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Steve, Host
- The average gas mileage they have been consitently getting is only 14mpg - not much better than the H2. What a long way from the 20 promised by GM.(!)
- Visibilty, as has been mentioned here, is horrible due to the spare tire and small windows.
- While it excells at off-roading, they recommend thinking twice about the H3 as a daily driver.
While others on this forum have stated what a wonderful truck the H3 is, I have heard more complaints about the above from various posters on this forum that fall in line with what Consumer Reports has to say.
Add to that the strange problems that dealerships are unable to fix for whatever reason, I think that I will wait a year or two before I consider an H3.
And to reinforce a point I made in an earlier post; now that gas prices have risen sharply, even if this thing were getting 20mpg (which it isn't) , there is nothing impressive about 20mpg in the long run and it is nothing to brag about in the relative scheme of things.
Basically GM is slumping the H3 into the same care-about-nothing-have-more-money-than-sense attitude catagory as the H2.
It's just not practical,.....yet.
There are much better options available as we speak.
As for gas mileage, I've not gotten less than 16 on any tank yet, and on my last tank I got just over 18. That was highway driving at 70-75 with an automatic. The GM "claim" of 20mpg is for a manual on the EPA city cycle, which just isn't realistic, but you certainly can't blame GM for that.
Visibility isn't that bad, although it did take a week or so to get used to using the side mirrors. In a world where minivans need to have back-up sensors so that soccer moms can avoid backing into other cars in the parking lot, it seems to make sense to me that everyone should get used to using the side mirrors.
No problems at all with mine, and out of about 30,000 units sold so far, even if every one of the 606 posts on this forum were complaints (which they are not!), that still wouldn't even be statistically significant. Consumer Reports sells magazines because they find faults, even if they aren't there.
As for being practical, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. However, I find mine to be extremely practical for getting me where I want to go. I also think that it looks cool and I like the attention it gets. For me, there are no better options available....period.
hmmm...the name does have a nice ring to it. :-)
But I think I like this other Dodge product coming out soon.
http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_geneva/caliber/pages/1.htm
Regards,
Ken
highway15.5
rear end problem10\4 2weeks for parts maybe sooner if your lucky
drivers window leaking
awful shimmy front end
loaner car given will call with update
brakes lock up''they say thats normal''
stabila track doesn't work?
"No problems at all...."
Well, after reading the last few posts and doing more research, I have to be honest when I tell you that you seem to be the exception.
Your H3 must have been built special parts or something to be getting such great gas mileage and have no problems at all.
At least two weeks for parts??? Must have run out of them for some reason or something...
I rest my case.
Huh? Over 30,000 trucks sold and the last few posts (2 that I can think of) with some problems make me the exception? I'm glad you can be honest, but even more tickled that you can construct such an illogical argument. More research where? Consumer reports again? Perhaps Parenting magazine has done a thorough investigation of the H3? Maybe you should do some reading on other forums to get more data on the H3, I think you'll find that with very few exceptions (albeit vocal ones), the trucks have been trouble free.
"Your H3 must have been built special parts or something to be getting such great gas mileage and have no problems at all. "
Not that I'm sensitive, but that makes it sound a bit like you are calling me a liar. I'm not sure what you think my motivation might be, but I will restate that I have had no problems with my H3, and my gas milage has been right in line with official EPA estimates. Oh my gosh, I just figured it out. You are an H3 owner like me that wants the truck to stay fairly rare, so if you bash it people won't want to buy it. Good thinking. But now I'll have to establish another id to help you do that.
"I rest my case."
Good. My momma always told me when you can't make a valid argument, just keep your mouth shut. Good night, Forrest.
I don't know if this will help or not, but some aware H3 owners have pointed out that the AC compressor is always on when the air is in recirculation mode. This occurs even if the AC button (snowflake) is not on. They have confirmed with GM that this is a design feature, possibly put in because of the small windows to avoid fogging. I live in Houston so my AC is always on anyway.
Two months and 1700 miles and I love my H3.
highway15.5"
You should have asked for special parts like I did to get better mileage. (See previous posts if you don't get the joke). Seriously, I just filled up again, and got 18mpg, mostly highway driving but a bit of sitting and idling with the AC on. I do have a fairly light foot and typically get pretty close to what EPA estimates are.
"rear end problem10\4 2weeks for parts maybe sooner if your lucky"
This has been documented as a somewhat rare problem due to a supplier's error, but I'm sure it has been a pain for anyone who has gone through it. Delay in parts is due to efforts to correct supplier issues for both production and repairs. Be thankful they are doing it right.
"drivers window leaking"
roll it up.
"awful shimmy front end"
My wife has the same issue, but I don't really see a problem with it. Sorry, that was non-H3 related. What did you hit?
"loaner car given will call with update"
Is that a bad thing? I guess it depends upon what the loaner is. Most I've been hearing from get Cadillacs or similar, maybe they gave you a jeep?
"stabila track doesn't work?"
What does that mean? What type of symptom or display indicates a problem with the StabiliTrak system? You indicate a problem with brakes locking up and the ST uses the brakes, is the problem related?
I'm not slamming you, dude, please don't be offended. Just having a bit of fun.
I've got 2400 miles and still no problems. Oh, the tire pressure monitor did tell me I had a low tire this morning (after cold front blew through). Sure enough, one of my tires was a bit low. Is that something I should blame GM for?
I'm not under the misguided belief that this truck is perfect, I don't believe any can be. But, it is very cool and I'm loving it a lot. Good luck to all who get the pleasure of owning one.
good night
Amount of times per day I am stopped by people wanting to look at the H3 about 3. Loving it.
Ray
16mpg, 17.3mpg, or if you're lucky, 18mpg.....since when is this acceptable???
I mean, if you're comparing gas mileage to a Checy Avalanche, a Suburban, or maybe a school bus, these figures might seem favorable. But I am concerned that all of you are living in a fantasy world when you consider these numbers to be acceptable or worse yet, "economical" *cough!*.
Wait until the gas prices hit $4/gallon and it costs $80 to fill up a truck that gets under 350 miles to a tank, then reality will set in, I suppose.
I'm sorry, but people that think 18mpg is "good" or "economical" and feel comfortable bragging about what great gas mileage they get need a good smack upside the head and a good dose of reality.
I don't mean to be a troll or be negative in nature, but this country and the people that live here are in for a world of hurt if you think a vehicle that gets under 20mpg is something to brag about.
People will learn the hard way, soon, unfortunately, since gas is certainly not going to get any more affordable. I suppose the rich do not care. However, wasn't the H3 designed to be "affordable"??? Something the average person could buy into?
I love the Hummer H3, it is a nice looking vehicle. But honestly folks, but we can do a lot better.
Wait until the gas prices hit $4.00/gallon. You guys won't be able to give these things away....
People will figure it out eventually.
If you are on a Crusade why not start your own website!!!!!!
Steve, Host
The H3 has a five cyl engine. It is arguably underpowered and gets worse gas mileage than its competitors with larger engines (check out the Nissan Pathfinder or Xterra if you don't believe me). If the H3 had a V8 (or even a V6 for that matter ) then perhaps the gas mileage would be a little easier to deal with.
"This is the United states of America."
Really? What a moronic and short-sighted thing to add. So this forum and the H3 are strictly limited to the US?? I wasn't aware. Thanks for educating me.
Good thing the whole world doesn't think like you do, since according to that statement, everyone in the USA could care less about fuel economy. since we are the rebelious "Land of the Free and careless".
Give me a break....
Since it seems that my posts may have been amonng those that brought you out of lurking (sorry to everyone else)), I feel like I must reply.
"I'm sorry, but people that think 18mpg is "good" or "economical" and feel comfortable bragging about what great gas mileage they get need a good smack upside the head and a good dose of reality. "
First of all, I don't really read anyone's post as "bragging" about gas mileage. We were merely responding to posts indicating that the H3 wasn't capable of reaching EPA estimates, which I believe we have proven incorrect. I've already received my smack in the head today anyway, so I don't think another one is deserved.
Second, I really don't care that I am spending more money to drive the truck I wish to drive. It is my money and I can spend it how I'd like to. I don't understand how that could refelect negatively on my country. I am not rich, although I do make a comfortable living. I am not doing without to put gas in my H3, and I don't think that will change even if the price exceeds $4/gallon.
I average about 4 gallons of gas per day. If gas goes up another dollar as you suggest, that is $4 per day extra out of my pocket. A real bargin to be driving something cool that I enjoy. Even if I have to stop supersizing my value meals, I still think the H3 is the truck for me.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, as are all on this forum I suppose, but thinking that everyone will come around to your point of view because of higher gas prices puts you as the one in a fantasy world.
Why should anyone care what we drive? Why would you be lurking in an H3 forum if you have no interest in them? :confuse:
Why should anyone care what we drive? Why would you be lurking in an H3 forum if you have no interest in them?"
Lol. I never said I wasn't interested. Quite the contrary. My argument was not about bashing the H3 (which is how most of you will take it). With the exception of the engine, it seems to be a great vehicle.
My point was that one of the selling points of the H3 (and how GM chose to promote it) was that of a economical and affordable SUV.
Gas prices, the higher they go, negate this.
My point was that this selling strategy is much like saying McDonnalds is nutritious or smoking won't harm you. It is a false impression that Americans (and the world) were led to believe at one time, but changes in basic thinking and overall comon sense redefined this. People, especially in this country, have a misrepresentation of what economical really is. Go to Europe where gas easily cost twice as much and you will see what I mean.
But, as was mentioned before, This Is America, and we can spend our money as we chose because we are "Free!."
While this may be true, unfortunately that doesn't make us any smarter.
It's Never Too Early to Predict (Inside Line)
Steve, Host
The rattling noise I was told is part of the balance shaft chain not being tight enough but all of these are that way some are just worse than others. Don't let them tell you that the truck is all you can get I had a Cadillac CSX or whatever it's called and now I have had a rental h3 for the last 52 days. I don't wish the buy back procedure on anyone they don't communicate and you never know when it's going to be over.
The H3 rental has been fine and I have put it thru it's paces and I can't find anything it won't go thru or go over.
Call me stupid but I still want another H3. They have one of the best warranties in the business and I have looked at everything I could think of and nothing is as cool looking and get so much attention.
*sigh*......
whatever......
quite afford them, but the GMID certificate would make my dream come true.
Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated!!!
Have fun shopping!
Steve, Host
I need some help w/ pricing. Looking to get a new H3 w/ luxury package and automatic transmission. What are dealers asking for in regards to the H3 in general? MSRP, a little off sticker, invoice, invoice +....??? What is a good starting point to negotiate? Finally, has anyone had any positive buying experiences in Florida? Any help would sincerely be appreciated.
Try an Advanced Search here for "out the door" pricing too (the link is in the left sidebar).
Steve, Host
Here in SoCA, they are dealing. I paid about 10% under sticker. You could also look into the GMID program that gets you a discounted price if you can link up with a GM employee.
BTW, we just took a 2000 mile trip including a lot of trail use and the H3 was superb on the road and on the rocks.
Thanks for the response. I have been looking at dealer inventories at all 8 Hummer dealerships in Florida. It seems like the average number of H3's on the lot are around 50!! Can you believe that? I know you folks over in SoCal get some awesome deals, at least when I was purchasing my other car and lurking othre Forums, the buyers in SoCal were getting some great deals. I got a couple of quotes back. Here is some of the quotes received thus far:
H3 w/ Luxury Package & Automatic- OTD 33,493.35
H3 w/ Luxury PAckage, Auto, Chrome Tubes & Appearance Package, Cargo Cover, XM and Trailer Hitch- OTD 37,307.33
One dealer said he would take 1000.00 off MSRP any H3 I choose.
Glad to hear about the positive experience w/ your H on the trip.
Dick
Why do you want so much hp? I'm perfectly happy with mine as is. If I wanted something to do stoplight racing I wouldn't have gotten the H3. Seems to be a good balance between speed, low end power, and economy.
Plenty of other car-based SUV's with more hp, and the hemi Grand Cherokee is pretty nice, but the H3 is hands down the coolest choice.
Good luck.
I am also waiting for more power in H3. It's not for racing at stop lights. It's for towing a 4000 lb boat trailer in the Rocky Mountains. I need at least 250 hp / 270 ft-lbs to keep up with the slow traffic up mountain passes.
2FastDre.
2FastDre.
I just purchase a new H3 on Saturday and I'm having a blast. I got 600 miles on it already and want to change the Oil at a 1,000 miles. Has anyone used Mobil One 5W-30 in your engine? Is it worth it or just a sales pitch? I called Hummer today and they would not recommend the Oil. He said as long as it met GM 6094M Standard (which it does), it is ok for the engine. Input anyone?
Roger
tidester, host
Hummer and Chevy to Add Engine Choices, Including Diesel (Inside Line)
Steve, Host
Thanks!