[DWPC]

Point One: We looked at the LR3. Unless you find a dealer willing to do a factory order and you're willing to wait several months, you're not likely to find a LR3 for less than low $40's (MSRP). They only import 'em with lots of accessories, even the 'basic' V6. (at least at the SoCA LR dealers we visited.)

Point Two: Land Rovers are a cult object. The build quality is abyssmal British and maintenance is expensive. For some goofy reason LR Owners don't seem to mind an expensive vehicle that breaks down a lot. I'd be afraid to get out of sight of a paved road in a LR3. At least the old 4-banger LRs could be fixed on nthe trail with a hammer and crescent wrench and whatever you couldn't fix you could disconnect and limp out. The Disco and LR3 need a team of mechanics and electronics techs following behind. The LR3 forum on Edmunds is one bitch session after another.

Point Three: In the recent Truck Trends 4X4 comparison, the only stated reason the LR3 beat out the H3 for 1st Place was high speed capability though the LR (V8) cost $53K vs. H3's $33K (thats 60% more!). The LR3 will do 130. Hey TT..it was an offroad contest. The H3 did better or as well in every contest (and the H3's manual trans was the deciding factor in the grade climb that the auto LR3 did better in.). I think TT really blew it by ignoring a HUGE price differential; (underscored by their phoney tilted pic indicating an LR3 could climb a 100% grade.) If they'd used a V6 LR3, or an H3 with automatic the H3 would have trounced it...still with a 30% price advantage. You can almost buy two base H3's for the price of the LR3 tested in the comparison.

We just returned from a 2000 mile trip around N. Arizona in the H3 (write up & pics coming)and I was amazed how comfortable it was on the highway and astonished at how capable it was right out of the showroom on some pretty rough trails. (BTW, we passed a struggling Disco on one rocky rise.)

In lots of serious mountain driving, I found the steering to be very precise and had a very good feel; no mush. Further, the H3 exhibited no appreciable roll in corners. I thought 500 miles at a stretch in the H3 would be fatigueing, but I hate to admit it was no worse and maybe less so than my beloved Audi A6 2.7T. If it had quiet highway tires (though the 33" Duellers aren't noisy for an A/T) it would be as quiet as the Audi too. Very comfortable seats (cloth). Surprisingly low wind noise.

The H3, however, will frustrate you if you like to put your foot in it. Its fine at 75 on the level, but believe me, theres NOTHING left for grades or headwinds. Driving the long long grade up from Palm Springs CA in a stiff headwind at 60-65 at 3500 RPM in 3rd gear watching Hyundais fly by at 80 was pretty frustrating, but the overall great cruising and offroad performance more than made up for it. Cruising at over 70 sucks gas up pretty good too. That 5-banger is a hog under high load.

I think GM hit a home run with the H3. Add some reserve power for highway driving and it'll be a grand slam.