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Subject: Ok.....To H3 Or Not To Be?
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Author Messages
ChevyMan0784User is Offline
Lift & Lockers
Lift & Lockers
Posts:699


10/12/2006 8:32 PM  
Ok, so this is whats up...I am looking at getting a new rig. The obvious...ITS GOTTA BE A GM!!!!!!!!!!!!! duh.... Anyway, this is what I really want...a kind of SUV that has 4 doors but is not huge and gets decent fuel milage (compared to my K5, shouldn't be hard to do....) and I really want a stick. So this leaves me on the doorstep of an H3 (unless you know of something else). My dillema is this...should I really buy a "Hummer". I have heard good, bad, and ugly. For being a direct competitor with the Jeep Commander...it is definately underpowered...but is less expensive. I don't really care about racing it or anything like that. But it needs to go offroad when I tell it to (not that often). I do have a K5 for that sort of deed. But I do go camping miles and miles away from gas stations and I need something for around town (mostly parts and grocery getter, not a high miler.) So what do you all think...honestly now. I am cringing, I can bear it.

gimmie fuel gimmie fire gimmie that which I desire-James Hetfield *Never give an Irish man good cause for revenge. *Guns dont kill people, but they sure help!! *98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S**t' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A ICEY ROAD. THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM ALASKA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS
SnoManUser is Offline
Lift & Lockers
Lift & Lockers
Posts:943


10/13/2006 7:23 PM  
Basically you want to keep weight and profile down, no lift and stock type smooth tires if MPG is a concern because add the aggressive tires and lift and no matter what SUV you pick big or small, MPG will suffer. As far as new goes, a GM trail blazer with the inline 6 has a lot of power and reasonable MPG and can be had with 4 doors too and it will get better MPG than a H3 in the real world because the H3 has the aerodynamic drag of a brick before you even lift it. You have to decide whicj is more important, looks or efficency as you have to live with it.

-------------------------- Visit the SnoMan at www.thesnoman.com
webby4x4User is Offline
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts:2375


10/14/2006 12:52 PM  
quote:
Originally posted by SnoMan
...a GM trail blazer with...


The TrailBlazer doesn't offer a stick-shift transmission in it.





If you're dead set on a manual tranny, then your options are *really* limited. The 4L60E and 4L80E auto transmissions are actually very good units. If you're open to other units, then the Equinox or Avalanche are other good options to choose from (where the Equinox has less off-road capability but better fuel mileage and vice versa for the Avalanche).

The H3 is a pretty good unit though, although it's based largely on the Chevy Colorado platform, so don't expect Hummer-like off-road capabilities.

The H3 offers 242 HP and the same lb-ft of torque in its Vortec 3700 motor. The front axle is an independant SLA setup and the rear is a live axle with leaf springs. You can also get an optional (or standard in the "H3 Adventure") electronically controlled rear locker, which is VERY nice to have.

I'd strongly consider getting the H3 Adventure model as it offers a slew of off-road features in its standard package such as: 33" tires, rear selectable locker and so much more.

Don't bother with the new H3X model - it's more bling than brawn.

Rick

Rick Webster

Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser

"Measure once, cut twice"
SnoManUser is Offline
Lift & Lockers
Lift & Lockers
Posts:943


10/15/2006 10:01 PM  
quote:
Originally posted by webby4x4


I'd strongly consider getting the H3 Adventure model as it offers a slew of off-road features in its standard package such as: 33" tires, rear selectable locker and so much more.




Not if you are looking for decent MPG on the road too.

-------------------------- Visit the SnoMan at www.thesnoman.com
webby4x4User is Offline
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts:2375


10/16/2006 11:59 AM  
Our tests of the H3 netted us 16 city / 20 highway.

The Toyota 4Runner we tested netted us 17 city / 23 highway.

Rick Webster

Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser

"Measure once, cut twice"
Dan PittsUser is Offline
Body Lift
Body Lift
Posts:232


10/17/2006 6:27 PM  
plus you can get a 4:1 transfer case in the H3 now that is cool. it will wheel better than some sh * ty trailblazer. get the H3

Danny Pitts ---------------------------------- lift it, fat chicks can't jump
ChevyMan0784User is Offline
Lift & Lockers
Lift & Lockers
Posts:699


10/23/2006 1:44 AM  
Thanks for the info guys, now I can show the wife this and say triumphantly....SEE, I TOLD YOU SO!!!!! haha, anyways, I will hopefully be getting this rig by the end of winter...for now I have a beat around for the winter, and my K5(which I just blew the tranny in, hey I am going to start a "Patrick needs a running car that doesnt fall apart at every stop light foundation" NOW CONTRIBUTE!!! No? dang it....

gimmie fuel gimmie fire gimmie that which I desire-James Hetfield *Never give an Irish man good cause for revenge. *Guns dont kill people, but they sure help!! *98% OF AMERICANS SAY 'OH S**t' BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH ON A ICEY ROAD. THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM ALASKA, AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS
webby4x4User is Offline
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts:2375


10/23/2006 8:25 PM  
Ummm... yeah dude... if you're wife is even a little bit like most of our [gun]wives, I only have four words for you: "Let me know how that works out!"

OK, that was like seven words.

[zomb]

Rick Webster

Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser

"Measure once, cut twice"
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Forums > Vehicle Tech Talk Area > Chevy & GMC > Ok.....To H3 Or Not To Be?



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