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View Full Version : H3 Engine- is it really that underpowered?

Crashtest
10-03-2005, 04:42 AM
So most reviews that I read of the H3 are fantastic. The only constant negative people mention is the underpowered V5 engine. I only briefly test drove the H3, and not on a highway.

I don't want a sports car type feel, I know this is a SUV. But I do want to be able to safely pass and change exits on the highway. So is the engine really that underpowered for these situations, or is it that people are just comparing it to the wrong things?
Crashtest
10-03-2005, 04:42 AM
So most reviews that I read of the H3 are fantastic. The only constant negative people mention is the underpowered V5 engine. I only briefly test drove the H3, and not on a highway.

I don't want a sports car type feel, I know this is a SUV. But I do want to be able to safely pass and change exits on the highway. So is the engine really that underpowered for these situations, or is it that people are just comparing it to the wrong things?
kacyk
10-03-2005, 04:51 AM
It's really at home on the highways. Passing power is marginal but it cruises nicely. Rent one from Budget for a day and take it through your every day paces.
Crashtest
10-03-2005, 05:09 AM
Thanks. It felt very good at medium speeds, it was a very comfortable ride and accelerated nicely. I think it should be adequate at slightly higher speeds, I guess I will have to adapt to the car.
kacyk
10-03-2005, 05:23 AM
It'll get going if you push it but keep in mind that the full time 4 wheel drive is heavy and you do notice it.

The H2 feels the same way BUT, when you push that baby it'll move! But then, 11 MPG is what you get too.
wannabeH3
10-03-2005, 05:30 AM
yeah you gotta get on it.. passing is seriously pathetic, but it cruises at 80 fine... once you get up to it http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
EFnetOper
10-03-2005, 10:10 AM
It's an I5, not a V5 BTW. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif
usetosellhummer
10-03-2005, 10:36 AM
it's fine for what it is, mid-size suv. The trade off is the capabilites it has vs others. No other stock mid-size is as big and bad as the H3
walc
10-03-2005, 10:59 AM
I think it has plenty of pickup, if you accelerate firmly; but don't floor it.
Typically, I leave other vehicles behind at stop lights.
http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
crotch_rocket_pilot
10-03-2005, 11:28 AM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wannabeH3:
yeah you gotta get on it.. passing is seriously pathetic, but it cruises at 80 fine... once you get up to it http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Do you have a bike wannabe? I see the yoshimura script in your avatar. I have a 2004 CBR600RR with a carbon fiber micron on it.
DWPC
10-03-2005, 02:44 PM
The power issue is grossly overblown. H3 road performance is right there with most mid-level SUVs and family cars, and most people are would be perfectly satisfied with it. I think GM got it just right.
f5fstop
10-03-2005, 06:37 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DWPC:
The power issue is grossly overblown. H3 road performance is right there with most mid-level SUVs and family cars, and most people are would be perfectly satisfied with it. I think GM got it just right. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://hometown.aol.com/f5fstop01/images/iagree.gif

Cruised the roads of TN at 80-85 w/and without cruise, with the A/C on quite well.
Frisco Ken
10-03-2005, 06:57 PM
I live in Frisco CO. Elevation 9,100' and I have owned my H3 for 3 weeks. At this elevation, the H3 does just fine. I have driven over Vail pass which is 11,500' and the H3 can easily go up at 75MPH. You do need to put the pedal to the floor but I have been impressed so far.

Victory Red
Leather Cashmere
Lux Pkg
Off road Pkg
XM
Black tube steps
Koaladrew
10-03-2005, 07:14 PM
I live in the hollywood hills.. i have definately not found the H3 to be underpowered, but I should preface this with the fact that it is important to keep in mind that the H3 is an offroad vehicle, not a sports car. If you want pick up and 0 - 60 in 4 seconds, you have the wrong car.. RIGHT?
psywzrd
10-04-2005, 11:53 AM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Koaladrew:
I live in the hollywood hills... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You lucky bastard you!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I used to live in LA myself (Brentwood to be exact) so I always get real jealous whenever I hear about someone living out there. Man I miss LA...
1COOLH3
10-04-2005, 04:43 PM
I hope more people hear the rumor that its underpowered and decide to buy something else- otherwise once the truth gets out about how great these H3's are everybody and their brother will have one and the uniqueness will be gone.

Sure it could use more power but what truck couldn't? It has 220 HP which is the same as my GMC Yukon GT had- granted it doesn't have the low end torque of a V8 but it is more than adequate for everyday driving.
psywzrd
10-04-2005, 05:06 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 1COOLH3:
I hope more people hear the rumor that its underpowered and decide to buy something else- otherwise once the truth gets out about how great these H3's are everybody and their brother will have one and the uniqueness will be gone.

Sure it could use more power but what truck couldn't? It has 220 HP which is the same as my GMC Yukon GT had- granted it doesn't have the low end torque of a V8 but it is more than adequate for everyday driving. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I gotta agree with you there. I keep seeing more of them in my area (closest Hummer dealer is literally a mile or two from my house) and I hate not being the only one in my area with an H3. I just hope they don't become as common as the Jeep Cherokee.
1COOLH3
10-04-2005, 05:25 PM
So lets start some new rumors to keep people from buying H3's.

How about:

"I heard the engine is made by Briggs & Stratton"
fourfourto
10-04-2005, 05:34 PM
I think powers just fine and it replaced a 2004 murano that was a rocket !! To future h3 buyers i heard of problems with the muffler bearing and the finish on the checkered paint option also the flux compacitor needs constant adjustment

H3 gray aventure ,sunroof, steps ,roof rack ,smokers package ,window vents, sunroof visor, hard spare tire cover, h3 valve caps 2,300+ miles
1968 oldsmobile 442 5 to 6 miles per gallon around town but you still love it
HummerNewbie
10-04-2005, 05:57 PM
fourfourto,

Would love to see some pics of you '68 442. I used to have a '70 442 convertible. Still one of my all time favorite cars.
fourfourto
10-04-2005, 07:16 PM
the 442 is definitly not underpowered
pic to big they limit size to 300kb tryed to reformat pic not working ? its yelklow with black vertical stripe
HummerNewbie
10-04-2005, 08:47 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by fourfourto:
the 442 is definitly not underpowered
pic to big they limit size to 300kb tryed to reformat pic not working ? its yelklow with black vertical stripe </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Definitely not underpowered. That thing was fast as hell with the 455 and Hurst dual gate. God I loved that car. Mine was also yellow with black on the scoops of the ram air hood and black convertible top and interior. Also had a '70 Supreme convertible. Though not as fun, that was a great car as well. I would love to get another one but the have gotten so damn expensive these days. Heard recently of a '70 442 going $130K http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
fourfourto
10-04-2005, 09:25 PM
mines not worth nearly as much as that its a ok driver and 68 (67 - 69 ) came with the 400ci except for h/o,s they were beefed up to 455 by hurst you can get somethuing decent between 8 to 15 grand
HummerNewbie
10-04-2005, 09:41 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by fourfourto:
... you can get somethuing decent between 8 to 15 grand </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have thought about it. Really don't care if it is a real 442 or not.
DDWH
10-07-2005, 01:03 AM
Well I have only test drove the H3. Steep freeway onramps and some slight grades. It seemed to be real smooth and power up to speed with no problems or strain. It doesn't have the power like my 3/4 ton sub with a 454 and a few enhancements, but the gas mileage tradeoff seems to be worth it! Not to mention the cool factor.