H3 underpowered?

[Corinne]

Hi, I am thinking about purchasing a H3, but have heard alot of stories about them being very underpowered.Love the the look of the H3 but have a heavy foot and need the power.Can anyone give me the real story?
Thanks Corinne

[Steve - SanJose]

Corinne - Did you test drive an H3 yet?

[Corinne]

Hi, no we have to travel a distance to try one, but will do so shortly.
Corinne

[blindzebra]

I have a manual trans and I have never had a power problem merging. It's not a sprinter on the road, but not an RV either. I think with the auto trans, the shiftpoints don't make use of the HP/torque range of the I5 to it's greatest potential.

Honestly I think that most of the people who say that it's underpowered are forgetting what they're buying. If you want an want a 4X4 suv that acts like a sports car I guess there's always the Carrera.

Off the road I've never had a problem with HP and Torque. It could use a little more balls in super soft deep sand, but that's about it. In my opinion the H3 is amply powered for what it is. With that being said, I will be trading in my 06 for the V8 in 08.

[Xotik H3]

I have had my H3 for about a week. It has all the power it needs IMHO. It is an automatic. It is powerful - no, is it underpowered - no. If you want more power, buy a Jeep with a hemi, or a H2. As long as you fill it up.

What do I know about power... well, we recently sold our Magnacharged, 2003 ZO6 corvette, 469 RWHP. I would say I am critcal of HP/ to wieght ratio. And before you ask, I have pictures to back it up.

Speed costs, how fast do you want to go?

[HummBebe]

Hi, I am thinking about purchasing a H3, but have heard alot of stories about them being very underpowered.Love the the look of the H3 but have a heavy foot and need the power.Can anyone give me the real story?
Thanks Corinne

If you have a heavy foot you won't have any problems...:D

[Steve - SanJose]

Corrine,

HB is right, you kind of need a heavy foot to stay in the powerband with the H3. For onroad use, there are plenty of quicker SUV's. I think that those who frequently drive at high altitude and carry or tow heavy loads feel it's underpowered. I personally have 2 much faster cars in the garage and have very demanding automotive requirements. But I use the H3 as a daily driver and find the power to be adequate.

[K9sH3]

Damn, I am going to get poo for this, But I think it is underpowered :twak:
Yes, I miss the power and speed of my previous truck. I hate getting passed up by most of the other SUV's out there.

Each time I am on the Hwy I get pissed at it for being so damn slow....BUT EACH TIME I GO IN THE WOODS I LOVE IT FOR BEING SO DAMN SLOW.

You have to ask yourself, Why are you buying it? if you want speed to satisfy your heavy foot, Then buy something else (H2). But if you want one of the best offroad SUV's on the market then you would be making a great choice.

And if you want support, you are in the right place. Everyone here will be willing to help you if needed. I personally consider everyone here a friend and I am sure you will to.

[GotSandH3]

I have the 5 speed manual and I think its a lot faster then the Auto. I drove an Auto rental when mine was in the shop and I hated it... I thought mine was under powered when I first got it, but its kinda grown on me and now i know how to drive it... It beats my gf's 1996 Acura Integra LS....So it cant be that slow..

[Steve - SanJose]

An H2 will not satisfy the need for speed either. H2 and H3 road performance is very similar to many cheap economy cars and 4 cylinder SUV's (such as CRV, Element, Xb, Rav4, etc.), who's performance is also considered to be only adequate.

If you want fast SUV's (and don't care about offroad ability), there are plenty to choose from including Cayene, Range Rover Sport, FX, Rav4 V-6, new MDX, etc.

[marin8703]

im kinda with what most people are saying. Underpowered no, slow yes. Its a good kind of slow:giggling: . One thing i dont get is why people keep recommending the H2 for speed. I just drove one a couple of days ago, and it certainly does pack quite a bit more punch than the H3, but under no circumstances is it fast. Most other suv would pass it too. just my opinion

[3Hummer]

If your buying an SUV you cant really expect to go fast unless you buy the ML63 AMG or the Cayenne Turbo, it doesnt feel underpowered it obviosuly is not for the race car driver but i drive it daily and dont have any complaints i keep up with the traffic and a lot of times actually am faster. and off the start of course its not fast but whos floring it on a daily basis anyway. Make sure you test drive one cause your the only one who can ultimatly make this decision and if your considering buying an '06 and power is the issue for you go with the '07 becuse it has 22 more HP.

[K9sH3]

im kinda with what most people are saying. Underpowered no, slow yes. Its a good kind of slow:giggling: . One thing i dont get is why people keep recommending the H2 for speed. I just drove one a couple of days ago, and it certainly does pack quite a bit more punch than the H3, but under no circumstances is it fast. Most other suv would pass it too. just my opinion

What did you like about the 2 if anything? I have not driven one and was led to think that they have much more speed, I am mostly looking at hwy driving and the occasional offroading.
And do you honestly think that there is a noticeable differnce from the 06 to the 07 H3's.

Anyone's input would help, I buy a new truck just about every 18 months and I am about there. I was thinking of a 2 for more room and speed.

Thanks this may help Connie in her decision as well as mine

[marin8703]

What did you like about the 2 if anything? I have not driven one and was led to think that they have much more speed, I am mostly looking at hwy driving and the occasional offroading.
And do you honestly think that there is a noticeable differnce from the 06 to the 07 H3's.

Anyone's input would help, I buy a new truck just about every 18 months and I am about there. I was thinking of a 2 for more room and speed.

Thanks this may help Connie in her decision as well as mine

the thing i liked was that it had more room. Other than that nothing real special. As for dislikes, its a bitch to parallel park, but i guess with practice one could get used to it. Great truck, just not for me.

Today I had an 07 H3 as a rental because mine was in the service, it was slugish as hell, but that was probably because it had only 56 miles on it, still in the break in period. Interior is exactly the same, except for the little thing in front the shifter for a phone or something. I couldnt find the extra 20 hp. Ill try and get another next time that has more than 1000 miles on it. From todays experience i would say for now upgrading to 07 is not worth it unless your just due for an upgrade.

You should definately test drive one. I bet sales wont have a problem with givin you a test drive of a 2or 3 while at you next service date. Just tell them your thinking about upgrading. I wish that would work with an H1, but its easier to get uranium than to get an H1 test drive.

[evldave]

I think this whole underpowered thing is BS. I traded in my BMW 325i for my H3, and other than the occasional run to 100+ in the BMW, I'm still the fastest guy on the freeway. In town, I can still go 10+ mph above the speed limit. I can't get there as fast as the BMW, but there are times that's a good thing :)

I tow trailers a lot (freeway and winding back country roads) - I've got a 3/4HD Suburban that I used to use as a tow rig, I've ditched that in favor of the H3 - it's a little slower off the line than the Sub, but on the freeway, it's darn near the same, and I'm still doing 70-75 towing a 3k-4k trailer. Plus, my H3 is WAY more comfortable, goes better offroad, and looks 1000 times better.

For people who are whining about the underpowered, go get a X3, MDX, etc. This is such a bitchy discussion I get annoyed. Of course, if they release a H3 V8, I'll be the first in line ;)

[stagger_lee]

For people who are whining about the underpowered, go get a X3, MDX, etc. This is such a bitchy discussion I get annoyed. Of course, if they release a H3 V8, I'll be the first in line ;)

I think the original poster was asking owners opinions, not complaining. She did say she was still going to test drive it anyway. Valid inquiry I believe. :beerchug: I personally have no complaints though! :excited:

[Lex_Ordo]

H3 is not for speed, but it will get you everywhere you need to be. Especially in an un-improved road environment.

H3 is for you to be seen in.
That's why it tends to be slow. Slow, so everyone who doesn't have one can stare at your awsome looking truck!

Very capable, and made to mimic its tactical military counterpart. When you need to get out of Dodge, this is the truck that is taking you.

Like Nothing Else!

[evldave]

I think the original poster was asking owners opinions, not complaining. She did say she was still going to test drive it anyway. Valid inquiry I believe. I personally have no complaints though!

True, I was mostly complaining about the complainers :giggling: - seems they always jump in and whine about power, even after they made the choice to buy the truck. I wish my H3 had a V8, but it's more than adequate for my needs, and lives up exactly to expectations (not a rocket, not a dog). And I'm already dreaming about dishing my '06 off to my gf when/if the V8 comes out - a good excuse for two hummers in the driveway (and another in the house :D )!!

[Corinne]

Thank you for all that replied to my question, it helped alot to hear your opinions.The vehicle I have now is a 2004 Dodge durango with a hemi engine.This is a kick ass for pick up ,I can beat almost anything SUV from takeoff,but I can do without that as long as I have power for passing and everyday driving.I am going to test drive the H3 on Saturday,will let you know what I think.
Thanks Corinne

[stagger_lee]

Good luck. Let us know what you think. It kills off road, so take that into consideration. I doubt the dealer will let you do any hill climbs. :giggling:

[stagger_lee]

True, I was mostly complaining about the complainers :giggling: - seems they always jump in and whine about power, even after they made the choice to buy the truck. I wish my H3 had a V8, but it's more than adequate for my needs, and lives up exactly to expectations (not a rocket, not a dog). And I'm already dreaming about dishing my '06 off to my gf when/if the V8 comes out - a good excuse for two hummers in the driveway (and another in the house :D )!!

:giggling: I hear ya Dave. Just clarifying. I didn't want to steer any potential H3 owners away, because if misinformation or attitude. If you're complaining and you already own it? Sell it or STFU. :giggling: :beerchug:

[kma]

I got a loaner 07 h3 yesterday for my o6. It is passed the breakin period with 4k on the od. All I can say is that it feels just a little more peppy, not powerful If you can understand that. Also, a little less downshifting, but definately not a big power difference, and IMO not worth upgrading too if you dont need to.

[CCMDoc]

I recently had my PCM reprogrammed by PCMforless and after 4 days of driving with it, I can honestly say it feels like a new and more powerful truck - well worth the money.

[stagger_lee]

I recently had my PCM reprogrammed by PCMforless and after 4 days of driving with it, I can honestly say it feels like a new and more powerful truck - well worth the money.

Post some pics Doc! I like lights. How much did the reprogram cost you? :beerchug:

[wpage]

Fail to see anything technical regarding this question. Its general at best and for some fool who has not even taken the time to even test drive the vehicle and then expect a user group to debate it is crazy.
These trolls are a waste of time. Posts like this and others like it undermine the integrity of the forum and the H3.:lame: :lame: :lame:

[stagger_lee]

Fail to see anything technical regarding this question. Its general at best and for some fool who has not even taken the time to even test drive the vehicle and then expect a user group to debate it is crazy.
These trolls are a waste of time. Posts like this and others like it undermine the integrity of the forum and the H3.:lame: :lame: :lame:

Take it easy there wpage. Actually if you read the thread, the original poster was very kind, not a troll like that other clown Graydog, simply asking owner opinions not running her mouth. Call the trolls trolls, but dont drive away the perpestive H3ers. You know as soon as they get in the dirt they will love it! :beerchug:

[Corinne]

Well, I never meant to offend, I was asking for information from the people that would know the most, H3 owners.I can see that you all love your H3s,and from all the information on your forums I think I love it before I even take it for a test drive.

[whaaaaT]

H3 is way overpowerd. I cant stop burning ruber. Its annoying. I'll be pulling out of my driveway and a little to much gass. And bam. Smoke down the street. I wish they put a smaller engine in it. This is just wrong. Im gonna have to buy tires every 1000 miles. Is there anyway to stop from smoking the tires all the time? Maybe i should get a wheelie bar and a chute?

[evldave]

H3 is way overpowerd. I cant stop burning ruber. Its annoying. I'll be pulling out of my driveway and a little to much gass. And bam. Smoke down the street. I wish they put a smaller engine in it. This is just wrong. Im gonna have to buy tires every 1000 miles. Is there anyway to stop from smoking the tires all the time? Maybe i should get a wheelie bar and a chute?:jump: :clapping:

[CCMDoc]

Post some pics Doc! I like lights. How much did the reprogram cost you? :beerchug:
The reprogram was $199 + shipping (I think that was about $15). I actually had them send me a loaner, sent my PCM to them then swapped back. Takes about 10 minutes to do the swap.

I put grill lights and marker lights on already and will be putting a Plus 1 light bar on (hopefully this weekend) then take and post some pictures.

Other things I have done are put in an OEM nav system with the intentions of a back-up camera so I don't do what I did with my Jeep - unintentionally modify a Volvo's front quarter:D
Thanks

[mikejr]

I know this has been said many times before....if you want to go like a bullet buy a sports car. But if you want to drive one of, if not the most capable off road production vehicles available, not to mention one of the most unique and cool looking trucks on the road then buy the Hummer. I get more looks from my hummer than any other vehicle i have driven. go for the hummer...you wont be dissapointed!

[lotus4s]

I recently had my PCM reprogrammed by PCMforless and after 4 days of driving with it, I can honestly say it feels like a new and more powerful truck - well worth the money.

Hey Paul,

I agree, the pcm reprogram makes a lot of difference.

Nice to see another Esprit guy here. :jump:

Jim

[Casey]

Of course, if they release a H3 V8, I'll be the first in line

V8 WILL happen for '08.

The H3 is not slow, but passing anyone on two lane roads is an adventure.

[K9sH3]

Hey Paul,

I agree, the pcm reprogram makes a lot of difference.

Nice to see another Esprit guy here. :jump:

Jim


PM SENT

[ChrisInCali]

If you want an SUV that has power don't get an H3. No bashing, no BS, it's not underpowered, it definitely "gets the job done," but it's one of the least powerful SUVs out there.

[stagger_lee]

V8 WILL happen for '08.



Lets not start this one again.

[lennyrebel]

Hi, I am thinking about purchasing a H3, but have heard alot of stories about them being very underpowered.Love the the look of the H3 but have a heavy foot and need the power.Can anyone give me the real story?
Thanks Corinne
Story is you belong on the jeep forum---if you drive it and can't make up your own mind how can we do it.

[H3.007]

H3 is way overpowerd. I cant stop burning ruber. Its annoying. I'll be pulling out of my driveway and a little to much gass. And bam. Smoke down the street. I wish they put a smaller engine in it. This is just wrong. Im gonna have to buy tires every 1000 miles. Is there anyway to stop from smoking the tires all the time? Maybe i should get a wheelie bar and a chute?

!!!ROFLMAO!!!

I think I just peed myself :D :crying: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :beerchug:

[H3.007]

Well, I never meant to offend, I was asking for information from the people that would know the most, H3 owners.I can see that you all love your H3s,and from all the information on your forums I think I love it before I even take it for a test drive.

Corinne, PLEASE IGNORE our less socially intelligent members :D

You are always more than welcome to ask my opinion, as well as those of many other members here :grouphug:

[H3.007]

Hey Paul,

I agree, the pcm reprogram makes a lot of difference.

Nice to see another Esprit guy here. :jump:

Jim

Hey guys - what kind of difference did the PCM make for you? What other mods do you have? And could you do the swap yourself?

I think I am very interested in this mod :beerchug:

[stagger_lee]

Story is you belong on the jeep forum---if you drive it and can't make up your own mind how can we do it.

Read the the thread first before you run your mouth. She hasn't driven it and is test driving it this weekend and wanted a little insight. I almost didn't buy an H3 because I didn't want to be associated with a crowd that was so touchy and edgy. Take it easy on the poor girl. Dont we want to recruit drivers? Not turn them away? Dont be such a rebel, lenny. :beerchug:

[justforfun]

Underpowered?... No!:mad:

I'll give a slightly different perspective on this one... maybe!

Now, I'm from the UK and in Europe and UK, cars with big blocks like the V8 are not that common as fuel has always been expensive - try $2 per LITER nowadays and you get the picture. Don't get me wrong the V8's have been there but only for the wealthy, as they were the only people that could afford to run them.

In the USA, you guys have had V8's for what seems like forever and as such you will compare the H3 to what you have been used to. Bear in mind that 15-20mpg in Europe/UK is still a showstopper for people looking to buy a car - if I had to go back the UK tomorrow, there is no way I could run the H3 (going to rub it in here a bit - in Bahrain, fuel is cheaper than bottled WATER - that's a fact!!)

If I compare the H3 to the Jap and European stuff, it comes out either the same or better on power for an equivalent car. I have no issues with the H3 - I love it - well, should've bought an adventure, but hey, there you go - I ran a Porsche before I bought this car, and true the H3 won't scream away from the lights, but then again, it's not supposed to is it... its an SUV, if you want power, buy a fast car, if you want something "different", capable and nice to drive, go for the H3!

If a V8 came out, I'd buy one... why? purely because I couldn't run it anywhere except here and that is the ONLY reason. For me, given the choice between going for a V8 or a 3 with Adventure package, I'd go with the Adventure package every time... If they don't do a V8, well, no biggy there... for me anyway!

The moral here is don't get bogged down on the power issue (or should I say the "no issue" as that's what it is. The H3 is a supremely capable car in every respect, it's the No.1 off road and can run with the best of them on road... GM have a new customer for life here as a result of my H3 alone! :clapping:

Here's a sad fact - if BMW built the H3, the power issue would probably never be mentioned - I refer you back to my comments that you guys (luckily) have had V8's as pretty much the standard fare forever...

Look at the Land Rover Discovery, or LR3 as it's now called - you think that's any better on power than the H3?.. nope, and at how many times the price?

Buy an H3... or at the least, go rent one.. they are truly brilliant cars!!!

Cheers
JFF :fdance:

[Corinne]

I,m hooked,test drive was great.More than enough power, test vehicle was a black 06 with chrome pkg and towing pkg.Now all I have to do is get a good trade in for Ltd Durango and I will be a H3 owner.Thank you everyone for your help!

[stagger_lee]

Glad to hear you liked it. If you like it that much on the road, just wait till you get her in the dirt where she belongs. :excited: Let me be the first to say, even though you dont quite own one yet...Welcome aboard! :beerchug:

[Xotik H3]

Now who do we talk to at GM to have them put the LS7, 505 HP ZO6 Vette motor in the H3. :fdance:

[stagger_lee]

Now who do we talk to at GM to have them put the LS7, 505 HP ZO6 Vette motor in the H3. :fdance:

They put one in a pontiac solstice, Im sure they can put one in an H3 if you gots enough money! :beerchug: