I think that's a personal choice. I drove my bro-in-laws I5 H3 and thought it was underpowered so when I went to look at a H3 for myself I went straight to the H3 Alpha. I like lots of power and giddy-up in my vehicles. Of course my driving habits also kill my mpg.

 

I personally am very happy with the power of the H3 so far. I can imagine that some may be use to more but I am satisfied. I bought my H3 knowing what it had and what I thought it could do. I didnt even expect the power it has so I am extremely happy!

 

The H3 has all the power it needs, with it's gear reduction I have enough power to get thru the toughest trails.

 

You could make an argument that the 06 is in fact underpowered. All the road testing publications certainly gave it a lashing.
The 2007's 20 more HP and TQ help, but with the platform's weight, not a drastic difference.

What you need to do is get a CAT back exhaust, PCMforless tune, and an Intake kit with performance filter, then the I5 will actually be impressive.

My last GMC had all the goodies tuned with a crate 4.3 V6 motor (too many to name, but it had as much naturally aspirated power as you can get at truck TQ ranges), and while it could jump off the line because it was some 700# lighter than the 3, the 3 still has great mid range punch after the above mods.

I can pass anything on the Hwy w/o problem, the 50-75 mph range is plenty adequate. After that, it falls like a stone, but I never drive this thing over 77mph anyway.
It's a brick people, not a car.

 

yes, so I traded in an 06 H3 for an Alpha

 

I have a 5-Speed and sometimes have to rev it up a bit to get on the freeways and pass etc. It easily cruises at 80 mph with the I5. I bought it for it's off road ability and that it was available with a 5-speed and locker etc.

I am very happy with the gas mileage on and off road.

For towingand on steep gradesand in the new pick up I'm sure the V8 would be better.

If the V8 Alpha had a 5-speed I might trade up. GM can you hear me??

 

would i notice a difference with a k&n cold air intake?

 

most say you can feel a difference, ive never driven an H3 only H2`s but what i hear is that is it very underpowered

 

Absolutely, add an aftermarket exhaust to that and you'll really notice a difference! [sm=gears.gif]

 

I have the 2006 with the 3.5 and I don't feel it's underpowered,..and my daily driver sedan does 0-60 mph in about 3.2 seconds.

I'm sure the 3.7 is plenty. Haven't driven one though.

Ido feel it could handle better. A bigger rear sway bar does wonders.