H3 anyone?

[LUISJG]

anyone think an h3 will make a good expedition vehicle...?
i think the visibility is way limited with those small winows

[smbisig]

anyone think an h3 will make a good expedition vehicle...?
i think the visibility is way limited with those small winows

For the same price, you could build a pretty nice and capable 80 Series:sombrero:

[Brian McVickers]

From what I hear they are very capable and from looking at them on the street they seem to have good clearance and plenty of room for articulation.
I sat in one once and thought the headroom was too tight but that's just me.

[Scott Brady]

anyone think an h3 will make a good expedition vehicle...?
i think the visibility is way limited with those small winows

I think it would be just fine for travel in the US. The challenge outside of the US (and even in the US) is the perception. The Hummers are long on flash and image, so they stand out like a sore thumb, and get more than their share of middle fingers too.

For the same price, you can buy a 4Runner, which is twice the vehicle overall from a reliability, efficiency and roadability standpoint. If you want the style, get an FJ.

However, I will say that the H3 is the best Hummer yet IMHO, with average storage, great trail performance and the possibility of getting 15 mpg. They have also scored well on reliability too.

I suppose I am too much of a function over form person to evaluate the thing fairly... :o

[calamaridog]

Scott said what I was thinking also.

4runner.

Similar size, V6 or V8.

Frankly it is better looking and I would say more reliable too.

If, however, you wanted to buy GM then I would say the H3 is a step in the right direction for sure.

I fail to understand why the I6 is not available in the H3 though.

[LUISJG]

i like the looks its awsome.
only thing is that if i buy one i gonna end up with another trail vehicle soon,at over 30k ....

thats one reason i bought my cherokee so i could have a 6k expedition vehicle. but its very tempting though maybe i will just buy it for a family vehicle and keep my cherokee exclusive for trails,,,,,,,.....yeah rite!!! lol.

[LUISJG]

intersting look what i found

http://elcova.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2671031121/m/8221005871

[flywgn]

I think the H3 looks like a JEEP on steroids, but, nevertheless, we've paid close attention to HUMMER even before the H1 was marketed.

I'm old enough to remember all the flack that Willys took when they began to market the JEEP. Many of the same criticisms I've heard about the Hummer (performance-related criticism) was being said about the early JEEPs.

It will be interesting to see how the H3 does vis-a-vis the 'world' market. Land Rover has certainly had its ups and downs. Toyota has not been immune either to 'ill-thought-out" models. Here, I'm limiting my remarks strictly to 4WD models.

I looked at an H3 a few months ago, but it just didn't fit the usage we demand. Our F250 does the lion's share of the 'expedition' work. The Xterra has yet to see much in the way of serious trips (awaiting the Horizon), and the Toyota down in Baja gets a lot of day-to-day backcountry trips.

As far as the H3 being made into an expedition vehicle, I think that yes it could be. It's just what one wants to do and how much $ one wants to spend.

Allen R

[hinoranger]

one of the major auto mags. ranked the H3 top for offroad ability aginst the FJ, I think XTerra, and maybe the Cherroke. They said it lagged behind the rest as an overall pakage but lived up to it's reputation as an offroader.

And I'm not at at all a Hummer guy. If I had an H1 kind of budget, I'd be shopping for "mogs, and I'd rather walk than be caught dead in a H2.

[Colorado Ron]

It was suffercating. Windows were way too small and the hood actually bows upward to limit visibility even more. Needs lockers and a large lift to fix the seriously bad break over angle. Heres more of a quick writeup:

http://www.offroad-adventure-travel.com/comparison-H3-Pinz.html

[BCJC]

in the june 2006 issue of "OFF-ROAD" magazine, they showcased an H3 from a company called amstar, which supposedly made a "wilderness ready" h3. i believe it included: front eaton e-locker (you can already get a rear one), inner/outer beadlock hutchinson wheels, goodyear mtr's, winch bumper, sliders etc etc etc... remember to take your grain of salt, and don't kill the messenger... this is the link:

www.amstarfun.com

[Scott Brady]

remember to take your grain of salt, and don't kill the messenger... this is the link:

www.amstarfun.com

No killing of messengers here :D

If we were only looking at trail performance, I think the H3 is near the top of the heap. A mid-size SUV with lockers, 33" tires and a 4:1 T-Case if optioned correctly. That is all very impressive.

As an expedition vehicle, I believe there are better options in the class.

[60seriesguy]

one of the major auto mags. ranked the H3 top for offroad ability aginst the FJ, I think XTerra, and maybe the Cherroke. They said it lagged behind the rest as an overall pakage but lived up to it's reputation as an offroader.

And I'm not at at all a Hummer guy. If I had an H1 kind of budget, I'd be shopping for "mogs, and I'd rather walk than be caught dead in a H2.

Let me guess, a US 4x4 magazine? They're generally so biased towards US vehicles that their comparo articles become useless....that's my $0.02, take it with a cup of salt

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I prefer to travel...........

The Road Less Salted............:sombrero:



.

[Ron B]

It's a shame that GM got involved in the hummer thing at all. My 97's msrp was under $57k (when they first came out they were in the low $40's!!), once GM got involved they jacked up the prices and blinged the trucks to the current level of rediculous. Then the H2 came out in the ballpark of the original truck's selling price.

Used h1's are not so expensive. They are in the low to mid 30's for late 90's and mid 40's for a bit newer/nicer.

I love mogs too -- someone here posted a link to a mog trek through Baja a while back.

Ron B

[LUISJG]

considering vehicles for 30k I do think the h3 is a good buy though.
i realy dont like the looks of the fj and the new 4 door jeep will always be a jeep so comfort is not good,.

i contacted the dealer and offering me a great deal at 30 k plus 0% apr on a new 2006.

im going to consider it and keep my cherokee for the trails.
black,silver or white

[Ron B]

I wish they still made the old style 2 door cherokee. What a great platform to build on.

as far as the h3, I've been with one on John Bull trail (there's a few pictures on a thread under completed adventures -- "anyone in socal up for a drive?"

It had 35's and still needed a bit of attention (good spotting and a bit of rock stacking), but did as well or better than the h2 that was with us.


Ron B

[ShearPin]

I don't know if it's the same with the H3.... In my experience the worst part about traveling with or in a Hummer is peoples reactions. Everyone has an opinion and it's rarely complimentary. I thought you had to have a thick skin holding up traffic in a Series Land Rover - park an H1 anywhere, sit back, and listen to the "hummer cliches". I don't know what it is - they seem to bring out the worst in a lot of people. Other 4x4 drivers are often the worst.

Henry
www.4x4freedom.com

[Ron B]

this doesn't happen in my h1, I have only had positive reactions. Usually people smile and say "nice...a real hummer." I think it helps that it's usually covered in mud and obviously used for...dare I say...what it was designed for.

Ron

[LUISJG]

i been doing some reaserch and have come up with divided opinions and also
found out about cylinder heads having to be replace ,wich what i think lead gm to upgrade the engine to a 3.7L On the 2007 models.

[flyingwil]

Some cool discussions on this thread, however, it seems that too much stereotyping has leaked in, unlike the ExPo I know. :( The thing that makes this place great is the lack of the bashing of other vehicles, and overall want to just get out there with what you got and how you can improve it for the next time out.

IMO, The H3 is a capable vehicle, but comes with an above average price tag and (as you can see by this thread) numerous opinions. The bottom line is that it is a capable vehicle, but for the price you can get a more capable vehicle that is better equipped.

The AMSTAR option was neat to see, and I love the "NO Bling Bling" tire cover. Each and every vehicle ends up being modified by the owner to suit their wants and needs. You can start with two identical base vehicles, and two individuals, and in the long rung they both will be two completely vehicle to suit the owner's specific overland needs. If you like the H3, go test one out and go from there. Compare it to other vehicles you also consider, then research the aftermarket for what you expect you will want to modify. Total them all up, and go from there. Every vehicle I ever wanted with a 4WD system I have taken off road during the test drive (not recommended shortly after it rains) but if that is the intended purpose for the vehicle test it there.

[Scott Brady]

The discussion seems to be pretty healthy.

I think we all agree that the H1 is an awesome machine in the desert (for which it was designed) and open rock areas like Moab. Few other stock vehicles can match it in those environments.

The H3 is also a great trail machine and much more compact and efficient than the other Hummers. My only opinion is that taking it out of country could be problematic from a perception and reliability issue.

The H2... well, I suppose someone who owns one and monitors this board should chime in, and share the strengths of the model and their experience. It just does not click for me.

[LUISJG]

i went for another test drive,, but yes the visibility is somewhat limited with the small windows... i like it alot though, thats my only complaint.

ussualy when i run the trails , on hard spots i like to incline and look out the window to see were my front tire is ,, i tried doing this on the test drive but its window is just not big enough.

but i wouldnt mind having one .

i agree also ,,imagining me taking it to mexico with me on the trails,,,
mmm its better to keep a low profile...not to flashy ...it might backfire ..

but again ,,who wouldnt like to have a toyota taco , rubicon ,and h3 a defender ,even a crosslander sitting all together on a big garage in the backyard....:sombrero:

it all comes down to , reliability i think. iknow i feel 100 safe driving a jeep to any part deep in mexico or were ever,, if i break down, i can fix it ,i can find parts ,etc etc.

[LexusAllTerrain]

Well my wife owns an H2 in red, special edition...we went to Hermosillo Sonora Mexico in December and it did catch alot of attention! In town or the tourist area you see some Hummers around, however I did go to Bahia Kino and everybody was looking at us; my wife felt uneasy may I say. As for the way it drives in the trails, personally I think it is too big and easy to scratch. My wife uses the h2 for every day driving only on the streets.

[azskyrider]

There are some great deals.

H3 has a $2,000 rebate so with the off road package you are looking at an edmunds TMV price of just over $27K.

H2's have a $4,000K rebate.

[Scott Brady]

27K? Now that changes things slightly. I thought they were much more than that (high 30's)

Get a white one and fit some steel wheels and it would likely blend in a bit more. Maybe I can get one for some testing.

[azskyrider]

we went to Hermosillo Sonora Mexico in December and it did catch alot of attention! In town or the tourist area you see some Hummers around, however I did go to Bahia Kino and everybody was looking at us; my wife felt uneasy may I say.


I have seen a couple of H2's and H1 in Hermosillo and in San Carlos. Those vehicles have to be imported from DF and the price is higher than the states.

Here are some comparisons

MB C320 ~ $65K.

In 1992 my aunt's corvette was going for $65K. She sold it for $67K. Also had to be brought up from DF. You could buy it from the USA at that time for $27K.

Dodge viper are around $100K
'05 X3 ~$50K
'05 325 ~$48K
'06 H3 is about ~$48K.

Depends on what options come with the vehicle.


So your H2 price wise is around $70K Base MSRP. Add the options and you are almost $80K. So you will get more attention from alot of people. I wouldn't be worried as there are alot of people in Sonora with high priced vehicles in the state driving all over the place. I have never felt worried in any place in the state of Sonora.

But, it is good to always be on gaurd no matter where you go that you are not familiar with.


Cheers,

[Ron B]

$80k for an H2 is pretty rediculous. The msrp for an '07 is $55k. I guess spinners and gold plated roof-rack could bump it up that high?

RB

[LUISJG]

h3 in san antonio standard transmission no fancy options is at
28.500

[BCJC]

i was killing time in a chapters yesterday and cruising the mag section, and i believe it was in the lateset "off road ", it had their review of the best 2006
4x4's. they had sections like "mid-size pickup", "full size suv" etc. at the end they had a best overall pick, and their choice was the h3. sorry, i'm not sure about the mag, but it's on the shelves now.

[azskyrider]

$80k for an H2 is pretty rediculous. The msrp for an '07 is $55k. I guess spinners and gold plated roof-rack could bump it up that high?

RB

Ron B. I was going off of Mexico prices which are higher than US prices. There are no spinners or gold platted aftermarket suppliers in Sonora as there are in the States. One usually just drives to Tucson or Phoenix and pays to have off road equipment installed. Needless to say the Mexican national usually has to pay a premium for work to be performed that day. The reason being that usually an appointment is made and the off road dealer knows that in order to pull the stops on the floor would require extra $$.

The reason for the high price for the H2.
1. limited availability
2. Shipment.
3. Taxes
4. exclusivity

I priced an H3 last year in Hermosillo. It would be ordered through the GM Dealership that has ties with a DF dealership that has ties with a USA dealership. This most likely will involve paying extra taxes, shipment, and you get what comes in, in terms of color options etc.. There is also NO haggling, leases, and interests rates are at an all time low (13%), ni modo, and you usually have to put down 50% of the vehicle and have 2 years to pay for it. You have to be pretty wealthy to own these vehicles where in the states just about anyone can own a high price vehicle with a good lease term and no money down.

This is also the reason why the used car market in Mexico is very good and depreciation is not as much compared to the states.


Cheers,

[azskyrider]

27K? Now that changes things slightly. I thought they were much more than that (high 30's)

Get a white one and fit some steel wheels and it would likely blend in a bit more. Maybe I can get one for some testing.

Scott,

Most of the scottdale Hummer dealerships have them blinged out with special port or dealer installed add ons that raise the price to a very high level.

You can still find basically stock with off road packages on H3 now and on H2's because it seems no one is buying them.

Cheers,

[LexusAllTerrain]

[QUOTE=azskyrider] and you usually have to put down 50% of the vehicle and have 2 years to pay for QUOTE]

I believe you can go up to 36 months!

[azskyrider]

I believe you can go up to 36 months!

Yes you can if you have money in the bank, good payment history, and a credit card. You also have to prove that you own a home and that you have made payments to your electricity and property taxes on time while still having a job that you have been working for a very long time.

There is no SS# for credit checks in Mexico so everything is done the old fashion way. So you have to keep all your receipts. It is really hard just to even get a credit card.

I could go on and on about the differences but it would take too long. Things are so much easier in the states to live a more "Comfortable" but yet not necessarily a debt free life.

Cheers,

[hinoranger]

just found my April '06 Car and Driver:

"..with it's Hummer H3, GM flat-out nailed the off road half of the equation, and then, apperently, got distracted.."

incidently, the final rankings were-

1. Nissan Xtrerra
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee
3. Toyota FJ
4. H3

anti-import bias at Car and Driver? ..if you say so.


I'm actually impressed that a image-based brand like Hummer would put out a real 4x4 truck.

[Ron B]

Azskyrider, sorry about the misunderstanding.

I don't put too much faith in the magazine reviews...especially when comparing 4x4's. I'd like to see how each of these trucks would do on a real trail. I think the fj and the h3 would really shine.

Ron B

[DBS311]

The H3 has grown on me over time. With 33" tires from the factory (with adventure package), a 4:1 T-case, rear locker, and traction control, it seems like a good package. You can even throw 35's on with the stock suspension with little to no rubbing. I can deal with the low power output (my FJ62 is way slower than the H3) and the small windows, but the thing that scares me, especially for an expedition vehicle, is the small front diff. While lurking on some Hummer forums I have run across a number of people who have ripped teeth off the ring gear on minor obstacles. I know the overall number with these failures is small, but I would hate to think of it happening to me if I am 50+ miles from anything.

[Ron B]

there has been a problem with the front diffs and the gears not being hardened. I think that's fixed now, but I know at least three people on a local hummer forum that have had diffs blow in Moab. Not fun. Hopefully that issue is near to be over. Are they the same diffs in the colorado?

ron b

[DBS311]

I have no idea but if I were to guess I would think they would be the same. I wonder if it would be possible to swap in the diff out of the H2. In any case, I hope that GM has a plan to increase strength especially if they shoehorn in the 5.3 (lots of speculation that there will be an H3 Alpha).

[hinoranger]

\
I don't put too much faith in the magazine reviews...especially when comparing 4x4's. I'd like to see how each of these trucks would do on a real trail. I think the fj and the h3 would really shine.

Ron B

well, that's exactly what they said, actually.

They're just saying, for better or for worse, the Xtrerra and Jeep are what most consumers want.

[beattiedr]

Hi folks,

We have a 2006 H3, and we love it. We take it off road, and use it as a daily driver. It is easy to navigate around town, and the milage is respectable at around 20 - 21 on the highway. We just finished the El Camino El Diablo trail this Thanksgiving Weekend, have been to the Az Coke Ovens. We allways recieve positive comments on the trail. This is a very capable vehicle.

I still have a lot to learn, before my off road driving skills will begin to match the capabilities of the H3.

Thanks,

[LexusAllTerrain]

Hi folks,

We have a 2006 H3, and we love it. We take it off road, and use it as a daily driver. It is easy to navigate around town, and the milage is respectable at around 20 - 21 on the highway. We just finished the El Camino El Diablo trail this Thanksgiving Weekend, have been to the Az Coke Ovens. We allways recieve positive comments on the trail. This is a very capable vehicle.

I still have a lot to learn, before my off road driving skills will begin to match the capabilities of the H3.

Thanks,
Do you have any pictures of El camino del Diablo?

And congratulations on your H3, I am glad you are using it to explore!

[Scott Brady]

Hi folks,

We have a 2006 H3, and we love it.

Welcome to ExPo and congrats on the new H3.

I like the platform and look forward to hearing your comments on it after a few adventures.

There are many AZ members here, so make sure to watch the planned adventure section for new trail runs.

[devinsixtyseven]

one of my favorite movie lines..."i might have gone a different way."

beware the "got distracted" part...small front diffs (for tire size/vehicle weight/output torque) are for light duty (ie dirt road, with rocks, ruts, potholes, offcamber and steeps) offroad. toyota learned the hard way when they tried to run a small front diff in the tundra (new models have a larger diff). it remains a weak link in the older tundras and is the most common source of carnage offroad, even in stock form. wait and see if the problem is fixed somehow, or stick with smaller tires, light throttle, locker, and avoid spinning tires at all costs. 35s will highlight the weakness and leave you limping, despite a small box, rear locker, articulation, etc...

the H-series vehicles get their reputation from 90% of owners (i made that number up for effect). i don't see any of those owners on the expo, but consider the environment theyve created before you get a Hummer. frankly i dont think anyone here cares what you bring to the trailhead, if you're willing to soak up the backlash from the majority of the rest of the populace.

-sean

[bigreen505]

I have never been in an H3, but my biggest problem with them, like the FJ Cruiser, is it would appear that the view out is limited at best. One of these days I need to shut up and buy a Jeep, but I think nature is best viewed in 360 degrees.

[Scott Brady]

That is the Jeep (or FJ40) "thing". Being able to have the top off and fully engage the weather and view. Probably the closest thing to a moto.

[LexusAllTerrain]

That is the Jeep (or FJ40) "thing". Being able to have the top off and fully engage the weather and view. Probably the closest thing to a moto.


I agree, he needs a Wrangler for the panoramic 360degree effect!:sombrero:

[devinsixtyseven]

That is the Jeep (or FJ40) "thing". Being able to have the top off and fully engage the weather and view. Probably the closest thing to a moto.just watched "the gods must be crazy" again the other day :D...

"we'll just strip it down!" (top comes off, etc...) i always wanted one of those land rovers...one of my favorite parts is when they pull up to the forest, move a low branch, and drive right in...no roof to get in the way :D.

[xracer9]

2006 hummer h3
off road package
manual 5 sp trans
toyo mt 315/75-16
warn 9.5 si winch
cobra cx 75 cb radio
garmin 275 gps

[coreys88burban]

IMO, no. get one with Manual hubs, solid alxe and stay away from half ton running gear and lots of wiring. for that much money you can build a nice rig (OBD1 system or carbed).

BRONCO, K5, Suburban..

hell for that money you can get a very nice 7.3 powerstroke diesel Ford Centurion (4 door bronco on 3/4ton OR 1 ton chassis-lux interior with 3 rows of seats and removable top) those are sweet! heres one by me

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/2067330279.html

or smaller with 3 rows seats a 2003+ Durango 3rd row folds flat, they have AWD and a Hemi! my uncle has one all stock besides some mud terrain (stock size) and he can push through snow up to the hood!

or an older toyota?