ORIGINAL: Terminator

I test drove an H3 at another dealership and thought it was a cool vehicle, I was very impressed when I compared it to the H2 SUT we already own. It is more nimble and zips in and out of a parking spaces and traffic with ease. I told this new saleman what I was told at the other dealership and while he did agree that the Colorado, Canyon and the H3 are built in the same plant he did say that it was just GM making the best advantage of the assembly plants and allowing the H3 to be cost effective as well. He said that GM designed the H3 to take advantage of some of the parts that were used in other GM vehicle but that was strictly to reduce cost. But GM never considered using less expensive parts from other GM vehicle that would reduce the ability of the H3. I was surprised when he appologized for the other dealer salemans and wanted some additional info so he could pass this situation onto GM. He even mentioned that a V8 was in the H3's future if I was willing to wait for it. My final impressions are as follows: 1: The H3 is not a Colorado reborn (other than build by GM in the same plant and maybe some minor parts), 2: the H3 is not an H2 and it was never intended to be. This is not to say the H3 is less capable, it was targeted to those who wanted a Hummer in a somewhat fuel efficient alternative that was smaller and perhaps easier to drive and use day to day. In todays world with gas issues, smaller parking spots and a public that considers the H1 and H2 to be nothing but fuel hogs it seems the H3 is a respectiful alternative. About the only drawback to the H3 was the roof height, being 6'4" the ceiling comes up fast. But this is overcome if you are willing to adjust the seat back down a little. Think I am going to buy it, now all I need to do is agree on the color with my wife. Thanks to all who replied and offered their points of view, it was very useful!