I was in Florida a couple weeks ago and rented an H3.? I have to admit, I only rented it because my 13 y.o. daughter was madly in love with them and she would join me with the rest of the family, and since I was there for an environmental conference, it made for appropriate shock value that I would be driving a Hummer.? As luck would have it, I became very attached to the funky looking beast.? Here's a brief review:
Ride and Handling:? First off, the H3 was pretty underpowered with its 3.7L 5 cyl. engine churning out 240 HP.? Highway merging was an uninspiring event, made even less inspiring by the EPA engineered tranny that upshifted at a depressingly low RPM.? The good news was the handling.? Unlike my moose of an Expedition, or my parents' Grand Cherokees, the H3 felt stable in off ramps and in turns.? Other SUV's I've driven tip and dive into turns, but the H3's wide stance and decent suspension gave a reasonable impression of poise.? I could push the H3 in entrance ramps, and it would linearly drift off, as opposed to my Expedition and Jeep experiences where I feel like I was about to roll.? I found myself having fun pushing the H3 again and again in turns, and being rewarded with predictable - yet low G - handling.?
At highway speeds, the H3 was very smooth and fairly quiet.? Big bumps were absorbed without drama and the truck had an almost limosine-like ride.? Not stiff and jouncy like the Jeeps or ponderous and truck-like like my Expediter.?
Interior and Fit and Finish:? The interior blew me away.? ?The leather seats were softer than my Teutonic Audi, and as well-made.? The brushed aluminum surround on the HVAC and radio felt solid and classy.? The switches and knobs were decently damped and felt solid.? I really expected a rolling redneck dumpster, so the interior shocked me!? The exterior was well done, although the panel gaps were big enough to pass a piece of toast through - in places possibly sideways!? Given the theme of the car, the gaps felt about right, though. The rear gate swung out with a nice solid well damped feel, and the doors gave a decent impression of bank vaults.?
The orange peel paint looked good from a distance.? The dark blue looked real nice on the H3 though.? I got more looks and thumbs up in that thing than I had ever gotten in my A4.? It was amazing!? The H3 is a very polarizing vehicle - you love it or hate it.? I did find that a lot of 20- something year old guys go absolutely apoplectic when they see one. Especially southerners.? It was pretty funny!? I suspect the same age group in Cambridge would rather just disdainfully dump their soy lattes on the fender than give it a thumbs up.? ?Either way, if you want to attract attention - good or bad -? drive a Hummer!
Gas mileage:? I ran with a heavy foot on highways and in stop and go.? The H3 averaged around 14 mpg in 2 tankfuls.? A little depressing since my Expedition has 300 HP, accelerates much stronger, weighs about a thousand pounds more, and gets better mileage of around 14.7.? My Ford also comfortably runs at 80+, while the Hummer protested at anything over 75.? Aerodynamics count for something here, and the H3 cuts through the wind like a barn.?
Overall, a pleasant surprise.? The redneck roughneck I rented as a joke made a believer out of me.? I gotta get me a Hummer - but I figure I need to step up to an H2 for more horsepower and greater shock value! :ohyeah:
My GM beast -
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/saxonyron/photo004.jpg?t=1179034059)
My 8 yr old son was enamored by the H3 -
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/saxonyron/photo053.jpg?t=1179034088)
how did u fit all of your kids into one of those :lol:
Quote from: M_power on May 12, 2007, 11:53:49 PM
how did u fit all of your kids into one of those :lol:
Eh, my wife flew down at the end of my conference with the 5 kids, so we rented a Chrysler Grand Caravan too. Although I did fit all 5 in the H3 for a few short rides. Hell, down south the laws are different!
I just don't like how high the windows are, low visibility downwards from the vehicle.
Quote from: Champ on May 13, 2007, 02:02:28 AM
I just don't like how high the windows are, low visibility downwards from the vehicle.
That was a problem for me, too. The slit-like windows and high sills would make it very hard for a short driver. I'm 6'7" and had a hard time adjusting. But you do adjust and everything works out fine. The first day, I kept thinking there were cars in my blind spots, but it was just the hulking fenders and handles in the corner of my eye. Once I got used to it, the phantom cars disappeared.
You should test drive the H3 with the 5.3 v8 when it hits the streets. That should take care of the power issues. :ohyeah:
Nice review! I'm a quasi environmentalist (read: realist) and I find myself liking the H3. I'd rather have an Xterra though. Same shitty mileage, but at least you have some power to go with it!
Quote from: R-inge on May 13, 2007, 08:46:28 AM
You should test drive the H3 with the 5.3 v8 when it hits the streets. That should take care of the power issues. :ohyeah:
That's exactly what I was thinking
Nice review though Ron!!! :rockon:
My problem with this review was that you said the H3 did something, other than offroading better than the A4.
Quote from: ro51092 on May 13, 2007, 12:42:59 PM
My problem with this review was that you said the H3 did something, other than offroading better than the A4.
:lol:? I just said "softer" than the A4.? And they were well made.? All the German cars seem to like the harder leather seats.? I must admit, I like the American version a little better.? Just a little, though! I'm not sure how I can redeem myself at this point!? I can only beg forgiveness.? :cry: :devil:
Quote from: The Pirate on May 13, 2007, 11:19:17 AM
Nice review! I'm a quasi environmentalist (read: realist) and I find myself liking the H3. I'd rather have an Xterra though. Same shitty mileage, but at least you have some power to go with it!
Thanks! I'm also an environmentalist in the realist sense. Nothing wrong with a little SUV action. They have their purposes. Namely for me, my SUV helps me get out to the nature that I like so much. Not to mention carry all my kids and gear there. :lol:
Quote from: TheIntrepid on May 13, 2007, 12:19:16 PM
That's exactly what I was thinking
Nice review though Ron!!! :rockon:
Thanks, Trep! I think I'd like the 5.3L V8 Roy mentioned. That would fix a lot of what's wrong, for sure. ;ohyeah:
Ron, showing up to an environmentalist convention in an H3 is about as badass as you can get. You are officially one of my heroes. :rockon:
I take it that GM really upped the quality when it came to the H3. I drove an HHR a year ago and I thought it was a little rough, interiorwise. I'm glad to see it's an SUV worth consideration. In my short list of SUVs that I really like, it would be tough to pick between a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, FJ Cruiser, that, and an Xterra. Nice review.
I like it. It would be a good car for Wyoming.
There's something I wonder about panel gaps on SUV's. Is there a maximum standard for build? It seems like there needs to be some flex between the body panels, otherwise the thing would just shake itself apart on rough roads. Am I right?
Did you take it over any sweet jumps?
Quote from: the Teuton on May 13, 2007, 03:55:27 PM
Ron, showing up to an environmentalist convention in an H3 is about as badass as you can get. You are officially one of my heroes. :rockon:
I take it that GM really upped the quality when it came to the H3. I drove an HHR a year ago and I thought it was a little rough, interiorwise. I'm glad to see it's an SUV worth consideration. In my short list of SUVs that I really like, it would be tough to pick between a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, FJ Cruiser, that, and an Xterra. Nice review.
Tave - I think the panel gaps are part of the overall look.? These chassis are so stiff, I could only imagine noticable flex under monsterously abusive off-road conditions.? Maybe then a close tolerance would be an issue.? You might have a point!
Thanks, Teuton! :lol:? ?The lady at Avis offered me the upgrade and said for another $10/day I could have an H3.? I told her where I was heading and how appropriate the car would be.? She got a good laugh out of that as did a couple of my associates at the conference.? A few didn't seem to get it, but those are the guys I didn't hang with.? BTW, the thing ended up costing me only $29 per day since I'm so damn charming.? I think the lady gave me a deal due to my irreverence! :ohyeah:
Nick, I didn't hit any offroad stuff, but there were some gnarly speed bumps in the hotel parking lot!? :rockon: :lol:
And I bet it got high-centered on those :lol:
Cool. :lol: :ohyeah:
Now try a Mercedes GL and get really blown away. :devil:
Quote from: cawimmer430 on May 14, 2007, 05:43:41 AM
Cool. :lol:? :ohyeah:
Now try a Mercedes GL and get really blown away.? :devil:
For 20 grand more it'd better be the better car.
Man I spent awhile drivin' my buddy's H3 yesterday (towing motorboat with seriously retarded motor...but I digress) and I CANT STAND THE BLOODY THING!!! It's like sittin' in a goddamn pillbox...ya can't see shit!
The front seats are really comfortable...the rears are OK with two people, add a third in the middle and they'll hate you for life!
I like the reactions the truck gets from some people (read, it's fun to push buttons) but I could never live with one of those things.
Quote from: cawimmer430 on May 14, 2007, 05:43:41 AM
Now try a Mercedes GL and get really blown away. :devil:
:nono:
(http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/V/volkswagen/03-large/vw-touareg-jul07-01.jpg)
Quote from: J86 on May 14, 2007, 09:22:33 AM
Man I spent awhile drivin' my buddy's H3 yesterday (towing motorboat with seriously retarded motor...but I digress) and I CANT STAND THE BLOODY THING!!!? It's like sittin' in a goddamn pillbox...ya can't see shit!
The front seats are really comfortable...the rears are OK with two people, add a third in the middle and they'll hate you for life!
I like the reactions the truck gets from some people (read, it's fun to push buttons) but I could never live with one of those things.
Real men don't need windows. We paint 'em black and "sense" what's going on around us. If you can't do that, maybe to should get a bmx bicycle. Then you'll have all the visibility you need.
Quote from: Tave on May 13, 2007, 07:17:21 PM
I like it. It would be a good car for Wyoming.
There's something I wonder about panel gaps on SUV's. Is there a maximum standard for build? It seems like there needs to be some flex between the body panels, otherwise the thing would just shake itself apart on rough roads. Am I right?
With a body on frame vehicle, yes. Lots of movement occurs between different sections.
The H3 always strikes me a a good "truck" type of SUV. Great offroad, so-so on road. The issue with most reviews seem to be because they want it to be a minivan replacement. Same deal with the Toyota FJ. Nissan's Xterra seems to strike the best "balance" as far as reviews go, but I think I would be okay with the road manners given the nice interior and exceptional off-road capability (of the H3).
Of course I say that having absolutely no intention of ever buying any SUV, so I guess its just a theoretical exercise.
Quote from: J86 on May 14, 2007, 09:22:33 AM
Man I spent awhile drivin' my buddy's H3 yesterday (towing motorboat with seriously retarded motor...but I digress) and I CANT STAND THE BLOODY THING!!! It's like sittin' in a goddamn pillbox...ya can't see shit!
The front seats are really comfortable...the rears are OK with two people, add a third in the middle and they'll hate you for life!
I like the reactions the truck gets from some people (read, it's fun to push buttons) but I could never live with one of those things.
I rented it for 5 days and have to admit, I was impressed at first with the ride and build, but horrified by the visibility. Like many things with cars though, after living with it a day or so, you subconsciously deal with the visibility and get used to it. Hell, I've driven 20 ft. 10 wheeler box trucks with nothing but mirrors and the view out front, so it can be done. That's not to say they couldn't lower the belt line a bit and give a better view...but that would change the badass look of the beast. Again, I got so many admiring looks and thumbs up, it amazed me. I'm assuming it wasn't just because I'm so damn handsome! :ohyeah:
As far as towing, that thing is just not cut out for it. Gimme another 60 or 80 HP and it might have a chance.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on May 14, 2007, 11:24:02 AM
The H3 always strikes me a a good "truck" type of SUV. Great offroad, so-so on road. The issue with most reviews seem to be because they want it to be a minivan replacement. Same deal with the Toyota FJ. Nissan's Xterra seems to strike the best "balance" as far as reviews go, but I think I would be okay with the road manners given the nice interior and exceptional off-road capability (of the H3).
Of course I say that having absolutely no intention of ever buying any SUV, so I guess its just a theoretical exercise.
Before I rented it, I was anything but a fan. I thought the H2 was OK looking for its purpose in life, but the H3 struck me as too formulaic and forced. i.e. Badass in miniature. Now that I've drank the Coolaid and am a believer, I think this thiing just needs a big HP boost, and it would be the perfect ride for people who both like attention and like a competent SUV. Nothing else really need to be changed. (OK, maybe the visibility issues could be helped a bit, so Josh likes it more! :lol: )
Regarding the power issues, for 2007 the H3 got a slightly larger engine (from 3.5L to 3.7L). I am not sure which one you drove. Apart from that, for 2008 they have introduced a 5.3L V8.
Personally, I'd probably stick with the smaller engine for one main reason: Its available with a 5-speed manual.
The biggest problem I have with the entire Hummer line is that, to me, they are all poser wannabes.
Having driven the real HUMMER (complete with .50 on top), I find seeing an H1 at the mall or an H2 in the drive thru just stupid.
Now, I have nothing against SUVs. I have owned a few (until kids/minivan) but the entire Hummer line just screams "small penis" to me.
Ah-ho! Snap. I got REEMED on another thread for saying something to that effect when we were talking about Minivans vs. SUVs.
I like your style :ohyeah:
Quote from: southdiver1 on May 24, 2007, 08:49:51 AM
The biggest problem I have with the entire Hummer line is that, to me, they are all poser wannabes.
Having driven the real HUMMER (complete with .50 on top), I find seeing an H1 at the mall or an H2 in the drive thru just stupid.
Now, I have nothing against SUVs. I have owned a few (until kids/minivan) but the entire Hummer line just screams "small penis" to me.
To me, it sounds like you have your own inadequacy issues. Because someone drives a hummer they have a small penis? :rolleyes:
The H3 is probably the best offroad vehicle in the mainstream market (from the factory). It does have some practicality issues due to its styling, but so do most stylish cars (CLS550, Solstice/Sky, even my GTI to an extent).
I am not saying everyone that buys a Hummer is using its full capability, the if it wasn't so capable it wouldn't be so popular.
Now, something like the Jeep Compass I would consider a "poser" vehicle. Its styled like the wrangler, but not anywhere near as capable. But, call me crazy, that doesn't make me assume everyone that drives one has a small penis.
Quote from: southdiver1 on May 24, 2007, 08:49:51 AM
The biggest problem I have with the entire Hummer line is that, to me, they are all poser wannabes.
Having driven the real HUMMER (complete with .50 on top), I find seeing an H1 at the mall or an H2 in the drive thru just stupid.
Now, I have nothing against SUVs. I have owned a few (until kids/minivan) but the entire Hummer line just screams "small penis" to me.
I agree. Complete poser vehicles, to be sure.
However I'd rather not talk about another man's private parts...
Quote from: SJ_GTI on May 24, 2007, 11:44:00 AM
Now, something like the Jeep Compass I would consider a "poser" vehicle. Its styled like the wrangler, but not anywhere near as capable. But, call me crazy, that doesn't make me assume everyone that drives one has a small penis.
I think you're talking about the Patriot. It's styled like a Cherokee and doesn't seem that capable. The Compass is styled like the wuss-mobile that it is, and it's aimed at women.
Quote from: southdiver1 on May 24, 2007, 08:49:51 AM
The biggest problem I have with the entire Hummer line is that, to me, they are all poser wannabes.
Having driven the real HUMMER (complete with .50 on top), I find seeing an H1 at the mall or an H2 in the drive thru just stupid.
Now, I have nothing against SUVs. I have owned a few (until kids/minivan) but the entire Hummer line just screams "small penis" to me.
Hey hey hey!? At least I only had a small penis for the 5 days I rented the H3!? It grew right back as soon as my family arrived in FL and I jumped into the rented Chrysler Grand Caravan! Now there's a vehicle that doesn't overcompensate for a lack of a big member. Too bad I had to have my balls removed to get into the minivan. :ohyeah:? :lol:
I just wanted to bump this up after having finally driven one of these.
I have to say, I kinda like it. While the engine is completely overwhelmed by the sheer mass of this thing, with a V8 it would be phenomenal. I was very impressed by the ride, the damping in particular which is clearly tuned for off-road duty. There was zero bounce over speed bumps, and while it certainly leaned a bit into corners it at least didn't feel tippy, as some older SUVs tend to do. I recall driving a 90s Mitsubishi Montero that always felt like it was going to just up and lay over on you. The turning circle is VERY small, much smaller it seems that it should be.
The interior is actually a strong suit for this truck. Unlike the Canyon/Colorado on which it's based, it actually has pleasant looking plastics with nice grains and consistent, high-quality colors. No greys, just black and a contrasting beige in this case. The seats had beige leather with dark brown piping, which looks nice, even if they don't seem to wear well. The view out is a bit claustrophobic. I'm average height, and I could see out of it out ahead fairly well, but I could only imagine being over 6' trying to peer out of those gunslit windows. Rearward visibility really blows. But the sunroof is HUGE, and really gives an airy feel to the vehicle when it's open or even unshaded. The only one larger that I've seen in a vehicle is that on a Subaru Forester, which literally extends beyond the front seats as far as you can reach while seated and buckled in.
Overall, I would totally hit an H3 Alpha with the 5.3 V8 well, if I had the money, hehe...
I need to drive a H1
Quote from: TheIntrepid on May 14, 2007, 10:11:57 AM
:nono:
(http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/spyshots/V/volkswagen/03-large/vw-touareg-jul07-01.jpg)
That a Q7 or a Touareg? :devil:
Quote from: saxonyron on May 14, 2007, 01:13:53 PM
I rented it for 5 days and have to admit, I was impressed at first with the ride and build, but horrified by the visibility. Like many things with cars though, after living with it a day or so, you subconsciously deal with the visibility and get used to it. Hell, I've driven 20 ft. 10 wheeler box trucks with nothing but mirrors and the view out front, so it can be done.
That's the thing that peopel that complain forget, and I feel it makes them not very well rounded as drivers. Iv'e driven cube vans, motorhomes, and converted ambulances, as well as trucks like this:
(http://www.atfhotrodparts.com/purple2.JPG)
(my dad had a '48 Ford panel truck almost identical to that one, but black, and yeah, with ownership and familiarity comes comfort and competence at driving them)
Hell, even cars like the Countach, Diablo, and other mid engine exotics have less outward visibility than the H3,and I wouldn't use that as a reason not to like or drive them.
And I also hate the people who use the small penis insult, regardless of whether it's Hummers or SUVs in general, pickup trucks, or even sports cars (which it's used for just as often). Why can't people simply LIKE those types of vehicles without being labeled???
Quote from: ChrisV on October 17, 2007, 05:54:03 AM
That's the thing that peopel that complain forget, and I feel it makes them not very well rounded as drivers. Iv'e driven cube vans, motorhomes, and converted ambulances, as well as trucks like this:
(http://www.atfhotrodparts.com/purple2.JPG)
(my dad had a '48 Ford panel truck almost identical to that one, but black, and yeah, with ownership and familiarity comes comfort and competence at driving them)
Hell, even cars like the Countach, Diablo, and other mid engine exotics have less outward visibility than the H3,and I wouldn't use that as a reason not to like or drive them.
And I also hate the people who use the small penis insult, regardless of whether it's Hummers or SUVs in general, pickup trucks, or even sports cars (which it's used for just as often). Why can't people simply LIKE those types of vehicles without being labeled???
How long were you in the dildo business?
(http://www.atfhotrodparts.com/purple2.JPG)
ADULT TOY COMPANY
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
This is like "shemale vids"
Quote from: CALL_911 on October 18, 2007, 07:45:22 PM
This is like "shemale vids"
Ha, thanks for reminding me of that. :lol:
Quote from: 93JC on October 18, 2007, 09:12:48 PM
Ha, thanks for reminding me of that. :lol:
I don't remember that.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on October 18, 2007, 09:14:20 PM
I don't remember that.
Sucks for you. :huh:
Shemale vids incident = :lol:
What was it?
Quote from: TheIntrepid on October 18, 2007, 11:28:48 PM
What was it?
Not quite as special as the Volvo S80 incident, that's for sure.
Quote from: omicron on October 18, 2007, 11:38:18 PM
Not quite as special as the Volvo S80 incident, that's for sure.
:lol:
That was glorious. Speaking of, does anybody know where mazda6er ran off to?
Quote from: The Pirate on October 18, 2007, 11:40:09 PM
:lol:
That was glorious. Speaking of, does anybody know where mazda6er ran off to?
He seems to pop back here every couple of months but I have no clue where he is.
Hilarious guy, too.
I missed S80, what happened?
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on October 19, 2007, 12:12:03 AM
I missed S80, what happened?
All of the members of the S80 club are sworn to secrecy. :nono:
Quote from: CALL_911 on October 18, 2007, 07:45:22 PM
(http://www.atfhotrodparts.com/purple2.JPG)
ADULT TOY COMPANY
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
This is like "shemale vids"
It says factory, not company
Quote from: M_power on October 19, 2007, 12:56:41 AM
It says factory, not company
I couldnt see the pic when I wrote that, and I was laughing too hard to care.
Quote from: Raghavan on October 18, 2007, 11:40:56 PM
He seems to pop back here every couple of months but I have no clue where he is.
Hilarious guy, too.
He's around. I talk to him on AIM every now and then. He's been busy.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on October 19, 2007, 03:19:31 PM
He's around. I talk to him on AIM every now and then. He's been busy.
Oh.
Tell him to come back here and visit every so often.
link to s80 thread?
Quote from: Minpin on October 19, 2007, 10:41:58 PM
link to s80 thread?
Nothing special in there anymore... we deleted all of our posts and then promplty made the club.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on May 14, 2007, 11:24:02 AM
The H3 always strikes me a a good "truck" type of SUV. Great offroad, so-so on road. The issue with most reviews seem to be because they want it to be a minivan replacement. Same deal with the Toyota FJ. Nissan's Xterra seems to strike the best "balance" as far as reviews go,
I know they've gone both ways, but the reviews I've read put the FJ and the XTerra on even footing off-road, and give the nod to the FJ on-pavement. Everything I've read said it is a better all-arounder than the Nissan.
Quote from: Raghavan on October 19, 2007, 10:32:45 PM
Oh.
Tell him to come back here and visit every so often.
I'll send him a message on Stalkbook.
Quote from: Tave on October 20, 2007, 09:17:41 AM
I know they've gone both ways, but the reviews I've read put the FJ and the XTerra on even footing off-road, and give the nod to the FJ on-pavement. Everything I've read said it is a better all-arounder than the Nissan.
Too bad the FJ looks so stupid.
Quote from: HEMI666 on October 20, 2007, 09:48:01 AM
Too bad the FJ looks so stupid.
I agree, the FJ isn't nearly as good looking as the original, and is beginning to look like an SUV version of the New Beetle, a mere characature of the original.
I actually like the FJ Cruiser. I've got a small weak spot (very small) for funky looking SUVs like the FJ Cruiser and the Aztek.
Quote from: Tave on October 20, 2007, 09:17:41 AM
I know they've gone both ways, but the reviews I've read put the FJ and the XTerra on even footing off-road, and give the nod to the FJ on-pavement. Everything I've read said it is a better all-arounder than the Nissan.
:huh:
I've seen overall decisions go both ways (C&D liked the Xterra better, Motortrend liked the FJ better), but in general the FJ was only bested by the H3 off-road, and it was always beaten by the Xterra on-road. In C&D's test, the Xterra was good off-road (better than the Jeep), but in Motortrend it couldn't complete all the tests, and actually got the lowest trail rating (the Jeep Liberty had a higher rating).
If I
had to choose from this group, it'd probably be the Xterra for me...because I don't go off-road. But if I was buying an off-road SUV I would take the H3 first, FJ second, and Xterra third.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on October 22, 2007, 09:21:42 AM
:huh:
I've seen overall decisions go both ways (C&D liked the Xterra better, Motortrend liked the FJ better), but in general the FJ was only bested by the H3 off-road, and it was always beaten by the Xterra on-road. In C&D's test, the Xterra was good off-road (better than the Jeep), but in Motortrend it couldn't complete all the tests, and actually got the lowest trail rating (the Jeep Liberty had a higher rating).
If I had to choose from this group, it'd probably be the Xterra for me...because I don't go off-road. But if I was buying an off-road SUV I would take the H3 first, FJ second, and Xterra third.
I'd take the FJ Cruiser and pick up surfing.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on October 22, 2007, 09:21:42 AM
If I had to choose from this group, it'd probably be the Xterra for me...because I don't go off-road. But if I was buying an off-road SUV I would take the H3 first, FJ second, and Xterra third.
If I was buying an off-road SUV I would buy the X-Terra first and I wouldn't even look at the other two.
Quote from: HEMI666 on October 22, 2007, 10:35:22 PM
If I was buying an off-road SUV I would buy the X-Terra first and I wouldn't even look at the other two.
The H3 and the FJ are very good too.
Quote from: CALL_911 on October 22, 2007, 10:45:09 PM
The H3 and the FJ are very good too.
Except you can't see out of them which is crucial in offroading. In an offroading magazine I was reading at my dentist's office last week said that they required a spotter to walk in front of the H3 on trails they normally wouldn't bother with one because they couldn't see anything. I've sat in an H3 and an FJ at their respective dealerships and I wouldn't buy either of them with offroading in mind.
Quote from: HEMI666 on October 22, 2007, 10:49:12 PM
Except you can't see out of them which is crucial in offroading. In an offroading magazine I was reading at my dentist's office last week said that they required a spotter to walk in front of the H3 on trails they normally wouldn't bother with one because they couldn't see anything. I've sat in an H3 and an FJ at their respective dealerships and I wouldn't buy either of them with offroading in mind.
That's a very good point. But the mechanicals are there.
Quote from: CALL_911 on October 22, 2007, 11:16:37 PM
That's a very good point. But the mechanicals are there.
Big deal. Offroading sucks if you have to have a buddy walking in front of you the whole time. That's why Jeeps are the most popular offroading trucks. You can see out of them all the time and only need spotters in the most extreme cases.