My Alpha Test Drive Results

[BuzzH3]

I just drove one at my dealer last night. I wasn't real impressed. The acceleration from stopped and from 50MPH was only slightly better than my 06 (45,000 mi, stock intake and exhaust). I was considering a trade-in, but after driving it there was no compelling reason to do so. I personally love V8's, but there was absolutely no WOW factor with that engine in either the power or the sound. I had to turn the AC off and open a window before I could hear the engine. I know most buyers don't want a loud engine, but if I have a V8 I at least want it to sound that way. At least a little growl. The one I drove didn't have many options besides the sunroof, side steps, and rear view camera (displayed through the rear view mirror) and the sticker was 41,750. I would at least want the off-road package.
Anyway, that's just my opinion and some of you will probably disagree.

[FutureBeachBum]

At this point I'm used to the 5 cyl. More power would be nice, but not worth the price!

[Huck BB62]

Love the orange red look, more than I thought I would. The seats seem like they have thicker leather. I love the danged Alpha. Darned shame we just spent everything on the new RV. I would love to have the Alpha, I think it's an awsome machine. Ain't happening for awhile.

[BuzzH3]

Originally Posted by lotus4s

The problem is not the 5000 lb curb weight, it's GM and Hummer (as well as the rest of the big 3). Look at what Toyota has done with the new Tundra. With a curb weight of slightly more than the H3 and a 5.7L V8 they are getting 0-60 times in the 6 second range, 380 hp and 400 lb.ft of torque, a 6 speed auto tranny and EPA mpg numbers better than the Alpha. I test drove a couple of them recently and was extremely impressed.

I was 90% sure I was getting a new Alpha until I test drove it and came away very disappointed. Not worth the extra money IMHO...

I would have to agree with you. I was very disappointed with GM. They could have done so much more with the Alpha. Don't get me wrong. I think it's a great vehicle, but there is absolutely no compelling reason for current owners to upgrade. I realize that is not their target audience, but even for potential new owners, the decision is hard. I felt that there was little difference between my 3.5 and the V8, so the difference between the 3.7 and the V8 has to be even closer. If I was a new customer and test drove the Alpha and the 3.7, then looked at the sticker price and the MPG, I think I would go for the 3.7. IMHO, I think the Alpha, which designates a top level version of the model, should have at least 350HP or probably more.