H2 VS. H3--Which would you choose?

[Aubs]

Alright, so here I am, on the fence wondering if I should switch to an H3 or stick with my H2. All I ever really wanted the H2 for was the off-road ability and reliability. Now with the H3, I'm thinking I can get the same stuff in a smaller package. Is this really the case? Is the H3 just as competent as the H2? Which would you choose?

(Note: Posted a new discussion since the previous ones are pretty old)

My H3 Pros:
-Better MPG
-Smaller exterior dimensions
-Side airbags
-Stabillitrak
-Very similar off-road operating specs
-Rear-mounted tire (I have an early 2005 H2 sans tire carrier)
-Crawl ratio
-More water fording

My H3 Cons:
-Smaller interior dimensions and cargo space
-Less ground clearance
-Smaller towing capacity
-No global express down (I LOVE that feature)
-Less underbody protection

Also, I'd like a lower payoff at the end of my lease, so hopefully I can actually buy a car for once and stop throwing away so much cash.
H2 payoff is $35,000 vs. H3 payoff of about $17,000.

[Aubs]

Alright, so here I am, on the fence wondering if I should switch to an H3 or stick with my H2. All I ever really wanted the H2 for was the off-road ability and reliability. Now with the H3, I'm thinking I can get the same stuff in a smaller package. Is this really the case? Is the H3 just as competent as the H2? Which would you choose?

(Note: Posted a new discussion since the previous ones are pretty old)

My H3 Pros:
-Better MPG
-Smaller exterior dimensions
-Side airbags
-Stabillitrak
-Very similar off-road operating specs
-Rear-mounted tire (I have an early 2005 H2 sans tire carrier)
-Crawl ratio
-More water fording

My H3 Cons:
-Smaller interior dimensions and cargo space
-Less ground clearance
-Smaller towing capacity
-No global express down (I LOVE that feature)
-Less underbody protection

Also, I'd like a lower payoff at the end of my lease, so hopefully I can actually buy a car for once and stop throwing away so much cash.
H2 payoff is $35,000 vs. H3 payoff of about $17,000.

[H3 Hummer]

You have very good points - I just would like to add a couple of my thoughts. The H3 groud clearance is lower but still adequate, the H3 has extra undercarriage protection that just bolts on for about $350.00.
Towing capacity on the H3 is ok but only on the automatic version. The iterior space is smaller but really should be fine for 90% of the time.

So basically the price is the biggest point, both insurance, gas and the vehicle. I pay about $75.00 / month insurance on the the H3. Way cheaper than my Z3.

[DWPC]

You say you bought the H2 for offroad and reliability, yet you seem to put priority on interior space and towing. Do you need them?

I think the H3 has better useable offroad capability than the H2; better crawl, better handling, better turn radius; and you won't tear the sides off it on trails made for much narrower vehicles. H3's shorter wheelbase makes the ground clearance a mostly non-issue; its got plenty. I don't miss express down (rarely use it in my Audi), but I do wish the rear window opened on the H3.

Be aware that if you need to tow anything heavier than very light trailer, the H3 will be hanging back with the big rigs on grades.

[trebor]

My H3 has express down on the drivers window and express open and close on the sunroof. As for towing, I tow an off road setup '97 Wrangler, weighs about 3800#, tows it without any problems. Have towed it to a private dry lake about 70 miles away from my home. Tows the Jeep as if it were not there, even stopped very well. Seems the brakes were well designed, four pistons for the front.

I am thinking I will get an H2 in a year or so, probably buy a used one and put a disiel engine in it.

[Sharkster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sfox:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DWPC:
I think the H3 has better useable offroad capability. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>hell, it even has more tow loops... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Where? Both cars have 2 at the front and 1 at the back.

[x-humm]

Hey Don't feel bad. I towed my 24' boat (4800#) all the way from Orange County to Havazu. 370 miles aprox. and problems..by the way, we have 4 people sitting in the H3.

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sharkster:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sfox:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DWPC:
I think the H3 has better useable offroad capability. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>hell, it even has more tow loops... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Where? Both cars have 2 at the front and 1 at the back. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

H2 has two in the back correct.

[Aubs]

I'd miss the GLOBAL express down, where all four windows (or five on the SUT) go down and up at the push of one button.

Sorry for the bold! Just trying to highlight the quote.
You say you bought the H2 for offroad and reliability, yet you seem to put priority on interior space and towing. Do you need them?

I did buy it for the off-road ability, and reliability, which both vehicles share, so the question really comes down to other factors.

As for towing, that is important to me. Interior wise, I like having the extra room for big items and the shoulder/hip room. Do I need them? Well, I appreciate them at any rate.

Really, I like the Stabillitrac especially, since it has been shown to reduce single vehicle accidents by 40-60% (NHTSA.GOV). And head side impact protection reduces fatalities by 30-40% in side impact accidents (IIHS.ORG).

Also, my current insurance on the H2 is about $1600/year. It would only drop to about $1300/year on the H3. Slight benefit there.

As for the particulars like approach/breakover/departure, I'm not sure 1 degree of difference from the H2 or H1 makes much difference to me (H1 ALPHA is only 1 degree more in departure!). Granted, I will have the off-road suspension package with the 33" tires.

[DWPC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

the H2 is simply better setup "stock" than the H3.

S </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Maybe (just maybe) for playing where there's plenty of room. Very few even frequent 4x4ers would ever need the on-paper angle advantages of the H2 over the H3. I don't know where you wheel, but I was on a couple tight jeep trails in AZ last week that would have probably ruined an H2's day when you saw what your sides looked like afterward. You're six inches wider than a H3, but over a foot wider than the Jeeps that generally blazed the trails.

I'll take the H3's much better low range and much handier size over a couple degrees of departure angle any day. Not to mention the $20+ grand difference. In a pure technical contest, maybe you'll win, but if I want to take a real-world 10-mile switchback trail to a new trout stream; I'd rather take the H3.

Maybe I should have said more practical instead of more useable. Just my opinion.

[H3 Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Dude, that makes absolutely no friggin sense. The H2 has better approach angle, better breakover, bigger/more aggressive tires, better under-carriage protection, better break-over...hell, it even has more tow loops...also, little things like the rear bumper and muffler desgin are simply better thought out on the H2. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


I have a H3 and have to agree with what he said. Not that the H3 is bad it just isn't better overall.

[HummerNewbie]

I think it all really comes down to preference. There are those that have had an H2 that would hate the H3 and visa versa. They both have advantages but they both have their place in the Hummer family If I had my choice, I would have both http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[timgco]

OK, so as of now, we have an SUT and and H3. I drive both every week. For driving in the city I prefer the H3 just for parking and turning around in smaller areas. On the HWY, I prefer the ride of the H2 better but like the gas mileage better on the H3.

I just came back from Moab with "THE GROUP." All I can say is that the H2's off road abilities are great. I think the H3 could have done the trails we were on, but may have had some issues with climbing up onto (not over) some of the ledges.

I have made a choice to get an H3 and to sell my SUT. I do not tow anything or have a family other than my sig. other and two dogs. So I don't really need a fullsize rig. I do not think the off road capabilities are better on one over the other in the real world on or off road. It's driver most of the time. I think the ground clearance issue can be helped by some larger tires and will also help out the AA and DA a little too. Next would be to lift the rig and that would increase the AA and DA angles a little and get the body up a little higher.

Comparing one truck to the other (as stated before on quite a few other threads) cannot be done with apples to apples. If you must have the Ultimate off road vehicle go build a buggy. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[jkH1+H2=H3]

Personally, I would go with the H1- Its the mother load.
you can get great prices on H1's with low mileage, cheeper or if not equal in price to the H3 and H2.
Dude?? Leasing, ?? not sure of the miles you do? but leasing is a bad choice period for me, I will lose out in the end.
Anyway, I went 4x4in with the big boys and had no problem keeping up or falling behind the H2's. The h2 guys commented on how impressed they thought the H3 was driving, Thanks to me, as they look on from driving behind the H3.
This is a great Question, And lets put money and payments, leases aside. What would you DO?

[Aubs]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jkH1+H2=H3:
This is a great Question, And lets put money and payments, leases aside. What would you DO? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

After having to tow a heavy trailer back from FL, and toting around a giant puppy (which I wanted to stay in it's elephant sized crate and not destroy the car), I'm happy to have the H2.

However, not being able to follow my fanatic Jeepster friend into the woods after his Cherokee because I was just too wide, I felt like something a bit smaller would be handier in true off-road situations in NE. (I say New England because most trails here are cut through woods, and some are old or not well maintained. Or, if they are attended, it's by Wranglers or Cherokees, which fit through the brush just fine. I've got lots of nice front to back scratches from my exploits on such trails.)

So the H2 can do so much more than most any other off-road vehicle available stock. But when I can't follow a technically inferior Jeep into the woods because of just size, that's saying that maybe the H3, albeit any minor shortcomings in AA, DA, whatever, is perhaps the better and more ultimate off-roader.

I honestly do not know what I would choose if I had to walk into the dealership today. It would most likely come down to dollars.

[And just so no one shoots me down about the technically inferior bit: My friend basically floored his Jeep to get it through obstacles (Did he drive it right--I dunno!?). But without computer controlled systems, high-tech components, and other inventions of the 2000's, power was really all he had. I'm not insulting the Cherokee, I just think the H2, and all modern vehicles, have a significant technological advantage over their 1990's counterparts.]

[Ronnie_Ringo]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sfox:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by DWPC:

Maybe (just maybe) for playing where there's plenty of room. Very few even frequent 4x4ers would ever need the on-paper angle advantages of the H2 over the H3. I don't know where you wheel, but I was on a couple tight jeep trails in AZ last week that would have probably ruined an H2's day when you saw what your sides looked like afterward. You're six inches wider than a H3, but over a foot wider than the Jeeps that generally blazed the trails.

I'll take the H3's much better low range and much handier size over a couple degrees of departure angle any day. Not to mention the $20+ grand difference. In a pure technical contest, maybe you'll win, but if I want to take a real-world 10-mile switchback trail to a new trout stream; I'd rather take the H3.

Maybe I should have said more practical instead of more useable. Just my opinion. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Seriously, have you ever actually wheeled??? A couple of degrees of approach and departure angle?? People spend THOUSANDS on lifts, tires, bumpers, etc to get a couple of extra degrees of breakover, approach and departure angle. It's really hard to take you seriously when you make such idiotic statements and don't even know enough about H2's to know that they have four tow loops. Don't get me wrong, I never said the H3 wasn't capable, just that to simply dismiss the H2's capabilities (of which you obviously have limited knowledge) based solely on it's width, makes it incredibly difficult to give your arguement any credibility. I have wheeled with dozens of H1's, H2's and H3's with drivers of varying experience levels, so I can speak with some degree of authority that the H2's "techinical" advantages aren't just on paper. While a few situations may give the edge to the H3 based solely on it's width, the H2 will win out in other situations.

So much anger. What is the exact definition of "wheeled" anyway? I'm from the Midwest and I love taking the H3 to the Northwoods. Not too many mountains around here. It fits perfect on those logging trails. So much fun after a good T-storm. Arguing about the difference between an H2 and H3 is idiotic. Who F'in cares? It's cool that the H1 in my neighborhood honks every time we pass each other. That's what it's all about. Mutual respect. I'll be a happy man the day I own the H1 and H2.

[DWPC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sfox:
Seriously, have you ever actually wheeled??? A couple of degrees of approach and departure angle?? People spend THOUSANDS on lifts, tires, bumpers, etc to get a couple of extra degrees of breakover, approach and departure angle. It's really hard to take you seriously when you make such idiotic statements and don't even know enough about H2's to know that they have four tow loops. S </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wow...touchy aren't we. Must be that "tow loop" business. I don't know if 20 years of trail driving in 4x4s qualifies as "wheeling". I've never been to Moab or the other "wheeling" amusement parks. I tend to use my 4x4s to get to places in the boonies, not as an end in itself. I've never spent "thousands" to gain an inch of clearance but I have winched out some of those guys and loaned them tools to pull a busted axle shaft. I just like to have fun getting where I'm going, and have reasonable expectation that my rig can get there...and back.

I'm sorry I dissed your four tow loops, it was unintentional.

[KenP]

First off, I love the H3 enough to seriously consider adding one to the family.

But if you haven't banged the hell out of you undercarrieage you haven't really been running hard trails.

Every H2, except PhilD's, hit the front and rear bumpers on rocks at one point or another during this trip. There was simply no way around it on many trails. The H3 wouldn't have the height to get up on some of these ledges.

Now put a lift and some 35's on the H3 and your talking about one hell of a truck.

[h2co-pilot]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
First off, I love the H3 enough to seriously consider adding one to the family.

But if you haven't banged the hell out of you undercarrieage you haven't really been running hard trails.

Every H2, except PhilD's, hit the front and rear bumpers on rocks at one point or another during this trip. There was simply no way around it on many trails. The H3 wouldn't have the height to get up on some of these ledges.

Now put a lift and some 35's on the H3 and your talking about one hell of a truck. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Uhm, Boo. The H2 is way more comfy than the H3. Put a lift, some 37's and a front locker on an H2....Boo Yaah!http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

It depends on what you want, both are cool and serve thier purpose.

[CslRkH2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by timgco:
I have made a choice to get an H3 and to sell my SUT. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

R U Serious?

[4ophenia]

I agree - both serve their purpose. Before the H3 came out, I'm sure H1 and H2 owners had similar discussions. And I'm sure H1 owners felt they had the superior rig when the H2 initially hit the market. Fact is, the entire Hummer line is great. A debate surrounding the merits of an H1, H2 or H3 is simply a great testament to how strongly we all feel about our ride. All I know is I'm damn proud to be an owner. Yeeaah!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[trebor]

I don't care about your approach angle or departure angle on the H1, H2 or my H3. I have driven my Wrangler on many mountain pass roads in Colorado and spent plenty of time in Moab (my parents on a large farm just south of Montecillo, Utah). I have been everywhere the Hummers have gone. Most all abilities are directly related to experiance and knowing the capabilities of the vehicle. I have even had a relative bring a stock Geo Tracker that I was able to take some places the H2's could not go due to their driver's ability. I have seen H1's stuck so bad it took 3 vehicles with tow straps and winches used for tieoffs to get them out and have seen a pickup go through the same mud hole and not get stuck. Personally I have only been stuck one time I could not get myself out and that was over the headlights in mud with a '83 F150 4x4.

All this talk about which is better is bull. It all depends on preference and personal needs.

I used to race a 500cc enduro for Team Honda in my younger days and even did the Baja race 3yrs in a row, believe me, every vehicle breaks. The Hummer's are no exception.

Heck I just sold a 2000 Expedition that more capabilities than most H2's due to lack of driver ability. (Factory off-road package with 35" tires, no lift)

[kacyk]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Aubs:
All I ever really wanted the H2 for was the off-road ability and reliability. QUOTE]

Not sure how many folks here have owned both but I have. If rock crawling is all you want, then go with the H2. Also, if that is really your purpose then why lease one? You can buy a good used 2004 for $40K all day long with about 20K miles. Then take it wheeling and beat the crap out of it and don't worry about any lease return issues.

However, if you want a daily driver and you live in an area where you frequent the the city, get the H3.

[DWPC]

To think we could have avoided all this nastiness if I'd just known about that fourth H2 "tow loop". I still don't know where I "dismissed" the H2...I just said the H3 was IMO more useable/practical for real world 4x4 use. $20K+ left in the wallet seems pretty damned practical to me. Excuse me while I quietly slink down some sissy "dirt trail".

[Aubs]

My issue now is different having driven the H3. I know that I will never get my H2 out West. I'd have to sell everything I own to afford the gas. So at best, an H3 is the only thing I'd take out. So for the tight trails in the East, maybe the H3 is the better choice. If I was out West, an H2 would probably better suit.

Also, I'm leasing just to be able to drive such a fine car. I can't afford to up and buy it. With our H3 though, we're leasing, and then going to buy it out. It's kinda my way of financing it out. And I know it's not the best, so no criticisms please.

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Aubs:
My issue now is different having driven the H3. I know that I will never get my H2 out West. I'd have to sell everything I own to afford the gas. So at best, an H3 is the only thing I'd take out. So for the tight trails in the East, maybe the H3 is the better choice. If I was out West, an H2 would probably better suit.

Also, I'm leasing just to be able to drive such a fine car. I can't afford to up and buy it. With our H3 though, we're leasing, and then going to buy it out. It's kinda my way of financing it out. And I know it's not the best, so no criticisms please. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The trails out West aren't any wider! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

As for the lease and than buy, whatever works for you is best!

[kacyk]

Okay, I test drove a LR3 (V8) today at Jaguar of Seattle. Freaking NICE! You can't even compare it to my Disco II. If someone told me it was a Range Rover I would have believed. It's a wonderful rig (way better inside that outside). But no amount of perceived sophistication can erase those memories of leaving my Disco at the dealer, week after week after week....

[Edspad]

This Thread reminds me of some other forums i
belong too.. AK47 vers AR15 or Mustang vers Camaro. My personal choice is own a few of each Rifle, Mustangs are the Top Pony Cars.
And the H3 Rules in its class.......

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Aubs:
My issue now is different having driven the H3. I know that I will never get my H2 out West. I'd have to sell everything I own to afford the gas. So at best, an H3 is the only thing I'd take out. So for the tight trails in the East, maybe the H3 is the better choice. If I was out West, an H2 would probably better suit.

Also, I'm leasing just to be able to drive such a fine car. I can't afford to up and buy it. With our H3 though, we're leasing, and then going to buy it out. It's kinda my way of financing it out. And I know it's not the best, so no criticisms please. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>We live in VA and just got back from Moab. It was a blast.

"Tight trails in the east"? Want to join us at Paragon next month? Just PM me to let me know.