I drove one yesterday also. It was really nice but I wish I had more time to sit in it. It was a little slow but I couldn't expect any different. It was much more comfortable than the H2 but not as comfortable as the H1 pre 2004 interior redesign. I am tall and the seats in the '04 and '06 H1 are not comfortable. Of course if I was in the market for a new or another truck I would still buy it.

 

wow..congrats on the new ride osiris!

 

"The interior space feels like a 4 runner, but that's fine because I really don't like driving around in what feels like a school bus."

Hey Osiris, careful with those "bus" cracks . . . LOL. I like the looks of the H3, had lots of time to climb around inside one waiting for my 30k service on the shortbus. I don't think it can get much more comfortable than the H2 though, at least on the road. the dealer here in Sac doesn't have any kind of offroad course to play on, so no chance to see what it could do off road. The first one I saw on the road had just been in an accident. he drove off, but the other guy had his car loaded onto a flatbed. gotta suck, he couldn't have had it for more than a day or two. good luck when yours arrives, post up some details on what you like and what you don't once you've had some time to play.

 

Hey,
Your post was right on!!
I was able to see a pre manuf H3 White, and drove it in either late April or early May. I drove on 275 for a while as well as local streets. It did not ride as good as my jeep but dealer said the pre manuf units will have changes.
Sure enough, when the dealer's first new units arrived in late May I drove a Black one. Some noticeable changes were shock assists for both hood and back door. Ride improved like night and day. Cornering was also great. I am 6' 250 lbs and hit it hard on a long gradual curve almost wide open (not hwy) and the shape of the drivers seat kept me from sliding into the window. I just stayed glued to the center of the seat. The large tires made cornering like I was driving my Aurora. The dealer rep was freaking out.
I was so impressed I ordered a Black H3 which is in production this week. I hardly wait to receive my new Black H3. Hopefully in the next few weeks.

 

congrats on the new ride!!

 

I just rented a H3 from Avis in Phoenix, Az.
It was a great ride on the freeway and a blast off-road!
Opps! Did I say off-road? Your not allowed to take the H3
off-road per the rental agreement so I didn't do that
Someone needs to tell Avis that Arizona is 90% off-road!
Anyway, I highly recommend the rental!

SurfCity[8D]

 

I went yesterday to Reeves in Tampa and took their test rides - city and off-road - and was very impressed with the H3. Although it may look smaller on the outside, the interior roominess is impressive compared to other SUVs out there - and I've owned most! I have been in the market "to go Hummer" for a long time, but the size was always an issue for me - I'm only 5'2". This new Hummer fits the bill and mine is now on order - only 8 weeks to wait! Boulder Grey with Ebony/Morocoo interior, Luxury package, and Sun Roof, plus more... - I loaded it up. Congrats to all others who are waiting or have received theirs, I know it will be worth it!!!

 

I've been thinking hard about a Hummer H3. I've just read all these posts and you guys have me convinced. I'm going to head out soon and test drive one and hopefully order one.
Can I get a good deal on one or are they selling too good?

 

I signed on to this forum just to reiterate Osiris's thoughts. I don't own a Hummer, nor did I ever want one until now. I have been driving Jeeps since 1994. I have owned every Wrangler and now a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I always liked Jeeps. I love solid axles and driving tight trails. I was perfectly happy with my WJ. It has a ton of cargo room (This is why I gave up the Wranglers) and offers great off-roading ability once properly modified. I was planning on waiting for a year or two to lift my WJ. Along comes the GM Employee Discount. So I start examining new trucks. I was planning on getting a full-size and buying a Wrangler later for trail riding.

Along comes the H3. Osiris nailed it on the head, so I won't go into too much details. I'll address a few other items of interest.

Sure it's slow, but it's faster and gets better MPG than my 6 cylinder WJ. It is smoother on road (even with aftermarket 20" which I couldn't stand). It brakes better, accelerates smoother and is less bouncy. The AC works better on the H3. It does lack rear vents which I think it needs to cool the thing down faster. The optional sunroof is huge. The front seats are more comfortable and the interior is much more roomy than the Avalanche truck it was born from. The rear seats do not fold down completely flat and there is less cargo room than my WJ. This is the vehicle's only drawback for me. A rear sliding back window would have helped negate this a little. The blind spots were minimal to me, but I did have some vision issues with the front fenders, but it was easy to become intuitive with tight manuevers.

Off-road wise, the rear storage section of the H3 is rubber and looks to be washable which is a nice feature. I think GM hired an off-roading engineer because it shows in the details. First there are the front and rear bumpers with tow shackles. The rear quarter panel is plastic. There are real rocker panel gaurds available from the dealer. The approach angles and underbody armor is well designed. It rolls 33" stock. A 4 to 1 T-case is optional. You can order the off-road package with the luxury option. It is a frame on body.

My only things I would consider drawbacks are: It's 7" wider than my WJ, so trails like Red Lake may be an issue. Less cargo room. I hate electronic transfer cases and full-time 4wd. It's an IFS vehicle. Unfortunately, so is everything else. At least it isn't an LR3 which went to IRS and IFS. The H3 can should still hold it's own on the rocks. Although lifting it will be a pain, there really should be no need to lift it since it rolls 33" stock. A 1" body lift should clear 35". It's rear axle offers great articulation and the rear locker is a plus. The front end, well that could use some help. Hopefully ARB or Tractech makes something that will work.

I think this vehicle is perfect for someone like me. It is a good commuter car and trip vehicle ( I only travel with my wife and Springer Spaniel at most). It can play on the trails and is still suitable for the opera.

 

There is no comparison to the Jeep Liberty IMO. It is essentially a smaller H2, but not small by any means. I look down on alot of smaller SUV's while driving. And the H3 parked next to a H2 shows this.