I know this is old, but what a load of crap. Their major points of criticism of the H3 are based on false or misleading information, which invalidates all of their conclusions. Besides, they're comparing a fully optioned 2007 FJ with a base 2006 H3.
But the article is biased on a deeper level. First, they pretend to be unbiased and start the article proclaiming the eye-catching visual and offroad qualities of both vehicles. But they immediately reveal their prejudice, by attacking the H3 and claiming that it doesn't have the options a "luxury" vehicle ought to have, while ignoring its leather and sunroof (both unavailable on the FJ).
What a bunch of hypocrites. They're actually saying the H3 is "bad" because it ought to have certain luxury options, while the FJ is "good" because it doesn't either. Which is all false anyway ... the H3 actually does have the stated options and the FJ has premium sound and its own amenities.
Then they sidestep that question of luxury (and even offroad prowess) and claim that the real issue is "value". But this is just another con. Price isn't the same as value. It's misleading to compare the features of a fully optioned FJ with a base H3. And it's dishonest to lie about the H3's specs and features in the first place. But it's just plain slimy to quote the base FJ's lower price as a better value, when it lacks all the options the FJ was supposedly "superior" for.
So basically, they have to lie about the H3 and misrepresent the FJ's value to put both vehicles on the same level. Then all things now being "equal", it becomes a question of mere aesthetics and personal preference. But their conclusion doesn't follow. Of course there's "virtually no contest" if you like one better than the other. But how can the FJ be the overall winner if the final criteria is personal preference?
Apparently, only shallow unsophisticated buyers would choose the H3's "military heritage" over the FJ's "classic retro stying". Whatever.
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Originally Posted by Klaus
We were surprised by the lack of such popular options in the H3 as a navigation system (false), a rear DVD entertainment system (false) and adjustable pedals (misleading - neither does FJ).
On the highway, the FJ displays a bit more control (false - the suspension is mushier, inducing oversteer), thanks in part to its speed-sensitive, variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering. The H3 has a larger turning circle (false - FJ's is 5' wider) and is more of a chore to park (disagree - You sit lower in the FJ and I had a hell of a time seeing around all the pillars to park it, especially in reverse).
The H3 ... comes with a four-speed manual (false - five speed manual).
The FJ and the H3 both get standard antilock brakes and traction control, and the FJ adds standard stability control (it's an extra-cost option on the H3 (misleading - standard on the 2006 auto and all 2007s)).
The FJ package includes side bags in the front seats (false - it's optional). They're not available on the H3 (false - front and rear airbags are both available).
In our runoff, the Toyota FJ Cruiser beat the Hummer H3 in the key areas of value (false - cost is lower is only with base FJ, no options. Similarly equipped, the cost difference is insignificant), horsepower (true - but insignificant after factoring gear ratios), fuel economy (misleading - only by 1 mpg estimated EPA when comparably equipped ... but it runs on premium gas) and safety (false - safety ratings and optional safety features are identical. Also it would be harder to exit the FJ's rear seats in a crash). If the Toyota's looks, inside and out, speak to you more than its American counterpart, then there's virtually no contest.
Overall winner: Toyota FJ Cruiser
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