h3 power

[nick96ss]

hello all i test drove a h3 today love the truck but was abit dissapointed with the pick up(power)of the truck ....does anyone else feel the same way ....i have an 02 wrangler 5 speed and i think it blows the h3 away....i was ready to buy this truck today now i really don't know ......would love any input

[Steve - SanJose]

Originally posted by nick96ss:
hello all i test drove a h3 today love the truck but was abit dissapointed with the pick up(power)of the truck ....does anyone else feel the same way ....i have an 02 wrangler 5 speed and i think it blows the h3 away....i was ready to buy this truck today now i really don't know ......would love any input

Yea, I've driven Wranglers, you are basically comparing one slow 4x4 to another slow 4x4 on the road. Might want to compare the H3 w/5 speed for direct comparison.

I'm sure there are many here that can tell you more about wheelin comparisions.


S.

[nick96ss]

well thats the deal i'm not buying a stick shift i'll be getting a automatic ...i'm just concerned about everyday driving if this lack of power will get annoying after awhile

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

I bought 2 H-3's recently. I drive fast in my Camry V-6, go faster in my Mustang but for head turning on the road and driving in comfort and more then enought power the H-3 works for me and most of the people on this forum. Now for off road use ur Willy Wonka Wrangler had better have $15000 worth of accessories to stay with a H-3 in the sand or mud or rocks.

Just my openion though...

RYD

[Humden]

Power doesn't bother me at all and I'm coming from a WRX which was quick. When I'm driving it I'm not worried about speed. It's not like I can't merge with highway traffic.

[H3HUMVEE]

Originally posted by nick96ss:
hello all i test drove a h3 today love the truck but was abit dissapointed with the pick up(power)of the truck ....does anyone else feel the same way ....i have an 02 wrangler 5 speed and i think it blows the h3 away....i was ready to buy this truck today now i really don't know ......would love any input


Try doing a search .. this topic has come up many times already.

[RazM]

Just a little note, the power does seem to get better as everything breaks in and you get some mileage on the vehicle.

[nick96ss]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rubher yellow ducky:
I bought 2 H-3's recently. I drive fast in my Camry V-6, go faster in my Mustang but for head turning on the road and driving in comfort and more then enought power the H-3 works for me and most of the people on this forum. Now for off road use ur Willy Wonka Wrangler had better have $15000 worth of accessories to stay with a H-3 in the sand or mud or rocks.

Just my openion though...

i didn't post in this forum to get flamed on my (willy wonka wrangler)...i thought this was a place to get info and i also thought there were adults here......sorry if i bothered you with my petty question

[CampMaster]

Originally posted by nick96ss:
...i didn't post in this forum to get flamed on my ...sorry if i bothered you with my petty question

Sorry you recieved that kind of response.

The paved response of the H3 has me on the fence too. I question its offroad capability. There isn't an off-roading chapter/club with any H3s in my area so I can see first hanf the H3 going thru the trails.

I can't get the dealer to let me take it out on the trails.

Hate to rent one and have it breakdown offroad.

[timgco]

H3 off-road is great! Crawl Ratio is very great. It needs meatier tires IMO. You get into steep hills and thise truck really shines! There is no lack of power off road IMO.

On road, it could use another 60hp, but it's not bad at all. As a daily driver, it's great for parking too.

[ssgharkness020147]

The H3 is underpowerd? You guys need to take an H1 with a 6.5 turbo out. That is SLOW. 0-60 in 18 seconds slow. I've been in the H3 and its not the fastest thing I've been in, but its not un-reasonably slow either. You do have plenty of power to pass and merge.

[FormerJeeper]

OK, so maybe I can help?

I traded in a Jeep TJ Unlimited 04 for my H3.

This is the first non Jeep I've owned in 8 years.

I've built 5 Jeeps for offroading including XJs, TJs and WJs.

While not as fast as my V8 WJ that I tweaked, the H3 is comparable to a Grand Cherokee more than a Wrangler.

If you get the Adventure package you get a 4:1, 4:56 gears, 33s and a locker from the factory PLUS the luxury refinements of a Grand Cherokke (even better IMHO).

You've got to decide really?

I didn't notice any significant power differences between the LJ Unlimited with 3.73 gears and 30" tires and the H3 with 33s.

It's no sports car, but it climbs very steep grades much better than the Jeep, effortlessly crusing at 70mph over hills that the Jeep would have to be downshifted into.

I guess you got to decide what's best but personnaly, I think the H3 is better than anything that Jeep has come up with in the last 10 years.
(The Commander is a fawking joke BTW) http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

-c

[nmikes]

If acceleration annoys you now it might annoy you even more in a year or two. As for H3 chapters, most jeep clubs won't mind you bringing an H3 on a weekend jaunt, just expect a little ribbing, its prowess offroad will surprise them and likely keep the sarcasm to a minimum. If you are into offroading you can't help but respect anyone that will take a brand new completely stock vehicle off road. I don't know of any 3 that has left anyone stranded (they will get stuck though.) I've only heard once on this forum where someone knew of another guy that blew a tie rod. All in all, I couldn't be happier with mine, while it won't likely blow the doors off anyone at a stop light, aside from some nitnoy things, the major things like the engine, suspension, and transmission work well for what they were designed for. You have to prioritize what you means most to you. You can get a hell of a lot of truck for the same price. Its just lame hearing folks bash on the H3 for not doing things, it was never designed for in the first place, very well. Just don't be one of those.

[DennisAJC]

That`s refreshing.

[Steve - SanJose]

Originally posted by ssgharkness020147:
The H3 is underpowerd? You guys need to take an H1 with a 6.5 turbo out. That is SLOW. 0-60 in 18 seconds slow. I've been in the H3 and its not the fastest thing I've been in, but its not un-reasonably slow either. You do have plenty of power to pass and merge.

And the H2 is no road rocket either. All true offroaders are relatively slow compared to the best of the crossover / unibody softroader SUV's.


S.

[oneworld]

6 months and 7000 miles. I drive 85 easy on the highway in and out of the city NYC, easy to 95mph, its no sports car but it realy is not a noticable lack of power it gets up and goes pretty easy it just doesnt do it like a porche cayan or jeep cherokee hemi. never have a hard time getting in and out of traffic, or on the highway, and I love the drivabliy, it bogies

[Steve - SanJose]

Originally posted by nick96ss:
well thats the deal i'm not buying a stick shift i'll be getting a automatic ...i'm just concerned about everyday driving if this lack of power will get annoying after awhile

Nick, I see you are considering the auto which is what I have. Yes the better response of your Jeep (verus the H3) because of the lighter weight and stick will be noticable in daily driving. I think you will find you will need to use a heavier foot with the H3 to stay in the powerband, fortunately it's modern DOHC design responds well to this.

Consider renting an H3 for day from AVIS to see how it works in your everyday type of driving. And tach it out a few times to see how it runs near redline too.

S.

[evomind]

i have run into situations off road where i wished i had a bit more power.
sand dunes....need a longer approach to build momentum speed.
deep water...
steep inclines...
could use a bit more power mudding.
overall its awesome offroading. i think deep down even the most loyal here would agree it could use a little more power.

[nick96ss]

i think without any dought i will get one this week... i guess i'll have to wait for the super charger....
oneworld what part of ny are u from?

[Chip]

I had a Rubicon before I traded it in on a H-3. I think the Rubicon is a little faster. As a functional vehicle for everyday use, the H-3 makes me a lot happier. It holds more stuff, the stereo is better, the wind doesn't blow it around on the highway, it holds a lot more gas (no more Jerry cans) and it handles a lot better. It's a lot safer on icy highways, the Rubicon doesn't even have ABS and it's short wheelbase is invitation to spin out. The Rubicon was a great off road vehicle and would probably be better on the level 5 trails, but it's a toy. The H-3 is not.

[Bill1065]

Not the best passing at highway speeds if you are not a patient fellow. You will have to pick your opportunities more carefully. Otherwise no regrets. Off the line acceleration was fine though IMHO.

[HUMRCHIC]

And don't forget, we are trying to move 5800 pounds.....LOL

[Huck BB62]

Another aspect: Go drive a TJ and an H3 down a twisty road, it's a no contest thing on the handling.

About the power, I just drove up to Oakhurst, CA yesterday in the H3. Passing lanes and tons of cars. The H3 will pass, not quickly, but it will. Over 5000rpms on the tack, 2nd gear, it'll do it's job. It's no 'Vette. I'd love for it to have more power. Do I need it? Maybe. It'll do.

Lastly, nobody looks at a Jeep like they do an H3, ain't that part of the fun?

[HummerNewbie]

I came from a V8 SUV and I am getting used to the difference in power. It was a concern for me as well when they first came out but I think it does great. Drove the other SUV this weekend and it felt like a rocket but I don't miss it. I have a loaner today with 10K miles and it definitely seems quicker to me. Others have said they have noticed the MPG and power go up as it breaks in.

[nick96ss]

ive heard the same ....gonna go to the dealer on thursday should have it by saturday let u all know what happens

[CampMaster]

In Portland, OR there is a secion of Hwy 26 which heads up hill at roughly +6.5 grade (I only know this from the warning at the top coming down). Anyway, I used to own a little Izuzu tropper II with the 4 cyl. (more an econo-car than anything else) I had to keep down shifting to make it up that hill and got passed by just about everything! The ZJ would go up it with little effort. My current 4x4 doesn't even notice the hill is even there. I am not trying to beat people from light to light... I don't want to become a traffic hazzard either.

Seems like most of the H3 owners are pretty gun-shy when it comes to talking about their 4x4. Probably one too many verbal attacks from the tree-hugging, nyu-n-berry munching, Holier-than-thou, anti-established religion PC crowd that's polluting the area.

[k9tim]

Power, power... WHERE is the H3's power?

Well, what is your definition of power?
Is it being able to do 0-60 in 5 seconds, or is it the power to tackle 24 inches of water or climb steep inclines?

For me, it's both! I traded a Supercharged Xterra for my H3. The Xterra blew the H3 away in the passing lane and leaving a light. The H3 blows the Xterra away off road. I wanted the H3 for off road to get to photo spots and to haul my kiddos around.

The H3 really does have enough power IMO where it counts.
That being said, if I want to go screamin down the highway at a blur, thats what the power in my vette is for.
One type of power I didnt mention is the unmistakeable power to whip peoples heads around to stare and I get more of that in the H3 than I do in the Vette.

You will love the H3!! Go for it!!

[NEOCON1]

Originally posted by k9tim:
Power, power... WHERE is the H3's power?

Well, what is your definition of power?
Is it being able to do 0-60 in 5 seconds, or is it the power to tackle 24 inches of water or climb steep inclines?

For me, it's both! I traded a Supercharged Xterra for my H3. The Xterra blew the H3 away in the passing lane and leaving a light. The H3 blows the Xterra away off road. I wanted the H3 for off road to get to photo spots and to haul my kiddos around.

The H3 really does have enough power IMO where it counts.
That being said, if I want to go screamin down the highway at a blur, thats what the power in my vette is for.
One type of power I didnt mention is the unmistakeable power to whip peoples heads around to stare and I get more of that in the H3 than I do in the Vette.

You will love the H3!! Go for it!!
x2

you guys are a riot the H3 is an offroad machine . passing lane , racin lights WTF ,these trucks are not for you if you want all that. just put it in 4 low and shut up .

if you need speed go to the race track thats what i do heres my FRC

[Chip]

Well with the price of gas being what it is. It's more important that the H-3 do what it will do off-road than what it's 0-60 time is. The real test though is how fast will one go up the Georgetown Hill, west of Denver on I-70. Someone who lives there should try that. My old Mercedes would go well over a 100, while the economy cars struggle to reach 50. I bet that the H-3 will do 70. It's the steepest grade on I-70 at around 9000 ft. The ultimate test on how fast a car really is.

[HummBebe]

Originally posted by nick96ss:
hello all i test drove a h3 today love the truck but was abit dissapointed with the pick up(power)of the truck ....does anyone else feel the same way ....i have an 02 wrangler 5 speed and i think it blows the h3 away....i was ready to buy this truck today now i really don't know ......would love any input


Follow me over Tehachapi Pass....... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[instructor]

Originally posted by HUMRCHIC:
And don't forget, we are trying to move 5800 pounds.....LOL

H3 is 4700 pounds

[k9tim]

I had my H3 pulling 70mph up the Georgetown hill about a month and a half ago. Kept it right around 4500rpm if I remember correctly.

Wasnt a big deal at all. Now, if someone causes you to lose your speed, that kind of sucks but all in all it did fine.
I've driven vehicles up I-70 that fared far worse.....

[CampMaster]

Originally posted by k9tim:
I had my H3 pulling 70mph up the Georgetown hill about a month and a half ago. Kept it right around 4500rpm if I remember correctly.

Wasnt a big deal at all. Now, if someone causes you to lose your speed, that kind of sucks but all in all it did fine.
I've driven vehicles up I-70 that fared far worse.....

Thanks. This is the sort of review I was looking for.

As for the weight (mentioned a post or two above) that depends on if the H3 is empty or loaded with people and gear...

[THE BOSS]

im waiting for the hybrid http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[k9tim]

Nice Car NeoCon! A C5, yes?

http://www.k9tim.com/images/vette.jpg

Isnt red sweet?! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[nick96ss]

i'm sorry but i think you guys are missing my point...if i need to go fast i have my super charged impala ss .....what i was saying was the h3 lacked power as in off the line and also in passing , haven't taken it off road i'm sure it's great but i'm not off road all day i do have to go to work and need it as a daily driver thats all i'm saying personally i think they could have given it abit more balls being 4700 pounds my 2 cents

[Chip]

They will probably come out with bigger engines in the future. But I'm getting around 20mpg on the highway.

If and when gas gets to be $5 a gallon the H-3 will be still around. For those of us that use it off road it's a good thing. The US will quit making SUV's that get less. There was a post somewhere on this board from Germany and there being sold there. So they are getting popular in a place where you rarely see anything bigger than a Jeep Cherokee.

[PackerFever]

Well funny you should mention I-70. I live in Summit County, Breckenridge, and get down to Denver and back a couple times per month. As a matter of fact we went down there Sunday to pick up the Yakima Box, needed a new one since my old rocket box would have covered part of the sunroof.

Anyway, My review is prefaced by the fact that we picked up the 5 speed for exactly the reason you mention. Living in the mountains and driving around the west a lot I wanted a vehicle that would get someones attention to notice my logos but also get decent FMPG.

First of all going east from Silverthorne up to the tunnel I usually have no problem maintaining 70 mph in a 65 mph zome. I do tend to downshift into 3rd gear for extended periods but it shouldn't really hurt the motor as far as I know. I mean I can go 75mph in 3rd and still only be at 4500-5000+ rpm's. Altohuogh it sounds a little rough like that at times.

Going up Floyd Hill near Evergreen going east I again will downshift into third and have no problem keep up and even passing the mini vans and BubbaUrbans.

Coming back West I do have to keep it in third alot climbing from Golden to Floy Hill and again from Georgetown to the tunnel but once I have the momentum and put it in 4th or 5th it keep speed pretty well. I just need to be on my toes for bad drivers who get in the fast lane....regaining momentum does take longer than my old Cherokee V8.

The hill between Silverthorne and Frisco is another slog that I drive nearly daily. If I have the momentum I can go up that hill pretty well in 3rd and 4th since they do have the third slow lane on the side...there is often room to manuever.

However, I do want to do what I can to gain HP. I have heard the cool air intake or the KN air filter will add good HP I am not sure which is better...plus the dual exhaust. I have also seen other gimmicks on other sites but I doubt they do much.

I am still intrigued by the super charger and if a Super Chip is ever programmed I would be interested. Anyone know of the Super chip????

Look I am not looking for a sportscar. I have had several 4WD's and love my H3.....I really mean I am love with the it. However I live at 9300 ft and do drive at altitudes of 8000' - 12000' more often than I am below 6000'. A little more thrust would not hurt throughout the west. all I want to do is give it more air and power so I can at least stay at highway speeds on my way out to the deserts of Utah and the mountains of Colorado. Going across the midwest on generally flat terrain and lower altitude I get good power with the 5 speed.

I will be going to Moab in two weeks for a long weekend and will rpeort back again besides the fact that I drive over Vail pass a lot over rthe next few weeks as well.

As I told my wife. witht eh five speed, Do not be afraid to down shift to third. The set up allows for high rpms.

[NEOCON1]

thanks K9 and nice C4 looks like you have set it up for fun http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif you like my little C5 hardtop its a 2k fixed roof coupe with HUD and magnesiums 1 of 136 built in torch red i have added corsa indy pace-edition exhaust http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif . how about the new zo6 = AWSOME check out our club

http://www.redlinecorvettes.com/

[NEOCON1]

Packer take lots of pix in MOAB http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Sewie]

Originally posted by CampMaster:
Seems like most of the H3 owners are pretty gun-shy when it comes to talking about their 4x4. Probably one too many verbal attacks from the tree-hugging, nyu-n-berry munching, Holier-than-thou, anti-established religion PC crowd that's polluting the area.

WTF are you talking about? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[CampMaster]

Originally posted by Sewie:
WTF are you talking about? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Not on this forum... I am talking about the owners in the Portland Metro area!

Tried to ask questions at gas stations, grocery stores... etc... didn't matter.

Ask a subaru owner... and they will talk your ear off. Same goes for those little toaster-cars ... the scion xb. Those owners love their little cars and will talk all day about them.

As far as renting... not in this area of the country. Avis doesn't 'normally' have them out here. They do in Texas... not in the PNW.

[NEOCON1]

high ratio of tree huggers in PNW maybe the reason less talkative . some scion xb's race with us , they arent very fast but the owners do love them , and they have fun .

[Sewie]

Originally posted by CampMaster:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sewie:
WTF are you talking about? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Not on this forum... I am talking about the owners in the Portland Metro area!

Tried to ask questions at gas stations, grocery stores... etc... didn't matter.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gotcha. Well, that's what forums like this are for. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[CampMaster]

That is open of the great reasons for forums... The only thing is it is pretty hard to kick-the-tires with the owner while online.

Something about being next to the H3 and hearing the tales and getting their actual expereinces which can't be duplicated online.

There is only one dealership for several hundred miles in any direction! They do not have an off-road course and are located in the downtown area. Not really many options for test drives.

Can't find any place to even rent them without paying over $150 for one day with a 150 mile limit! Do you realize just how easy it is to drive 150 miles!?!?!

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by PackerFever:
Well funny you should mention I-70. I live in Summit County, Breckenridge, and get down to Denver and back a couple times per month. As a matter of fact we went down there Sunday to pick up the Yakima Box, needed a new one since my old rocket box would have covered part of the sunroof.

Anyway, My review is prefaced by the fact that we picked up the 5 speed for exactly the reason you mention. Living in the mountains and driving around the west a lot I wanted a vehicle that would get someones attention to notice my logos but also get decent FMPG.

First of all going east from Silverthorne up to the tunnel I usually have no problem maintaining 70 mph in a 65 mph zome. I do tend to downshift into 3rd gear for extended periods but it shouldn't really hurt the motor as far as I know. I mean I can go 75mph in 3rd and still only be at 4500-5000+ rpm's. Altohuogh it sounds a little rough like that at times.

Going up Floyd Hill near Evergreen going east I again will downshift into third and have no problem keep up and even passing the mini vans and BubbaUrbans.

Coming back West I do have to keep it in third alot climbing from Golden to Floy Hill and again from Georgetown to the tunnel but once I have the momentum and put it in 4th or 5th it keep speed pretty well. I just need to be on my toes for bad drivers who get in the fast lane....regaining momentum does take longer than my old Cherokee V8.

The hill between Silverthorne and Frisco is another slog that I drive nearly daily. If I have the momentum I can go up that hill pretty well in 3rd and 4th since they do have the third slow lane on the side...there is often room to manuever.

However, I do want to do what I can to gain HP. I have heard the cool air intake or the KN air filter will add good HP I am not sure which is better...plus the dual exhaust. I have also seen other gimmicks on other sites but I doubt they do much.

I am still intrigued by the super charger and if a Super Chip is ever programmed I would be interested. Anyone know of the Super chip????

Look I am not looking for a sportscar. I have had several 4WD's and love my H3.....I really mean I am love with the it. However I live at 9300 ft and do drive at altitudes of 8000' - 12000' more often than I am below 6000'. A little more thrust would not hurt throughout the west. all I want to do is give it more air and power so I can at least stay at highway speeds on my way out to the deserts of Utah and the mountains of Colorado. Going across the midwest on generally flat terrain and lower altitude I get good power with the 5 speed.

I will be going to Moab in two weeks for a long weekend and will rpeort back again besides the fact that I drive over Vail pass a lot over rthe next few weeks as well.

As I told my wife. witht eh five speed, Do not be afraid to down shift to third. The set up allows for high rpms.

Two years in a row, I-70 up to the tunnel and I believe the second big incline to Vail (?), in my TJ, third gear, FLOORED, and I managed 60 mph (still passing people which worried me). If the H3 can do as good or better than that, and carry almost twice the amount of equipment; I'll be a happy camper.
From talking with some of the people who tested the H3 outwest, I'll have no problems. It will downshift (auto), but I will be able to surpass the TJ.
Then let's not forget cross-country in a TJ versus a H3? I already know the answer to that conundrum.