Comments: 1-15, 16-27
I'm not in that situation, but I'll put my two cents in.
The H3 has a 5 cylinder engine that I have heard is gutless and also gets poor gas mileage because the undersized engine is over worked.
The new Explorer is more powerful, with a 292 4.6 liter option, to me that seems like a better bet unless you are actually planning to go off-road.
However, the Chevy Trailblazer seems to be even better. It has a six cylinder that had 275 horsepower, but I believe the output has recently been raised to 291 horsepower. So you would probably get better gas mileage (depending on your driving habits) and have the same power. Try test driving all the SUV's in that class, and see which one is more suitable to your needs, then make your decision based on that.
Original author: Generally speaking body over frame construction tends to be less safe in a collision in comparison to a unibody/monocoque. I would advise against the Explorer because it has been plagued with safety issues and wouldn't recommend the H3 if the safety and well being of your family is at stake. Have you considered the Asian marques? They cost a little more, but they do extensive frontal and side impact testing. Nissan, Toyota and Honda are much more suitable choices for city and motorway driving.
I am a loyal Toyota owner and have been for a number of years now cause of all the quality issues with the big 3 however... I recently went on a business trip to Houston Texas and rented an H3. As soon as I got in I noticed how comfortable it was and driving/handling was just as nice. I don't know why it is said there is no power as I found it quite peppy and smoother running than any V-6 I've ever driven. Over all I really liked the H3 and I have to give GM credit for building a nice practical vehicle. This is the first GM I would have considered purchasing since the 70's and if I hadn't just purchased my new Toyota Tacoma I would have maybe purchased the H3. Just my 2 cents :-)
Original author: Still driving my H3 and still enjoying it. Very practical and the dog loves it too. Sure you pay a little more for the Hummer brand nameplate. Just don't knock it till you've tried it or you don't know what your talking about. It's not as fast as my brothers Mustang, but it's got torque and guts. I would buy another vehicle from this manufacturer.
I love my H3!!! I don't know why some people think they can make fun of those lucky souls that have the pleasure of being an owner of a H3.
I got my h3 because I live in Vegas and 80% of the drivers here drive like they are in a nascar race not to mention that so far this month we have had an average of 2 fatal car accidents a day!
Yes its only a 5 cylinder, but who needs more? What is the big hurry?
Gas mileage isn't the best, but I'm sure it can be worse!
I <3 my H3!!!
I have the H3 3.7 for 2007. Have to say I absolutely love it. The 250 hp was a great improvement over the 3.5 liter from 06. I have driven both vehicles. To make it even better I added a good air intake; throttle body mod and a cat back exhaust; I’m assuming that I get about 270 hp and noticed a 2mpg increase in hwy mileage. The power is plenty enough on the 3.7, and I don’t know why so many people complained about it in the fist place.
GM did a great job on this one.
At 3000 miles my H3 had to be towed into the dealer. The coil pack had to be replaced. It has never ran right since, this is the biggest POS.
Jun 2007, 12:35.
How does a coil pack going out make it the biggest pos ever? Do you even own one?
I have a 2006 H3. There is a clicking noise whenever I turn my wheel to the left, took it to dealer they said I needed new steering rack they replaced all under warranty. Only problem is its still making the same noise! Has anyone experienced this before?
I have read many reviews on the H3 and to be honest it seems to be a pretty decent truck. I admit I have not owned one but from the comments on many of the reviews the problems listed are not uncommon on any new model of car. It seems the H3 suffers greatly from image problems owing to the "smaller" engine and size of the truck. Compared to other SUV's in its class it seems to be quite reliable and frugal. We previously owned a range rover V8 and running costs were HIGH, reliability was average (needing routine fixes) and the gas mileage varied with anything from 10mpg to 19mpg.We also owned a Suzuki vitara which was smaller, but required similar attention. In my opinion GM looks like it may have gotten it right, particularly if you look at the price of $30,000 and what you get.
My H3 is 4 weeks old and has 1800 miles. I took it on 400 mile trip and averaged 17 miles per gallon on the whole trip which including climbing some mountains. Being 4 wheel drive I think this is good mileage. The power is a little boggy off the line, but passing is good. I have realized I have to drive it like my wife does her Lexus and cruise up to the speed and not try to jump to it. Also, I have found that if you keep your tach between 2500 and 3000 you can get good mileage. I love the look of my truck. black on black 20" chrome wheels, brush guard and steps. The ride is very good. I had an 05 Tacoma double cab that I loved, but with 0% financing I couldn't pass the 07 H3 up. My payments are low and is fun to drive. 4 year 50,000 mile warranty is good too. My Toyota didn't have that, but our lexus does.
Am enjoying my H3 immensely. You can't buy it expecting to get 25mpg, although I know 2 people that say they get 21 on the highway.
I am still wondering where he thinks his Tercel has a V-6???