offer on a used one (5188 miles and loaded). The fact that they declined is beside the point. It takes a lot for me to make an offer. Also, used one's will be available. They offer a manual tranny, which is more than I can say for Jeeps top two models. Finally, Hummer must be doing something right as they are one of the few (along with Cadaliac, and a couple models like the Vette) are the only thing keeping GM afloat.
Just got back from leave and happened upon an H3 test-drive while I was gone. First impressions: Well-built! Rock-solid whether over pot-holes or curbs. Very responsive around town unlike most reports lead you to believe. Even with the optional 33" tires (Adventure package), acceleration was acceptable below highway speeds. At highway speeds (passing, etc.), was poor. The 32" tires are noticeably better for DD situations. Although I did not go off-roading, the H3 has enough torque to pull it over any obstacle. It's got more roll around corners than most, and visibility is poor due to the smaller side windows. The bullet-proof plastic on the cargo area, and the back of the rear bench (for when you fold it down) is AWSOME!. Those of us who haul our own trash can appreciate!
Still don't know reliability, and won't until it's been out a year or two. Expect it to come back slightly better than the H2 in that department. Don't know why they went with leaf springs in the rear.
Bottom line is wait a year or two to see how they hold up, as with any new model. First impressions were enough that I made them an offer on a used one (5188 miles and loaded). The fact that they declined is beside the point. It takes a lot for me to make an offer. Also, used one's will be available. They offer a manual tranny, which is more than I can say for Jeeps top two models. Finally, Hummer must be doing something right as they are one of the few (along with Cadaliac, and a couple models like the Vette) are the only thing keeping GM afloat.
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