Seriously considering the H3

[texas arsenal]

I am seriously considering the H3. My biggest concern is the 5 cyl engine. How does it perform? Im currently driving a 2002 TrailBlazer with the inline 6 and really enjoy it. Im not a gearhead but I want enough power to get around easily.

[texas arsenal]

I am seriously considering the H3. My biggest concern is the 5 cyl engine. How does it perform? Im currently driving a 2002 TrailBlazer with the inline 6 and really enjoy it. Im not a gearhead but I want enough power to get around easily.

[NJHummerGuy]

Texas......
I have had my H3 for just over a month...Live in NJ as you can see by my Handle.....I drive the NJ Turnpike daily to work 40 miles each way and have no issues with the engine size. Could it be quicker off the line...sure....but I and everyone else here didn't get it for jump off speed.....you will have no issues with getting into traffic or keeping up with Rush Hour Traffic......
I just did a little run this weekend with 4 other people in the car, they all couldn't belive how comfortable the ride was.....and then I did a quick turn on a city street and they were shocked and had me do it again to show the radius of the turn.

Good luck in your purchase if you do get one, and be sure to post pics!

[StarsnBars]

Ive had my H3 for about 3 months with no problems. Seems to just enough power for me. Im a cruser kind of guy though. Lots of aftermarket goodies coming out to boost the HP's. Ink it bro, You will be glad you did..

[texas arsenal]

Appreciate the feedback. The engine is my only concern. How is mileage?

[DWPC]

For comparitive purposes, H3 engine performance on the street is not much different from any typical family sedan or minivan. And, IMO, its considerably better than a Jeep. Its completely satisfactory and very responsive in traffic. It only shows some limitations when trying to pass or climb grades at above 70 mph.

[Steve - SanJose]

texas arsenal,

You definitely need to test drive the H3 and compare. Yes you are going to give up about 50 horses and 1 or 2 seconds in your 0-60 acceleration time. The difference in power will be noticeable, especially high-speed acceleration.

I made the change to the H3 and gave up similar acceleration to your TrailBlazer (I had a V6 Toyota Highlander), but I don't regret the trade. Overall the inline 5 provides adequate power in daily use.

Of course the H3's offroad capability is unmatched. And the ride/handling is better than the Trailblazer (I actually drove a rented Trailblazer for a day). The interior quality of the H3 is much better too.

Just my 2 cents.

Steve
H3 white/ebony, lux pkg, chrome pkg, chrome wheels, chrome side steps, XM, auto, sunroof, etc.

[DarthKarl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DWPC:
Its completely satisfactory and very responsive in traffic. It only shows some limitations when trying to pass or climb grades at above 70 mph. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree 100%. I was driving a V6 Ford Explorer as my everyday vehicle before, and I haven't seen any in-town loss of performace with the I5 and only a slight hit on climbing inclines on the highway.

In addition its a great engine for off-roading. I use to wheel with a Jeep CJ5 and this is heads and shoulders above that rig.

[texas arsenal]

Honestly I will probably never take it off road. It will be driven in the concrete jungle and the occasional road trip. But pavement is likely all it will see.

[Huck BB62]

If I were judging the H3 from an urbanite's point of view alone, I'd say pass. I'm serious. I love our H3, it's just underpowered. It's offroad prowess is what I bought it for. I dislike it's slower performance. It's adequate, but for the money, you can get a lot of go go and comfort. Look at the new Blazer SS!!!! It's going to be a barn burner! Our Denali gets better mileage than our H3, believe it or not so the Blazer will probably get better mileage than that! Yup, if I were buying a street SUV, the Blazer SS would be it!

[Steve - SanJose]

texas arsenal,

You will be using your H3 the way I use mine then. I use mine mostly in the concrete jungle, with occassional light off roading. I do plan to use it for skiing at Tahoe also.

MPG (first 8000 miles on Chevron regular):

city/suburbia/high speed freeway 15-16mpg

highway/freeway mid-16's to 18mpg max


Steve

[texas arsenal]

Thats about what I get with the I6 in the Trailblazer.

Im not looking for any sort of muscle performance. I just want enough to get around.

How are the RPM's at hwy speed? Say I set the cruise @ 75, is it wound up?

[Mike B]

75 mph is not wound up at all, I typically drive 80 mph on I-95 heading to FL. Engine is smooth and solid at high speeds, in my experience.

[H3Fan]

I did a test drive this weekend and found it adequate. Its not a speed burner but its no turtle either. I filled it out the credit application and should have one in my driveway next week.

[Steve - SanJose]

texas arsenal,

Yea we drive like that in California also, common to go 80mph on freeway and that's how I use the H3. Engine is tacking low enough where there is little engine noise (since 4th gear is overdrive) at those speeds. Note: top speed of 97 mph is governer-limited not rpm limited.

Steve

[Humm3r]

I've had my H3 for 4 months now. About 2 months ago, the engine was driving me nuts. Once you're crusing, its fine, but acceleration can be annoying. I guess it really depends on what you're used to driving. Also, 'where' you're driving. I recently moved from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area...perhaps the 'bad driving capital of the world'. Since I've moved, the engine hasn't bothered me at all.

But....I love the H3. I find myself looking at pictures of H3 on the net, as if I didn't own one. Always thinking about what I can do to it. It becomes more of a hobby, than simply owning a vehicle.

buy it

[XM DUDE]

I think the I 5 engine is well suited for the H3, people forget thet the Hummer H3 is an off roader at hart so there is a trade off, it is geared lower and climbs the hell out of big nasty hills, just like the Jeep Rubicon, and it to is slow.

[psywzrd]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by texas arsenal:
I am seriously considering the H3. My biggest concern is the 5 cyl engine. How does it perform? Im currently driving a 2002 TrailBlazer with the inline 6 and really enjoy it. Im not a gearhead but I want enough power to get around easily. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Just go rent one for a day or two and drive it like you plan to drive it if you buy one. You'll get a much better feel for it that way than by asking people here or by test driving it for 10 minutes.

[texas arsenal]

Thats a good idea.

[branstone]

Texas, I had a 2002 trailblazer as well, and just got the new H#, your right it isn't a big powerfull moter, but It does the jopb quite well, I love it !

I was going to get an AWD trailblazer SS but i would have had to wait 2 more months. But i do love my new Hummer !