ABOUT TO BUY -- HELP!!!!

[PARAGON]

You are looking at an offroad vehicle that's full-time 4WD. Maybe it's not for you.

As for the power, there is very little noticable difference between the FJ and the H3. I drive an H2 that is a big pig and have never found the H3 to have a problem getting up to speed.

It certainly has plenty of power higher up in the RPM range.

[nychot]

Originally Posted by PARAGON

You are looking at an offroad vehicle that's full-time 4WD. Maybe it's not for you.

As for the power, there is very little noticable difference between the FJ and the H3. I drive an H2 that is a big pig and have never found the H3 to have a problem getting up to speed.

It certainly has plenty of power higher up in the RPM range.

we are turning in a toyota 4runner ltd v8. we have had wranglers, grand cherokees so we are not neophtes when it comes to ft 4wd. and no plans for off roading. we just want a solid suburban/country vehicle. but no one has yet given us a poisitve scenario about the acceleration/speed issue. at least one of ther first (and last) two responders. keem 'em coming. TIA

[Desert Dan]

The H3 is not a rocket, but once up to speed it cruises along (75-80 mph) just fine.

Sure I would like more power but I really like the MPG of the H3.

You have to rev it up a bit through the gears if you want speed.

Why are you getting rid or your V8 4-Runner?

[Wisha Haddan H3]

Sounds like you never go offroad and the bottom line is highway power. So if you really prefer the FJ's highway performance over the H3's, you've already made your decision. But consider this ...

I don't know if you compared the 06's and 07's, but I love the new 3.7 L engine. It has 2 torque bumps. The first one is the same as the 3.5 liter (225 lb-ft at 2800 rpm). The second one is 242 lb-ft at 4600. You won't feel the extra power until you really step on it, but it gives me enough high end torque for passing and keeping up with my H2 big brothers on the way to the trail. The redesigned valves and heads help it run smoother than the 3.5L too. It even has Variable Valve Timing (just like the FJ).

Haven't driven the 07 Wrangler JK Ultd, but I hear it isn't any better than the H3 in terms of highway power. But I understand it's at least as good as the H3 offroad. The Rubicon definitely has better offroad amenities than the H3 - solid front axle, front-rear diff locker, electronic sway bar disconnect, BFG mud terrain tires, removable doors & roof, fold down windshield, full internal roll cage, etc. But you don't go offroad, so that's irrelevant. The H3 has more luxury amenities - leather, sunroof/moonroof, heated seats, better stereo, less road noise, etc ... which you obviously do care about. So the JK Ultd seems like a poor choice.

I have driven the FJ Cruiser and it has an excellent drivetrain. It's very fast and has a slightly better torque curve and power-to-weight ratio than the H3 in high range, so you may feel more comfortable accelerating and passing. The 6-spd manual is awesome (wish the H3 had it).

Everywhere else the H3 is superior. Offroad in 4lo, the H3 Adventure package has a gearing, tire size and tread advantage. The H3's interior and exterior design are far superior to the FJ, and it has full rear doors instead of suicide doors. The H3 handles better on road with a tighter suspension and less body roll in turns. It has full-time 4wd - which is better for cornering and safety even in dry conditions (The FJ w/ auto tranny has RWD in high range). The H3 also offers better side and rear visibility and has much wider mirrors to clear the blind spots. I usually park my H3 using just the side mirrors ... not a chance with the FJ's tall, thin mirrors.

Whatever you decide, come back and tell us. Most of us have a good natured rivalry with other brands and would wheel or road trip with anyone regardless of make and model.

[Wisha Haddan H3]

One more thing ... I live in Denver and drive up to the mountains all the time. I have full confidence passing, merging, and accelerating ... uphill, downhill and on the flats. I felt less confident in the FJ Cruiser because of the blind spots, mirrors, body roll, seating position and part-time 4wd, even though it seemed more powerful.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

My right foot weighs much more then my left. There is plenty of power in the H-3. With the mix of comfort and the great ability to go where most won't go you can't go wrong. It is more pleasent to drive around town and on the highway and off road then any other vehicle out there.

If you want speed and acceleration buy a 1965 AC Cobra.

RYD

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

My right foot weighs much more then my left. There is plenty of power in the H-3. With the mix of comfort and the great ability to go where most won't go you can't go wrong. It is more pleasent to drive around town and on the highway and off road then any other vehicle out there.

If you want speed and acceleration buy a 1965 AC Cobra.

RYD

typical dumbass old guy, two foot driving, wasting brakes and running around with the brake lights on all the time

[H3PAC]

I have an '06 with an automatic trans and off-road package. I think the "underpowered" issue is blown out of proportion. I have no complaints about the power with the type of driving I generally do, which is probably similar to the vast majority of owners: one occupant, not usually towing, a combination of suburban/rural roads with some fairly steep grades and enough Jethros driving honey wagons and miniture, blue-haired elderly ladies with their faces pressed against their windshields affording me many passing opportunities. I don't have any problems maintaining the speed limit. The off-road performance goes without saying - plenty of torque.

Now if you want a street queen that can win drag races, but just looks like an off-road capable vehicle, the H3 is definitely not for you. And the power increase in the '07 is not significant enough to change that.

You might also consider a different vehicle if you regularly load up with 4 passengers, put a heavy load on the roof rack, tow a large boat and expect to climb a mountain at 70 mph - 'aint gonna happen. If you're like most people though, you OCCASIONALLY may tow a reasonably sized load, fill the seats, and be content with hanging out in the right lane.

I find the 3 to be surprisingly nimble on the curvy and hilly Pennsylvania roads that I travel on and the ride, while fairly firm, is very comfortable. The interior is plenty comfy too, albeit a bit short on some ameneties like a glove box light and useable map lights, etc. (I have the luxury option). Let's face it. You're never going to find a dual-purpose vehicle that scores a ten both on and off-road, provides a perfect compromise between performance and fuel economy, and is practical for every lifestyle. But for me, the H3 comes pretty damn close. And by the way, every time I look at my Hummer standing out in a parking lot, I can't keep that ear-to-ear grin off my face.

[H3.007]

I have the same package as H3PAC. I used to own a Ford Explorer Sport with a V6, 4.0 engine. The H3 has outperformed it with comparable gas mileage. Off roading is superb and highway performance is, quite frankly, scary (as in hang on to your pants) when considering the weight and size of the vehicle. Now I do have the aircharger system installed and I run fuel additive to every tank of fuel for a little extra response tweak. Some may question the bonuses of either, however, I think it really helps. Regardless, I have had it since May and after several road trips and passing slower moving folks (those doing 60 mph or less) I think it flies for a "mid-size" SUV- even though I think "mid-size" is a misnomer for the H3. In fact, I was out shopping this past weekend in a nearby city and I had it cruising over the speed limit and keeping with traffic flow over long distances, over some of the biggest mountains in Pennsylvania, and I was typically in the "passing lane" the majority of the time. The only problem was the extended roar of the aircharger for longer periods of time, but I just turned up the radio.

If you want something that'll pace a Vette, buy a Cayenne. If you want the best off the rack off roader with good performace via little tweaks, buy the H3.

9 out of

in my book!

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by H3PAC

I have an '06 with an automatic trans and off-road package. I think the "underpowered" issue is blown out of proportion. I have no complaints about the power with the type of driving I generally do, which is probably similar to the vast majority of owners: one occupant, not usually towing, a combination of suburban/rural roads with some fairly steep grades and enough Jethros driving honey wagons and miniture, blue-haired elderly ladies with their faces pressed against their windshields affording me many passing opportunities. I don't have any problems maintaining the speed limit. The off-road performance goes without saying - plenty of torque.

Now if you want a street queen that can win drag races, but just looks like an off-road capable vehicle, the H3 is definitely not for you. And the power increase in the '07 is not significant enough to change that.

You might also consider a different vehicle if you regularly load up with 4 passengers, put a heavy load on the roof rack, tow a large boat and expect to climb a mountain at 70 mph - 'aint gonna happen. If you're like most people though, you OCCASIONALLY may tow a reasonably sized load, fill the seats, and be content with hanging out in the right lane.

I find the 3 to be surprisingly nimble on the curvy and hilly Pennsylvania roads that I travel on and the ride, while fairly firm, is very comfortable. The interior is plenty comfy too, albeit a bit short on some ameneties like a glove box light and useable map lights, etc. (I have the luxury option). Let's face it. You're never going to find a dual-purpose vehicle that scores a ten both on and off-road, provides a perfect compromise between performance and fuel economy, and is practical for every lifestyle. But for me, the H3 comes pretty damn close. And by the way, every time I look at my Hummer standing out in a parking lot, I can't keep that ear-to-ear grin off my face.

I agree. I have driven on interstates and in the mountains roads of CO, as well as off-roaded in Utah and MI, and I never had a problem merging or passing.
I have the 06, so if you get the 07, it will have more horses.