Decision Time: TrailBlazer vs. H3

Hi all - new to these forums and I've been struggling with this decision for a few weeks now. I am 30, single and have driven Chevy Blazers or TrailBlazers for the last 12 years. I was thinking of trying something different but have no experience with hummers. I want to get another SUV; however I heard that the H3s arent as nice to drive as the TrailBlazers (I lease a Trail Blazer now and the lease is up in 3 weeks). I do like the look of the H3s, but wanted to get some input on what i should do? Anything would be appreciated - thank you.

I suggest you test drive the H3 first and decide from there.  After test driving the H3, the wife and I decided to buy it.  We never regreted it!

Haven driven the parents TrailBlazer a bit, the only thing it’s got over the H3 is power. But thats a V8 TB against the I5 H3. I may never leave Hummer. 

Having been a truck owner for my entire life, Chevys, Fords, Nissians and Toyotas, the H3 is the most fun and comfortable to drive out of all of them,,,, do yourself a favor and just go test drive one, and when you do make sure and do a U turn in a H3,,, an H3 will turn on a dime like no other truck you will ever drive.
 
Cheers
Davyo

It depends on if your ever going to drive off road. If you plan on doing any wheelin' than get the H3.  The H3 isn't the best in the accelaration department but you can pass people on the highway.  I'm happy about getting the H3, I can honestly say that I'll own atleast 1 Hummer for the rest of my life.  Take a test drive and see if it's right for you, if you do get it, make sure you come back here and post some pics.

Get what you like and can afford... if you've driven the Chevy's for all those years you might not like the 3 just because it's not what you are used to....
 
echoing what everyone else has said.... Test drive the truck... it won't be easy to tell from just one short 2 mile romp... but do a side by side comparision.

I test drove both the TBSS and H3 Alpha before I plunked down my hard-earned for the Alpha.  No question - the Hummer is so much more vehicle, IMHO.  The TBSS is fast but the interior is very dated and the suspension feels unsettled.  I felt the quality of the Hummer was also significantly better as well and the styling of the H3, personal taste notwithstanding, is very unique and unforgettable in comparison.  I still get comments every day from my friends and co-workers about how cool this vehicle is.  The driving enjoyment never diminishes and I have yet to go offroad (got it just going into winter).  It has also more than proven itself in inclement weather - peace of mind is there when the wife drives it in bad weather.  Capability-wise, the only thing the TBSS has over the Hummer is accelation.  The Alpha has a 6000 lb tow-rating and can turn on a dime.  The ride of my H3 with the offroad package is very smooth and comfortable.  5yr./100K warranty also helps with the peace of mind.  Also, I have scanning/tuning software I bought for my vettes that can be used with the Hummer as well, just another bonus.

I looked at everything else out there as well, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Volkswagen Touarag, Volvo XC90, Lexus RX, BMW X5, GMC Yukon, etc. ad naseum, and the value and capability of the Hummer won out for me.

The 5.3L in the Alpha can hold it's own against most comparable vehicles out there and there's always the aftermarket, which is strong for these vehicles.  And remember, it's still a GM product so you're staying in the family.

I was driving a 2004 Blazer when I went looking to upgrade to a Trailblazer. They had a H3 in the lot and my wfe asked to test drive it. Once we returned from the test drive the deal was done. We did not even continue looking. We love our H3 and plan on always owning a Hummer from hear on out. I highly recomend atleast test driving one to see for yourself.

Thanks - I plan test driving one early this week. I am an outdoors guy so I will be using it on dirt roads, camping, hiking, fishing etc.; however I will not be using it truly "offroading" as you see, say, on youtube. For what I do the trailblazers have been adequate. The price is comparable with each vehicle however where the local chevy dealership (where my dad works lol) is right up the street - the closest Hummer dealership is about an hour away. IWhile I haven't driven one yet, I have seen the insidde, seems like less visibility as a TrailBlazer, but I will have to drive to get the full effect. How well made are they - I only ask because I don't want to be running down to the shop all the time cause it's not that close. Also it seems like alot of options come standard. Are there any that don't come standard that you recommend I get? - I can live without a sunroof, etc. Let me know - thanks again!

Another thing to consider - even though the dealer is an hour away you'll tend to get much better service from Hummer dealers than Chevy dealers (no offense to your Dad).

First option to consider- are you getting the Alpha. That pretty much comes one way - loaded.

If you're getting the I5 and you are only sticking to forest road type stuff you don't need the Adventure package. I like the luxury package with leather, heated power seats, Monsoon stereo.

Get most of your accessories on aftermarket, like roof rails, etc.

Finally - do a search in this forum for this topic on options and accessories. Well discussed many times.

Does your dad have the GM discount? 

We originally went from a Durango Limited w/Hemi. BIG difference in power (it did have a HEMI). Before that we had the Mercedes ML320. I will tell you that besides the power department, I haven't regretted the decision yet. In fact, after my wife had her 06 for a year I went and traded my Brand new 07 Silverado in on my Tactical and I LOVE IT!! Especially after the snow that we just got, it really proved itself. Not once did it even try to struggle with it. The visibility is drastically different though, once you get used to it you really don't notice anymore. The lady at McDonald's told me that I looked like I was in a clubhouse the other day because my window is so small. Doesn't bother me anymore and I kind of like it.
 
The 06 was the LUX, wife's new 08 is a customized base model and my Tactical has the base model cloth seats in it. ALL are comfortable. Have to say though for comfort, the LUX was more than capable and was very comfy.
 
Try renting one from AVIS/HERTZ or somebody for a few days, much better way to get the full expierence than a test drive.
 
Oh, and my "lovely" ex has an 06 Trailblazer and from loading the kids into it and sneaking a look. I wouldn't even try to compare the interior. H3 wins hands down IMO.
 
Good Luck

Well I am good example coming off of 5 Jimmys and Envoys for the last 12 years....now to the H3 for 2 weeks.  Love the H3 looks and ride...what I miss from my Envoy (not that I am bitching - just comparison after a few weeks.  Trailblazer similar to Envoy so...):

• Steering wheel controls - H3 none
  
• Seat/controls memory package  - H3 none
  
• A bit better mileage in Envoys
  
• Better heated seats in Envoy (H3 ok but Envoy hotter faster)
  
• Less shifter area space for accessories in H3
  
• Reduced vision (not bad in H3 but less)
  
• A bit less rear room in H3
  
• A bit less power in H3
  
• Seats do not go very flat (better in Envoy)
  
• Read headrests do not go down in H3

Again..the H3 rocks!  People will comment how cool it is over the everyday Trailblazer!

Thanks guys. Yes my dad (since he works at a chevy dealership) does get me the gm discount however when we crunch the numbers/rebates, etc. the payments for similarly equipped H3s and trailblazers are very close. This is due in part to me being able to use points on my GM card at the Hummer dealership while I can't double dip at my dad's. My dad doesn't care that I am looking at the Hummers. He realizes that I just was tossing around the possibility of trying something new after driving the same type of vehicles for the last 14 years. The vehicle is for the most part going to take me around town, work, gym, softball games, etc. but like i said i do alot of outdoors things too. As for the location, like I said, I'm concerned that any servicing of the Hummer is going to be burdensome. Right now i just drop of my chevy and get a ride to work,5 minutes away, then just pick up the vehicle right after work.So, in sum, I am hearing good things from those of you that own H3s (even though i realize I am in a hummer forum and some might be biased lol)? And especially those who have had the opportunity to drive both the H3 and TrailBlazer?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Midnight Blue

• Steering wheel controls - H3 none
  
• Seat/controls memory package  - H3 none
  
• A bit better mileage in Envoys
  
• Better heated seats in Envoy (H3 ok but Envoy hotter faster)
  
• Less shifter area space for accessories in H3
  
• Reduced vision (not bad in H3 but less)
  
• A bit less rear room in H3
  
• A bit less power in H3
  
• Seats do not go very flat (better in Envoy)
  
• Read headrests do not go down in H3

 
Should have gotten the Deuce.... it has almost all of those features...

convienence---- trailblazer

reliability, ability, and coolness---- h3

You will love the H3!

Got my daughter an Envoy with all the bells and whistles. After we got the H3 she is sick that she didn't consider one instead. She loves driving the H3 Alpha every chance she gets. Says she misses none of the "extra" stuff on her Envoy. I have a feeling her next vehicle will be an H3. I started off doing what you do. My wheeling was to get to a camp site no one else could get to or that fishing or hunting spot too far for most. Next thing you know you are "wheeling". I wanted the best and that led me to Hummer. Good luck with your choice.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Midnight Blue

Well I am good example coming off of 5 Jimmys and Envoys for the last 12 years....now to the H3 for 2 weeks.  Love the H3 looks and ride...what I miss from my Envoy (not that I am bitching - just comparison after a few weeks.  Trailblazer similar to Envoy so...):

• Steering wheel controls - H3 none
  
• Seat/controls memory package  - H3 none
  
• A bit better mileage in Envoys
  
• Better heated seats in Envoy (H3 ok but Envoy hotter faster)
  
• Less shifter area space for accessories in H3
  
• Reduced vision (not bad in H3 but less)
  
• A bit less rear room in H3
  
• A bit less power in H3
  
• Seats do not go very flat (better in Envoy)
  
• Read headrests do not go down in H3

Again..the H3 rocks!  People will comment how cool it is over the everyday Trailblazer!

 
I agree with this post.  My wife has a 2002 Trailblazer LT.  It is loaded.  I have a 2006 H3 with the Luxury package and the offroad package.  Her TB gets almost 20 mpg while my H3 gets about 16.  The TB feels like a damned race car when I drive it compared to the H3.  There is more room and more convenience items in the TB, but the Hummer is way better looking and more capable offroad.   I wish it had a 2 wheel drive mode like the TB.  The Trailblazer can tow more, store more, and it almost turns as sharp.  Go drive an H3 and maybe rent one for a few days.  If you can live with poor acceleration, poor mileage, and little storage space to drive a comfortable, capable, good looking machine then do it.  I like mine, but may sell it due to everyone out here having one.  It was cool when mine was the only one I saw everyday.  Now they are everywhere...... 

Before I got my H3, I also had a Blazer!  I loved it but i love my H3 alot more.  Just the feel, comfort, and it feels alot safer.  Take it for a test drive then i'm sure you will see what i mean!

A few months ago, the wife gave me the green light to go look at a new vehicle for myself. I have always been a 4dr-sedan kind of guy, but I decided an SUV would be more practical for me. I looked at Dodge Nitros, Ford Escapes, and Jeep Liberties,etc but I wasn't really impressed with any of them. I talked to a couple friends who had recently gotten Trailblazers as company cars, and they really seemed to like them. So I drove to a local Chevy dealer after work one night and...
 
THERE
 
IT
 
WAS.
 
 
They had a "used" H3 on their lot with all of seven (7) miles on it. It was ALL BLACK: wheels, grill, brush guard and step bars. It turned out to be a Tactical Edition. I was SO IN LOVE! I came back the next morning, test drove it, and brought it home that afternoon. My wife put up a little resistance until SHE got behind the wheel. I could tell by the grin on her face as she drove down the road that it was a done deal.
 
I never even glanced at the Trailblazers.
 
 
I know my little story doesn't help you make the decision as to which is a better vehicle for you, but that's the point. Buying my H3 wasn't a logical decision. It was love at first sight, a gut instinct that it was the vehicle for me. And I haven't regretted it one bit.
 
-- Frank
 

Gotta love what you drive. Can't be a totally practical decision.

We have TBs at work and I put a lot more miles on them than I do my H3.  Both vehicle have there up sides.  From what you've said the H3 would suit you just as well as the TB.
 
As far as options to get, if there is any chance you may need to tow something, get the tow package.  It's prety cheep and the aftermarket hitches for the H3 leave a lot to be desired.

Well went to the Hummer dealership today and gave the H3 and the H3 alpha a test ride. Was pleasantly surprised on how nice the H3 was to drive after hearing some negative stuff. They had a bunch on the lot. The one I was looking at was pretty much basic. (I would like a gas cap cover installed if I were to get it - do you know if they come in black or do they have to be chrome?) Anyway, it is pretty similar to the TB, rode a little higher, didn't feel too much of a difference with the alpha, though I think the V8 made it sound better. Really tough call. The price on the H3 is a bit better than the TB, however the TB i'm looking at is pretty loaded up and has alot of features that the H3 doesn't. Features that are nice but that I can live without (i.e. sunroof, 6-cd, leather seats)

You can get those same features on the LUX. And yes, you can get a black fuel door. At least you can at my dealership. You've had your first taste, now go back for seconds