PROS: Exterior styling, quality and level of optioning, relatively strong V8 (wouldn't even consider the V6), very capable 4X.
CONS: Weak shift b/t 3rd and 4th, interior is a bit cramped (i.e. 2 large dudes sit shoulder to shoulder in front; rear legroom is cramped), no lock on tailgate.
That noted, from a value and "cool-factor" perspective, there isn't much on the market that compares.
I purchased an '09 H3T Alpha about a month ago and I'm pretty happy with it. I work in a Camp Job apx. 80km off the main Hwy. in the British Columbia mountains, heavy logging roads with just about every type of terrain you could think of and the truck has performed very well here. The full time 4x4 is a good feature and the ride quality is much nicer than a standard 4x4 pick-up truck. Enough power (V8) to pull it at 75 - 80 mph on the odd straight section (off road that is) with good control. I had a set of BF Goodrich T/A Baja All Terrain tires fitted from the dealer which have an extra 3-ply side wall construction as our terrain is very rocky here in BC but the road (paved) ride is firm but very nice also. Good traction in dirt, mud, snow, loose rock and no punctures to date. As far as fuel mileage is concerned it has improver a little as the motor has broken in but don't expect great numbers when you have 300HP under your right foot. If you want mileage get a 4-banger Mazda or Toyota. Complaints; The steering wheel tilt is very low in it's highest position and its also a bit of a reach for me at 6'-0" tall for some reason. The interior is somewhat cramped compared to a full sized truck and the outward visability is a bit restricted due to the short windows / high door sills. The Anti-Skid feature has taken a bit of practice to get use to on rough roads as it doesn't want to let the truck power slide in the dirt corners by applying a shot of brakes which feels odd but it does bring the truck back into a straight line very well in a slide. Something you have to adapt to with your driving skills. The Project Owners here on site are using Toyota FJ Cruisers and I tossed the Operations Manager the keys the other day and he was pretty impressed with the truck as well as the fact that they can actually carry something in them which you can't do with the FJ as well as trying to have 2-tradesmen crawl into the back seat of an FJ. Pain in the [non-permissible content removed] that is. We have Fords, GMC's and Dodge trucks of all shapes & sizes here on site but I've been amazed at how many of the guys have asked for a ride in this machine. Oh and it does look pretty slick sitting in a row of 40-trucks and knowing that the keys are in YOUR pocket. :shades:
Comments
PROS: Exterior styling, quality and level of optioning, relatively strong V8 (wouldn't even consider the V6), very capable 4X.
CONS: Weak shift b/t 3rd and 4th, interior is a bit cramped (i.e. 2 large dudes sit shoulder to shoulder in front; rear legroom is cramped), no lock on tailgate.
That noted, from a value and "cool-factor" perspective, there isn't much on the market that compares.
Auto or manual?