My '08 H3 with Adventure package..........

Ok, so it's the loaner they gave me, but what a difference compared to the '06 H3 Base I have.  I don't know if it's the suspension or tires, or combo of both, but the ride is so much tighter and refined.

The 3.7L seems more peppier then the '07 3.7L I drove before.  Did they change anything between '07 and '08 3.7L Engine? Maybe it's the diff between the gear ratios on the adventure vs. base models.  I don't see how anybody could complain about the acceleration on this model.  It's very fast.  Anybody that says it's not needs to upgrade to an Alpha or buy a sports car. 

One of two things is going to happen next Saturday.  Either I'm going to find a way to trade my '06 H3 in for a new '07 or '08 H3, or I'm going to buy the GM 5 year/50,000 more mile extended warranty on mine.  Either way, I'm sticking with Hummer.  I've finally made my decision

I don't know of any engine differences between the '07 and '08 3.7L, but I am quite satisfied with my '08.  I have a base Graphite Lux. You know you are itching for the '08, so take the plunge.

I sure am.  It was nice just having an automatic.  We'll see what kind of deal I can get and If I can strip all my "stuff" off of it before next weekend.

As far as I know, the 07 and 08 use the same LLR I5 engine, same 242HP and TQ. 
 
The 08 has side curtain air bags std, not optional.
 
"Hummer says the 2008 H3's steering system has been upgraded for improved on-center feel and offroad reliability. The system's modest power assistance gives the steering wheel just enough heft, which feels appropriate for this vehicle, and the H3 responds readily to turns of the wheel."
 
The Adventure and base have different T case ratios.  I think the 33" tires add more sidewall and that does minimally help the ride.

That would explain why the steering feels tighter.  It makes a huge difference.  It does stay centered on the road much better then my '06. 
 
It's amazing how 33" tires can make you feel so much higher up then the stock 32"s.

Although I'll wait until I use up most of my stock 32" tires, I plan to go to the 33" on replacement even though I don't have the adventure Pkg.  I think it looks better -- beefier.

Hummerguy, the only thing left is to pick your color, you know its a done deal. LOL

Well, it's not that easy.  My current H3 is a lease, and I need to start taking my stuff out of it before I can turn it in.  I have almost 48k miles and maybe 1 1/2 years left on the lease, so I doubt they'll be able to do anything for me.

How long was your lease?  I hope you bought extra miles?

Nope.  I was going to buy out the least at the end of 4 years.  The lease is for 48k.  The deal we got ended up being cheaper in the long run to lease and buy out then to buy outright and finance for 5 or 6 years.  The plan all along was to buy out the lease.  This is why I doubt I'll be able to do anything with it and probably at best just be able to purchase the extended warranty.

I described the same difference in the ride between the base '08 they gave me as a loaner for two days and my '08 Adventure/Lux/Alpha in a comparison thread I wrote a few weeks ago.  The ride and NVH differences are remarkable along with the feeling of refinement and the extra height you mentioned. 
 
After having driven ~2500 miles in my Alpha, including some quality time on the highway, I can say that the increase in hp and torque is very noticeable and useful.  Passing never requires more than a small squeeze of the throttle and merging is undramatic.  I logged 17.5 mpg on my trip back from Atlanta last month with some spirited high-speed passes thrown in for good measure.  Near-triple-digit speeds are quiet and stable.
 
GM built me one heck of a vehicle.

Patches, you will put a big smile on my face when you post pics of your ride after a little wheeling = DIRTY. 

I remember that thread.  I meant to go back and read it and forgot about it.
 
I wonder if you can replicate the ride difference by finding or installing the shocks on the Lux/Adv package on the base model.  If I don't trade, I'm going to upgrade the shocks before our trip in May.  I've wanted to do it since the beginning.  They look fairly easy to do yourself.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Doc Olds

Patches, you will put a big smile on my face when you post pics of your ride after a little wheeling = DIRTY. 

 
Wheelin', Schmeelin'!
 
Actually, it was ugly/dirty with road grime and salt from our recent snow here last week until I cleaned it for a few hours on Sunday, only to have it re-filthed with the rain Monday.
 
No rest for the weary . . .

Patches,
Does your Alpha have the 5 cylinder engine??? If so, do you mind telling me what the Alpha runs for $$$ .......I've only seen one Alpha and it had the V8 and the price was up there.......I might consider doing something with my 08' Lux if they don't hurry up and fix the issue with it...

Good luck HG!
 
As you know, I rented an '08 3.7 for a week and although I found it lacking compared to the Alpha, I still thought it was awesome! When I came to these boards I was reading posts where people complained about acceleration, which I always thought was odd since I drove that 08 for a week, I felt it had fantastic pickup and range considering how heavy and stout the vehicle is. After I read your post I now understand it was the refinements made to the 08's that is the difference and that the 06 and 07 drivers are not loony after all!
 
I will be rooting for you man! Make SURE to post some pics! What color you going with??

I have to tell you, I have an 08 and an 07. Can't tell a difference in either one of them except for hers has 18" rims with the Bridgestone Duelers and I have 16" rims with the crap stock Goodyear's. She and I mess around leaving the light side by side once and a while, neither one of us really pulls away from the other. NOW, I could tell the difference between both and the 06 when we test drove. Not drastic, but there is a slight difference.

quote:

ORIGINAL: solarflare

Patches,
Does your Alpha have the 5 cylinder engine??? If so, do you mind telling me what the Alpha runs for $$$ .......I've only seen one Alpha and it had the V8 and the price was up there.......I might consider doing something with my 08' Lux if they don't hurry up and fix the issue with it...

The Alpha is the V8 model.  It only comes with the 5.3 L V8 and Lux pkg.  I added the offroad pkg. along with lots of other goodies.  The Alpha starts at ~$39K sticker but I negotiated a few thou off when I ordered mine in Sept.  I took a gamble and took the discount over any possible incentives/rebates which I told the dealer he could keep if anything materialized by the time I took delivery.  Well, incentives didn't come out until later so my deal ended up being the sweet one.