Will the H3 be a homerun or foul ball?

[Steve R]

Will the H3 be another huge hit....or what??

I say "No".....

The H2 has "been there, done that"

For years the H1 was the exotic of offroad vehicles...costing upwards of six-figures. It really wasn't very practical....certainly not something mom could use to haul kids to soccer practice. It was wide, heavy, and pretty much regarded as a specialty vehicle for the wealthy. Some stayed away due to price, others for lack of practical application.

The H2 changed all that. In 3 words you could sum it up as "Hummer made affordable"....

For about half the price, or about the same money as any other luxury SUV, a consumer could find themselves behind the wheel of a HUMMER. The price was right! Beyond price was practicality...now you could zip around town hauling kids, jamming at 80 mph on the freeway and pretty much enjoying all the qualities of any typical SUV. Aside from a tall jump upwards to get in, you had a SUV on steroids. It was a GM and parts & service available....why not!

And so the H2 was all the rage, suddenly Hummers were in the spotlight and driving down the street kids smiled and gave you the thumbs-up. Life was good.

Those days are gone.

High oil prices, the push to save the environment and just basic trends have put the Hummer into the background of modern automotive interest. Not to mention the war in Iraq getting old....the association with a battle-vehicle just doesn't quite appeal either.

One other thought: people discovered the H2 wasn't a "real Hummer". It didn't have gear-driven hubs, CTIS or all the armor the H1 has. They called it a Tahoe2. Personally, I think GM bought a name and instead of maintaining it's pretige & quality....they cashed-in and watered it down for sake of profit.

Is there a place for the H3? Will it re-ignite the Hummer interest and stir a renewed sales rage?...I sincerely doubt it. Sure, it'll mean "entry" for those who can't cut-loose with $55k....but to what extent? HELLO: For about the same money as a new H3 you can own a used H2 still under warranty; why not buy the original immitator??? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I'm guessing the H3 will be exactly like the Jeep Liberty....you'll see them here and there, but after a brief initial hype and some perky sales...it'll fall flat on it's face and just plunder along.

Course, I may be wrong....but what's that old saying? Ah yes....BITE ME!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Steve R]

Will the H3 be another huge hit....or what??

I say "No".....

The H2 has "been there, done that"

For years the H1 was the exotic of offroad vehicles...costing upwards of six-figures. It really wasn't very practical....certainly not something mom could use to haul kids to soccer practice. It was wide, heavy, and pretty much regarded as a specialty vehicle for the wealthy. Some stayed away due to price, others for lack of practical application.

The H2 changed all that. In 3 words you could sum it up as "Hummer made affordable"....

For about half the price, or about the same money as any other luxury SUV, a consumer could find themselves behind the wheel of a HUMMER. The price was right! Beyond price was practicality...now you could zip around town hauling kids, jamming at 80 mph on the freeway and pretty much enjoying all the qualities of any typical SUV. Aside from a tall jump upwards to get in, you had a SUV on steroids. It was a GM and parts & service available....why not!

And so the H2 was all the rage, suddenly Hummers were in the spotlight and driving down the street kids smiled and gave you the thumbs-up. Life was good.

Those days are gone.

High oil prices, the push to save the environment and just basic trends have put the Hummer into the background of modern automotive interest. Not to mention the war in Iraq getting old....the association with a battle-vehicle just doesn't quite appeal either.

One other thought: people discovered the H2 wasn't a "real Hummer". It didn't have gear-driven hubs, CTIS or all the armor the H1 has. They called it a Tahoe2. Personally, I think GM bought a name and instead of maintaining it's pretige & quality....they cashed-in and watered it down for sake of profit.

Is there a place for the H3? Will it re-ignite the Hummer interest and stir a renewed sales rage?...I sincerely doubt it. Sure, it'll mean "entry" for those who can't cut-loose with $55k....but to what extent? HELLO: For about the same money as a new H3 you can own a used H2 still under warranty; why not buy the original immitator??? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I'm guessing the H3 will be exactly like the Jeep Liberty....you'll see them here and there, but after a brief initial hype and some perky sales...it'll fall flat on it's face and just plunder along.

Course, I may be wrong....but what's that old saying? Ah yes....BITE ME!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Steve R]

Will the H3 be another huge hit....or what??

I say "No".....

The H2 has "been there, done that"

For years the H1 was the exotic of offroad vehicles...costing upwards of six-figures. It really wasn't very practical....certainly not something mom could use to haul kids to soccer practice. It was wide, heavy, and pretty much regarded as a specialty vehicle for the wealthy. Some stayed away due to price, others for lack of practical application.

The H2 changed all that. In 3 words you could sum it up as "Hummer made affordable"....

For about half the price, or about the same money as any other luxury SUV, a consumer could find themselves behind the wheel of a HUMMER. The price was right! Beyond price was practicality...now you could zip around town hauling kids, jamming at 80 mph on the freeway and pretty much enjoying all the qualities of any typical SUV. Aside from a tall jump upwards to get in, you had a SUV on steroids. It was a GM and parts & service available....why not!

And so the H2 was all the rage, suddenly Hummers were in the spotlight and driving down the street kids smiled and gave you the thumbs-up. Life was good.

Those days are gone.

High oil prices, the push to save the environment and just basic trends have put the Hummer into the background of modern automotive interest. Not to mention the war in Iraq getting old....the association with a battle-vehicle just doesn't quite appeal either.

One other thought: people discovered the H2 wasn't a "real Hummer". It didn't have gear-driven hubs, CTIS or all the armor the H1 has. They called it a Tahoe2. Personally, I think GM bought a name and instead of maintaining it's pretige & quality....they cashed-in and watered it down for sake of profit.

Is there a place for the H3? Will it re-ignite the Hummer interest and stir a renewed sales rage?...I sincerely doubt it. Sure, it'll mean "entry" for those who can't cut-loose with $55k....but to what extent? HELLO: For about the same money as a new H3 you can own a used H2 still under warranty; why not buy the original immitator??? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I'm guessing the H3 will be exactly like the Jeep Liberty....you'll see them here and there, but after a brief initial hype and some perky sales...it'll fall flat on it's face and just plunder along.

Course, I may be wrong....but what's that old saying? Ah yes....BITE ME!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Steve i agree completely with all you said but i have been shot down so far. Get Your parachute ready.

TAZ

[devilsfan]

Will it be an enormous hit? No.

But look at the reasons most people trade in their H2s. It's not because they don't love the Hummer, it's because it lacks practicality, isn't easy to drive, is a gas hog, etc. The H3 solves a lot of these issues. The key is to make it as much of a Hummer and as prestigous as the H2, which I don't think they can do. Those folks who traded in their H2s did so for Range Rovers, Lexus, etc - they're not going to settle for a $30,000 pseudo-Trailblazer. I think the majority of the market will come from those who are looking for a daily driver to replace the family minivan and can't afford the H2, and those in the younger set who are looking for an alternative to the Jeep. Other than that, I agree - there's really not much of a market out there.

Stacy

[ROX]

PhilD I disagree.

I'm not so sure that the H3 won't take a lot of the jeep market away. Think about it. Jeep has been the only appealing off road vehicle to many people for years. It started in the military too. I think given a few years, the H2 and the new H3 will be more popular. Right now they are a little pricey to own. And, people aren't used to seeing them around.

I never would have driven a GM if the H2 hadn't come along. I was preparing to buy a Ford Excursion for the simple facts that it tows everything under the sun, still has 4wd, and lots of room. But the Hummer was something new and exciting and I decided to buy one. The money was the same so it wasn't a deciding factor. (Of course, once I got done putting all the gadgets on, it was a different story.)

The H3 will find it's niche. I think all the Jeep owners who couldn't afford an H2 will suddenly find themselves looking at buying their new Hummer H3 instead. Ya never Know.... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

[Steve R]

Oh...don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting they won't sell or don't have their place. They'll do just fine....but when I say "fine", I mean as nothing more then just another new model that Ford or Dodge may add.

Some of you may have forgotten, but the H2 was originally figured as being a specialty vehicle one-off from an H1. GM was blown-away and nearly shocked at the demand. It amazed them at how much the people embraced and bought the H2. They were selling on ebay for $20k over sticker and dealers were backed-up on orders for months! I don't want to sound over dramatic, but the nation was swept by a small wave of Hummer-mania. Rap Stars had them and it was the hot new thing.

My point is that the H3 will NOT be the HOT new thing and reignite a frenzied interest in HUMMER again. Dealers are hoping & expecting a tidal-wave of demand.

In the theme of my title...will it be a homerun: NO. But it will be a double.

The H2 made HUMMER affordable, it was the rage. The H3 will be cute, interesting and provocative to many....but it's just going to be another model and simmer along after a slight bump in initial demand.

[Albie]

more like a balk!

[ROX]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by H2 Rocks:
PhilD I disagree. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>With what?

I'm confused, which isn't a difficult thing to do ;-)

Your post sounds like you think the H3 will sell well. Which is what I said, the previous posts said it won't sell well http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

SORRY PHILD. There I go picking on the wrong guy again. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[GeneseeMtn]

The H3 will definitely be off-road capable. It's suspension allows it to be driven through a portion of the AM General Off-Road Course at the facotry that they keep the H2's off of.

The suspension of the H3 is something that will definitely be desired.

[DRTYFN]

I think the H3 will be a very good seller.

As for off-roading abilities- it was up on the Rubicon so it must be good. Just getting into that trail is a bit of a pisser.
I'm really looking forward to seeing & driving one.

[Longhorn]

Steve-

How does this scenario play out if you've got the H2 or H1 in scoring position? The H3 might knock in an RBI or at least bring up a pretty nasty fielder's choice.

Wait, I've confused myself with this ridiculous extended metaphor and my eyes have gone cross-eyed. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Bring on the H3. Let good ole fashioned Capitalism decide.

We will have to haze the owners a bit in the interest of a proper initiation. I vote Dirty for Pledge Trainer in 05.

[Steve R]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LonghornRockcrawler:
I've confused myself with this ridiculous extended metaphor and my eyes have gone cross-eyed. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well...that would be the inbreeding http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I've heard the H3 did well on the Rubicon, BETTER then the H2. Before getting too excited by such prospects....it was firmly concluded that it's advantage was solely on account of the H3 being more narrow and being able to take more selective lines.

I've also spoken with other tech-heads and they too are bitter about the leaf-springs and the shock absorber bracket that hang down very low.

The title of the thread was not "how well will the H3 offroad"...but rather I'm calling into question the assumption many have figured: that the H3 will re-ignite a Hummer sales frenzy.

And of course, in the end...time will tell. My understanding of "why leaf-springs" stems from the H3 being built on a Colorado chassis.

And really, I'm just giving the forum something to chew on.

[unaslob]

to answer the question, the h3 will do well. mostly for wrong reasons, I think that it will be quite "blingable" and for a cheaper price.

not to be tangential... but the more important question is:

will H2 owners treat H3 owners with the same distain that H1 owners treat H2 owners..

(map available on request)

unaslob

[KenP]

I think it will sell well. I'm trying to convince the wife that "she needs one". Of course it won't go anywhere worse than the sand in the OBX or mall parking lot, but hey, it's a HUMMER. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[kacyk]

Anyone know what demographic profile or segment Hummer is going after with the H3? They must have done a study before going ahead with the project or at least their marketing team is targeting someone. Is it men, women, specific age or income profile, nationality, mini-me's?

I'm not too thrilled with the pics but my brother has put his hands on one and he claims that it's the real deal in person. What's the deal with the 5 cylinders though?

[devilsfan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by unaslob:
to answer the question, the h3 will do well. mostly for wrong reasons, I think that it will be quite "blingable" and for a cheaper price.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Greeeeeat, Hummer's created a rival to the Scion B. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Stacy

[Steve R]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by unaslob:
not to be tangential... but the more important question is: will H2 owners treat H3 owners with the same distain that H1 owners treat H2 owners.. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I really don't expect H2 owners to give grief to H3 owners, unless they come in here touting how their rig cost 40% less and can out-wheel our H2's. If they come in blaring attitude, the Troll-patrol will knock 'em down.

SOME of the H1 owners were real dickheads and cut-loose some major attitude. As for H2 owners, I doubt you'll ever see an H3 Recovery Team, stickers with an H3 and slash through it (No H3's) or a plate frame reading "Death before H3".

The H3 is a little-brother to the H2. Whereas H1 owners saw the H2 as the illegitimate bastard child that was getting all the attention.

Oh...why 5 cylinder: fuel economy

[Yetti]

Its kind'a funny that the Jeep folks drove/drive those shoe box Cherokee's for all those years till Liberty came out. now they are jealous of the H2's ability and style. the people of China still have the old Cherokee, and they Dimler folks just gave it a new grill.
As for H3, I think they will do well, and have a great deal of sales here. There are military folks who loved the H1 & H2 who could only hope to afford one. now with the H3 it will be easy for them.

so don't knock it till you try it.

Ps, I'm off to the auto show!

[Hummertech]

A LOT OF GOOD OPINIONS HERE. HERE IS MY OPINION.
GM CANNOT AFFORD TO LET THIS FAIL. THEY HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO STUDY STUFF LIKE THIS FOR A LIVING. THE H3 WILL SELL MORE THAN THE H2. NOT TO H2 OWNERS, BUT TO AN ENTIRELY NEW MARKET OF PEOPLE. I GUESS WE'LL SEE WITHIN 6 MONTHS THOUGH.

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Well this is definetly going to be interestng to set back and watch. I actually have not talked to anyone that is not a Hummer owner to get an idea of what they think on H3. I know when last May I decided to get My first H2 I seriuoly sat down and looked at the other top end SUV's and they were so close if You call $10,000 close but, so close that I thought if I'm spending that kind of money I'm getting My dream RIG from the first time I ever saw it. I went down and paid the man took My 2005 H2 Stealth Gray Dream Rig home. When I drive around and yes I'm blinged and see the other High end Suv's they just do not look as good and the people I know that own them tell Me they do not get looks or waves. I get waves and hi's great looking H2 etc. have had one birdie fly by but she was a teen in a car load of teens that were envious after leaving a boxing match and they were all excited full of well energy lets say.
What I'm thinking is if what My dealer told Me is true to get an H3 loaded out is going to be $39,000 to $44,000 almost same situation I was looking at I would spend more and get H2. Dealers are cutting deals on H2 and on a brand new line I do not see alot of cutting unless 6 months after release they have alot still setting around. It really is a crap shoot right now until they start to promote it.
It is like in a post above. The H3 is the H2 little brother and I've thought about it and I'm going to welcome them and be the Big Brother cause after all they will always be the little brother and wishing they were the Big Brother. If they talk smack Big Brothers usually win the fight and little brother just gets smacked around and remembers why they wish they were the Big Brother.
It will most definetly be interestng to see what happens. I hope they sell well cause if it is a failure I'm worried what it will do to the Hummer name and possibly the availability of H2's in the future if lack of sales rips GM a big new one if H3 does not sale could it hurt H2 production.
Here the SUT is flopping. In a rural area like mine they can not carry enough to be a truck is what some are telling Me and they are going on and buying full size truck to work out of and with 4 doors they can put family in and go. It is losing to much interior by making a truck bed and to drive around with family they would rather have Full size SUV. I was at Dealer recently and am friends with a one of the Assitant Ser. Mang. and he said the SUT's are just stacking up over there on the other side of the lot. When I hear that it worries Me now they put out to 2 new gambles rolling the dice so close together with SUT and H3 if it goes bad agian the Hummer name and Gm's pocket book will hurt.
Could that push the cost of buying the H2 SUV up to offset loss of finances? That is My concern on the whole deal. I hope H3 does well.
I hope the SUT is doing well else where. I do not want thier potential failure to hurt H2.

TAZ

[Steve R]

Arkansas, huh? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Yeah, it's good to chew the fat on an interesting subject. Just to keep true to the thread:

GM expected the H2 to do fairly well...what they got was NOT expected: Demand for H2's were through the roof and GM never anticipated the roar of interest the H2 received: IT WAS A HUGE HIT.

Maybe you guys don't remember...but Hummer-mania swept over the nation, there was even a bump in interest for that antiquated dumpster-lines H1 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif. The H2 was all the rage and for MANY months I could sell my H2 for thousands over what I paid for it.

That wave is gone, long gone. Environmental concerns, high gas prices and other factors have bumped the Hummer from the trendy spotlight. Let's not forget this miserable war we're in...the affiliation with military isn't helping right now either.

Now comes the H3: cheaper, better mpg and hopefully appealing to a lower-income bracket.

Will they sell: of course!

Will it intiially do well: yes

Will it be another raging hit like the H2?

That's what this thread was about. I'm sure it'll do well and they'll move 'em hot & heavy for a couple months...but it'll be a mere shadow of the phenominon that the H2 was. That's my hunch.

The H2 made an exotic name (Hummer) affordable, practical and available. The "towel" has already been squeezed and most the buyers have been wrought out. The H3 will get something...but nothing by comparison.

I fully intend on waving at H3's and welcoming them to our offroading events. I imagine standing next to them as brothers while the H1 old timers just stand and stare in (even more) disgust.

One last shot: I could buy an H1 at the drop of a hat. Problem is, I've seen in our club how many problems they have. Even Buckeye's brand spankin' new rig was a bucket of problems. Half-shafts, idler arms, u-joints, pitman arms, radiators..and the list goes on. Yeah...the CTIS is cool and the clearance comes in handy...but the discomfort, loud noise, rough ride, poor engineering, appalling lack of quality: I'd no sooner throw myself off a cliff then buy an H1. Ya know why I'm bitter about it: cause I'd really like it to be a cool vehicle that is good to own!

Now who's the real Cranky Steve???? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Yetti]

Well I went to the Detroit Auto show today. it was crowded as heck. the only place you could get a breather was in the VW display or the Nissan, both had room to spare. the Dodge & Jeep displays were wall to wall people,and everyone was crawling all over the new Chargers.
The Gm display was huge, but the majority of of folks were in checking out Corvettes & H2s! they were crawling all over the new SUT's and the H1's. the H3 I saw was looking a little sad because very few folks really knew what it was. my wife heard someone call it the "Baby Hummer". it really looked nice, and the lines were close enough to put in the running for many folks.
as for H2s there was one that had the truck lid or hard tonneau. the one they had operated seperate of the tail gate and had a lockable lid with the factory key. I got to see the Duramax sitting on display. it looked more like an old Detroit diesel then something you put in a passenger vehicle.

[devilsfan]

I think you got it, Steve. The H2 was an unprecedented success - I think 90% of that was because it totally broke the mold. Yes, the H1 was already out, but it's not something you'd see everyday because of the price and practicality. Before the H2 came out, I might have seen 3-4 H1s in my lifetime, not being an avid off-roader. But in a market where the trend was to be sleek, stylish and carlike, here comes GM with a large box that drives like a tank that defies anything currently on the market. People wanted it because it was different....now that the newness has worn off, so have the sales.

The H3 does not follow in the H2 footsteps in this manner. It will be a good mid-sized SUV to compete with other mid-sized SUVs on the market, but it is in no way a ground-breaker like the H2 was. The only uproar that will come out of it will be the fact it's an "affordable" Hummer. Other than that, everything it offers has already been done before.

Stacy

[DRTYFN]

After seeing the H3 in person today and listening to everyone talk about it I can definitively say it WILL be a HUGE hit. Especially with the women. It will be a very easy sell on the men in theirs lives too.
Here's some pics I took.
LINKIE POO (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?a=tpc&s=2826088551&f=2706067735&m=9891036101&r=7111046101#7111046101)

[LasVegas]

I've always thought the H3 would be a winner. There's a segment of people that find the H2 just a bit intimidating but would love to drive a "Hummer" that's more mainstream. I've planned to buy my wife one ever since they announced them. And, IMO it's a good looking vehicle. Your pictures convince me more than ever.

[Steve R]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by devilsfan:
The H2 was an unprecedented success - I think 90% of that was because it totally broke the mold. In a market where the trend was to be sleek, stylish and carlike, here comes GM with a large box that drives like a tank that defies anything currently on the market. People wanted it because it was different.

The H3 does not follow in the H2 footsteps in this manner. It will be a good mid-sized SUV to compete with other mid-sized SUVs on the market, but it is in no way a ground-breaker like the H2 was. Stacy <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's my thoughts too. I realize much of it is wishful thinking, but if you talk with dealers they are figuring it'll be an even bigger hit then the H2 and Hummer-mania will rage through the country with a resurgence of renewed Hummer interest.

Man....the H2 was HOT, rappers & movie stars had them and they were in the news, etc. The H3 will be a solid mid-sized SUV but there's no way its gonna rock the SUV market like the H2 did. Which is not to suggest I don't like 'em....I'm just getting tired of hearing certain people say "if you think the H2 was big, wait till the H3 comes out!!!". It will be interesting to see what happens!!!!!

Last thought: the single part that the H1 and H2 shared is the D-ring on the rear-bumper: that's gone from the H3. Makes ya wonder...

[HeimenHummer]

Hi fellas! My first post. Gulp! I've had my H2 for 8 months now. I love it, no complaints except for the negetive stuff from other people you guys talk about.

I'm sort of wondering if I should have waited for the H3. It looks almost the same. I hate the side flares though. I've never gone off-roading but I hop to someday so that is why mabye the H3 would be better suited for me. But if I get the same negative comments as the H2, then I might as well be in the H2!

[Joseph Muha]

More Hummer sales can only be a good thing. We should welcome all Hummers and encourage them. I hope they become fans like we all are.