I'm seriously thinking about getting an H3 and will go for a test drive this week. Been reading specs, and am concerned about acceleration. How well does that 5-cyl 220HP engine pull a 4700lb vehicle? I'm not so concerned about it on a trail, but getting into traffic might be an issue...

I'm seriously thinking about getting an H3 and will go for a test drive this week. Been reading specs, and am concerned about acceleration. How well does that 5-cyl 220HP engine pull a 4700lb vehicle? I'm not so concerned about it on a trail, but getting into traffic might be an issue...

I test drove one today. Its not that bad but you aren't going to be qualifying for any races. Merged on to the highway with no problem.

which is why I would look for one with a stick. a K&N air filter and free flowing mufflers wont hurt either.

brewerdude, buyers complained about the H1's acceleration, the H2's acceleration, and now some are complaining about the H3's acceleration. Hell, I bitch about ALL car's acceleration.

There are companies working on turbos and SC's for the Colorado that will adapt a system for the H3. Of course, most H1 and H2 owners are very happy with the way their trucks perform after having them for a while.

Maybe I'll get one and throw a nitrous kit in it.

Although the H3 might have been better off with a 6 cylinder, I don't see what the point of having a turbo, supercharger or NOS in this car is. Lets leave the high speeds to the sports cars and sport sedans that are capable of handling high speeds. The H3 is supposed to be high performance in a different way (off-roading), not a straight line.

I could never understand wanting a top heavy SUV go fast, that just makes no sense at all. I would get a Corvette if I wanted to go fast.

another thing to remember, engine size does not always relate to speed either. My Rover has a v8 and it is the slowest dog on the planet. I don't think the truck has ever gone faster than 80 mph

I want to buy one to climb the S##T out of really steep hills and I could care less about 1/4 mile times.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by XM DUDE:
I want to buy one to climb the S##T out of really steep hills and I could care less about 1/4 mile times. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Same reason here... AT LEAST I will get an air filter and exhaust system while I wait for the TC to come out.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by S2KtoH3:
Although the H3 might have been better off with a 6 cylinder, I don't see what the point of having a turbo, supercharger or NOS in this car is. Lets leave the high speeds to the sports cars and sport sedans that are capable of handling high speeds. The H3 is supposed to be high performance in a different way (off-roading), not a straight line. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Why leave it alone if you have the desire and means to change it? That's like telling someone they can't use chrome rims because chrome isn't for off roading. I think you're offbase.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Originally posted by XM DUDE:
I could never understand wanting a top heavy SUV go fast, that just makes no sense at all. I would get a Corvette if I wanted to go fast.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>Some of us know better than to get a 'vette. Nothing but trouble and then I'd have to buy an H2 anyway.

Not one person with a supercharged H2 has complained about problems offroading it.

Offroading:
http://www.checkbuddy.net/H2/paragon%202005.wmv

Onroad:
http://www.lingenfelter.com/0-60.mpeg
http://www.lingenfelter.com/SMOKEDLIGHTNING.wmv

The best of both worlds. Sorry Tim, had to post them again!

That's a COOL video KenP! Thanks !!

Seriously, I was kidding about the NOS. It really doesn't have a place in an SUV. But a SC or TC couldn't hurt. What's wrong with wanting to hit the trails and get some decent acceleration? I was just concerned that 4700lbs seems like quite a lot for a 225HP engine, and would be a total dog. I guess I won't really know until I take one for a spin and find out. Can't be much worse then my Exploder. It's got that Triton V8 and it's a total dog (especially up really hig hills).

Brewer,

I am surprised your Exploder is such a dog. I have a Mountaineer and it pretty much gets up and moves. I really have not problem getting around most anything. I really love it when I am getting on the highway and some kid in at little rice burner with racing stickers and a 5' spoiler tries to stay ahead of me Of course I burn twice the gas playing with them as they do Anyway, I must just be lucky with mine. I won't expect it from the H3, but oh well

That I5 really isn't all that bad in the H3, but I prefer something a little quicker. It could use a 100HP. Than this truck would be perfect.. or at least closer to perfect for our use. See, most people that don't live in high altitude and don't do mountain driving everyday won't understand the underpowered part. To add a SC or TC would make this vehicle more practical.

Oh, yeah... THANKS A LOT KEN! More vids. I'm sending your wife those pics now.

I think we're going to find this truck has plenty of torque for what's needed. We'll see soon enough.

Maybe Agriv8r will let me test drive one with a video camera.

drove it today. Very underpowered! Was very scary merging onto traffic. Couldn't pass a metro bus!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>Why leave it alone if you have the desire and means to change it? That's like telling someone they can't use chrome rims because chrome isn't for off roading. I think you're offbase.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I understand your means to mod, I plan on modding my H3 as well. However, I still don't understand what the point of adding more power to the H3 would be? It's not gonna make the car off-road any better, it still isn't going to be faster than a Toyota Camry and its just gonna cause more wear and tear. Unless some people want the extra power to do stop light drags (and your gonna need A LOT of that power to beat even the slowest of sedans out there), why do it?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by S2KtoH3:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>Why leave it alone if you have the desire and means to change it? That's like telling someone they can't use chrome rims because chrome isn't for off roading. I think you're offbase.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I understand your means to mod, I plan on modding my H3 as well. However, I still don't understand what the point of adding more power to the H3 would be? It's not gonna make the car off-road any better, it still isn't going to be faster than a Toyota Camry and its just gonna cause more wear and tear. Unless some people want the extra power to do stop light drags (and your gonna need A LOT of that power to beat even the slowest of sedans out there), why do it? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't think the point of SCing or TCing the H3 is to race it. It will make the truck more street friendly. I have no doubt their is enough torque for this truck to wheel it in 4LOW. But getting onto the freeway or driving in the MTN's will require more HP to keep up with traffic at a comfortable speed (70 - 75mph) ... esp. if you are towing some quads or snow toys.
the same goes for the H2. The SC is for my mountain driving. My SUT gets up and goes just fine, but an extra 100 hp will make it a little more enjoyable on the street. Is it necesary? No! Will I need it for off roading? NO! I have been to Moab a few times and climbed some very steep hills and have been in some nasty mud, but have not required more power. It's a matter of customizing the vehicle and upgrading to what you want.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummerNewbie:
Brewer,

I am surprised your Exploder is such a dog. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's a '96 EB with over 150K miles. I married into it, and it's just about to completely fall apart. Perfect timing on the release of the H3 - we've been looking at new cars for the past couple of months, and so far this is the only one we've agreed upon.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by brewerdude:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummerNewbie:
Brewer,

I am surprised your Exploder is such a dog. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's a '96 EB with over 150K miles. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That would explain it I have about 70K on mine and doing good. I actually picked mine up a couple of years ago used when my lease came up on my car. Bought a '98 because it was the last year of the 5.0 and they had no problems with this engine. From what I heard, Ford replaced it because they were not making enough money on service with it

Hi All,

Drove the manual and auto. Of course the 5 speed felt a lot more spunky but, personally, I think both are pretty peppy. You won't be the fasest guy off the line, but I had no problems getting up to speed. I went from a ZR2 Blazer with the 4.3 V6 at 190 HP into the H3 and I would say they are pretty close. The Blazer probably had a slight edge, but both were good. Yes I would have loved a bit more HP, but I'm not disappointed with the performance either.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by brewerdude:
I'm seriously thinking about getting an H3 and will go for a test drive this week. Been reading specs, and am concerned about acceleration. How well does that 5-cyl 220HP engine pull a 4700lb vehicle? I'm not so concerned about it on a trail, but getting into traffic might be an issue... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
brewdude I just picked up my H3 and like you i was worried about the 220 hp engine,but after driving it around town and on the highway its no longer an issue.It has plenty of pickup to pass and get on the highway.

i just drove one yesterday, and it reminds me of my gf's crappy nissan altima.. great acceleration from a stop but then once its going and you get on the gas the acceleration is lackluster.. but overall you will be goin slow in style! i think its fine for what its got... but if you ever lined up against a jeep with a hemi, or maybe an xterra with the S/C you will most certainly get spanked ever time. but were not buyin them for their speed were buyin em for capability and overall awesome appearance!

I dont think many of us will be drag racing a Hemi in out H3s...

oh, I will.... as soon as i leave the hummer dealer im going to the jeep dealer across the street and revving the engine till someone comes out to race!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wannabeH3:
oh, I will.... as soon as i leave the hummer dealer im going to the jeep dealer across the street and revving the engine till someone comes out to race! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Funniest thing I've read all day!

haha at least someone appreciates me!

Well I got a chance to test drive one yesterday. However, I didn't get the opportunity to really test the acceleration - the goddamn thing ran out of gas after about five minutes in! The salesguy was a total idiot. So my first H3 experience consisted of me and my pregnant wife pushing one up a small hill into a parking lot off a busy main road. Then we had to walk back to the dealership.

Here was the cake topper - just before we left I asked our sales guy if we could get a brochure - his response "We only give those to the guys who are gonna buy one." After the dirty look I gave him he immediatly said "Oh, OK, I guess I can..." I mean, sheesh!

Anyways, we liked what we saw. But guess I'll have to check one out at one of the other dealerships here in town....

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by brewerdude:
...The salesguy was a total idiot... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

sounds like it. he wont be in the car biz long, he's not hungry enough to be a salesman.

He is an idiot, I would have kicked him in the JIMMY.

are you kidding me???? seriously you should contact the manager, and explain your distress, I am sure they will hook you up..

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by brewerdude:
Well I got a chance to test drive one yesterday. However, I didn't get the opportunity to really test the acceleration - the goddamn thing ran out of gas after about five minutes in! The salesguy was a total idiot. So my first H3 experience consisted of me and my pregnant wife pushing one up a small hill into a parking lot off a busy main road. Then we had to walk back to the dealership.

Here was the cake topper - just before we left I asked our sales guy if we could get a brochure - his response "We only give those to the guys who are gonna buy one." After the dirty look I gave him he immediatly said "Oh, OK, I guess I can..." I mean, sheesh!

Anyways, we liked what we saw. But guess I'll have to check one out at one of the other dealerships here in town.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I kind of had the same experience the first time I went to Kansas City Hummer (in regards to the brochure). I asked for one and got a general push off from the sales lady.

Too bad about the gas issue, although when I went back the second time, I test drove a H3 and there was barely any gas in it!

Bill

they are slow pigs dont buy one go get a hemi and go drag racin hummers are for wheelin take your hemi to the mall dog you can drag at the mall

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BigBill:
I kind of had the same experience the first time I went to Kansas City Hummer (in regards to the brochure). I asked for one and got a general push off from the sales lady.

Too bad about the gas issue, although when I went back the second time, I test drove a H3 and there was barely any gas in it!

Bill </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you go back down there ask for Marvin, HoKC on here. Very nice guy, stopped in a met him a several months ago and he showed me the first Slate Blue I saw in persone. If I remember correctly he is the Inventory manager there.

accelleration sucks period, but thats not why i bought it

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2forMe:
drove it today. Very underpowered! Was very scary merging onto traffic. Couldn't pass a metro bus! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You're full of it. No problems with merging here. It picks up fine and dandy.

Seriously, why would you post such BS?

I think the answer to this accelleration question is simply a matter of opinion.I traded a 2003 Chevy ZR2 4X4 for my H3 and i can assure you the H3 has much better accelleration than the votec V6 the Chevy had under the hood. Like all the other H3 owners have said previously, this vehicle was'nt designed for speed.If you want speed you should buy a sportscar. I love my H3 and it is by far the best 4x4 i have ever owned and ive had them all. Toyota,Chevrolet,Dodge,and a FORD. I have never had a problem trying to merge into traffic onto the freeway and i drive in Dallas Texas everday. It may not be like driving in Los Angelas or New York City but the traffic is pretty fast paced ! You wont regret buying or driving the H3. Good luck with your decision.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by highlander:
I think the answer to this accelleration question is simply a matter of opinion.I traded a 2003 Chevy ZR2 4X4 for my H3 and i can assure you the H3 has much better accelleration than the votec V6 the Chevy had under the hood. Like all the other H3 owners have said previously, this vehicle was'nt designed for speed.If you want speed you should buy a sportscar. I love my H3 and it is by far the best 4x4 i have ever owned and ive had them all. Toyota,Chevrolet,Dodge,and a FORD. I have never had a problem trying to merge into traffic onto the freeway and i drive in Dallas Texas everday. It may not be like driving in Los Angelas or New York City but the traffic is pretty fast paced ! You wont regret buying or driving the H3. Good luck with your decision. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Who is this person? Two thumbs up for you!

Newbie, next time I head through KC I'll try to check in on Marvin. I had time on the prior trip, but didn't know he was out there. BTW, Marcmedic is out there also.