Drove a H3 Adventure today.

[Ext User(James)]

I took an auto Hummer H3 adventure for a drive today and I must say I'm
impressed. My expectations were of an attempt to merely "pimp up" a 4wd for
on road appeal but it really seems to be a very capable 4WD as well as being
friendly to drive on-road apart from visability issues. Off-road it had
definate potential.

The 5cyl engine is a little on the gutless side, the benefit being extremely
good fuel economy that would make Territory drivers cringe. Lacking
performance aside (afterall it isn't supposed to be a GT) the on-road feel
and ride was fantastic, not bouncy and bumpy as I expected and although
obviously feeling bigger and heavier to drive than a sedan it wasn't
obtrusive. And the turning circle!...fuck me, you could just about park the
thing sideways in a double garage. Merging into traffic involves opening the
very small window and sticking your head out to watch for approaching
vehicles since the very wide B pillar and the position of the seat for me
made it difficult to see over my shoulder. The interior is of fantastic
quality and finish. Although the leather seats looked a little tacky they
were very comfortable. Head room is a little limited but partially by
choice, I just felt more comfortable being seated a little higher to get a
visability advantage. Standard safety features include all the things you
would expect in a $60,000 vehicle (and the ESP can be turned off). In town
there is another factor that is annoying, or to some people good I guess,
and that is the "Hey look at me" factor.

Taking it off-road and giving it a real workout was a little difficult as
everything is so dry and flat around here, the regular mud holes are just
chopped up clay now. I gave it a bit of stick down a pot-holed bush track
and found myself pleased with the way the suspension was working (and the
lack of squeaks and rattles), until I took it around a corner at ~80km/h
pot-holes included and found myself stepping a bit sideways towards several
trees (Note to self...I'm not in a Subaru and this is not a CAMS sanctioned
event instead the standard tyres do not have a lot of bite on the shoulders
and this is a relatively heavy vehicle). When at a local pit used by
motorcross wannabees I proceeded up and down a few of the hills, but it
turned out to be all a bit too easy. The steepest would probably be in the
vicinity of 40 degrees and with the auto using low range was really
pointless but of course I tried it out anyway, and what a low range it is,
combined with rear and centre diff-locks engaged this thing could climb
rocky walls. I tried my best to get some wheels in the air but the terrain
simply wouldn't do it justice.

The curious thing about about this model is who it's main competitors would
be. My first thought was the Cherokee, as the Landcruiser and Patrol are a
little larger with I believe better towing capacity. Certinally I have no
doubt that the H3 Adventure model would keep up with the best of them
off-road (the base model and the Luxury offer no diff-locks or the same
low-range). Not really a competitor for the big soft roaders as it lacks the
poke and your paying a premium for something that can actually go off-road.
Alas I fear that is where they will all end up though, dropping the kids off
at school.

If I was in the market for a useable 4WD and had $60k to spare I'd buy one
in a heartbeat except I'd have to put up with being "That poser in the
hummer"

Regards
James

[Ext User(James)]

"David Z" <dave@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:XuBZi.11258$CN4.6008@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> "James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
> news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>>I took an auto Hummer H3 adventure for a drive today and I must say I'm
>>impressed. My expectations were of an attempt to merely "pimp up" a 4wd
>>for on road appeal but it really seems to be a very capable 4WD as well as
>>being friendly to drive on-road apart from visability issues. Off-road it
>>had definate potential.
>>
>> The 5cyl engine is a little on the gutless side, the benefit being
>> extremely good fuel economy that would make Territory drivers cringe.
>> Lacking
>
> The fuel consumption is actually significantly worse than Territory.
> 14.5L/100km is the official combined figure for the automatic, which is
> pretty shocking - by far the worst in it's class (mid-size SUV segment).
> In fact, that figure is equal to the new LandCruiser 200 series 4.7L V8.
> Territory manages a much better 12.2L.

Nope...the auto 4WD Territory Giha in reality is around 14l/100km. In-laws
have one do a fair amount of highway travel and it's not like they thrash
it. From the 350kms today, ~2/3 on the highway, the H3 got around 12l/100km.

James

[Ext User(James)]

"Daryl Walford" <dwalford@internode.on.net> wrote in message
news:13jdoudc7rinj2d@corp.supernews.com...
> James wrote:
>
>> The curious thing about about this model is who it's main competitors
>> would be. My first thought was the Cherokee, as the Landcruiser and
>> Patrol are a little larger with I believe better towing capacity.
>> Certinally I have no doubt that the H3 Adventure model would keep up with
>> the best of them off-road (the base model and the Luxury offer no
>> diff-locks or the same low-range). Not really a competitor for the big
>> soft roaders as it lacks the poke and your paying a premium for something
>> that can actually go off-road. Alas I fear that is where they will all
>> end up though, dropping the kids off at school.
>>
>> If I was in the market for a useable 4WD and had $60k to spare I'd buy
>> one in a heartbeat except I'd have to put up with being "That poser in
>> the hummer"
>
> Good review.
> I've seen a couple on the road and noticed it was smaller than a Cruiser
> and cheaper than the 200 Series as well.
> It could be the first serious 4WD that GM have sold here so it could sell
> in reasonable numbers.
>
>
> Daryl

When the diesel is released (next year??), and provided it offers good
performance I think it should do well.

James

[Ext User(Daryl Walford)]

James wrote:

> The curious thing about about this model is who it's main competitors would
> be. My first thought was the Cherokee, as the Landcruiser and Patrol are a
> little larger with I believe better towing capacity. Certinally I have no
> doubt that the H3 Adventure model would keep up with the best of them
> off-road (the base model and the Luxury offer no diff-locks or the same
> low-range). Not really a competitor for the big soft roaders as it lacks the
> poke and your paying a premium for something that can actually go off-road.
> Alas I fear that is where they will all end up though, dropping the kids off
> at school.
>
> If I was in the market for a useable 4WD and had $60k to spare I'd buy one
> in a heartbeat except I'd have to put up with being "That poser in the
> hummer"

Good review.
I've seen a couple on the road and noticed it was smaller than a Cruiser
and cheaper than the 200 Series as well.
It could be the first serious 4WD that GM have sold here so it could
sell in reasonable numbers.


Daryl

[Ext User(David Z)]

"James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>I took an auto Hummer H3 adventure for a drive today and I must say I'm
>impressed. My expectations were of an attempt to merely "pimp up" a 4wd for
>on road appeal but it really seems to be a very capable 4WD as well as
>being friendly to drive on-road apart from visability issues. Off-road it
>had definate potential.
>
> The 5cyl engine is a little on the gutless side, the benefit being
> extremely good fuel economy that would make Territory drivers cringe.
> Lacking

The fuel consumption is actually significantly worse than Territory.
14.5L/100km is the official combined figure for the automatic, which is
pretty shocking - by far the worst in it's class (mid-size SUV segment). In
fact, that figure is equal to the new LandCruiser 200 series 4.7L V8.
Territory manages a much better 12.2L.

[Ext User(Noddy)]

"David Z" <dave@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:XuBZi.11258$CN4.6008@news-server.bigpond.net.au...

> The fuel consumption is actually significantly worse than Territory.
> 14.5L/100km is the official combined figure for the automatic, which is
> pretty shocking - by far the worst in it's class (mid-size SUV segment).
> In fact, that figure is equal to the new LandCruiser 200 series 4.7L V8.
> Territory manages a much better 12.2L.

In the real world, the Terry gets anywhere between 15 to 20l/100km/s on
average. They're very well known for being thirsty, which makes it hard to
understand why they haven't brought out a turbo diesel or dedicated gas
variant.

12.2 is fanciful stuff for the brochure.

--
Regards,
Noddy.

[Ext User(Kwyjibo)]

"James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...

> If I was in the market for a useable 4WD and had $60k to spare I'd buy one
> in a heartbeat except I'd have to put up with being "That poser in the
> hummer"

What did you think of the shoulder room? I didn't drive it, but sat in one a
few weeks ago and it was a very narrow vehicle internally. Especially
noticable in the back seat.

--
Kwyj.

[Ext User(James)]

"David Z" <dave@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:XuBZi.11258$CN4.6008@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> "James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
> news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>>I took an auto Hummer H3 adventure for a drive today and I must say I'm
>>impressed. My expectations were of an attempt to merely "pimp up" a 4wd
>>for on road appeal but it really seems to be a very capable 4WD as well as
>>being friendly to drive on-road apart from visability issues. Off-road it
>>had definate potential.
>>
>> The 5cyl engine is a little on the gutless side, the benefit being
>> extremely good fuel economy that would make Territory drivers cringe.
>> Lacking
>
> The fuel consumption is actually significantly worse than Territory.
> 14.5L/100km is the official combined figure for the automatic, which is
> pretty shocking - by far the worst in it's class (mid-size SUV segment).
> In fact, that figure is equal to the new LandCruiser 200 series 4.7L V8.
> Territory manages a much better 12.2L.

Nope...the auto 4WD Territory Giha in reality is around 14l/100km. In-laws
have one do a fair amount of highway travel and it's not like they thrash
it. From the 350kms today, ~2/3 on the highway, the H3 got around 12l/100km.

James

[Ext User(James)]

"Kwyjibo" <kwyjibo@ozdebate.remove.com> wrote in message
news:13jdsmub3m69od7@corp.supernews.com...
>
> "James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
> news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>
>> If I was in the market for a useable 4WD and had $60k to spare I'd buy
>> one in a heartbeat except I'd have to put up with being "That poser in
>> the hummer"
>
> What did you think of the shoulder room? I didn't drive it, but sat in one
> a few weeks ago and it was a very narrow vehicle internally. Especially
> noticable in the back seat.
>
> --
> Kwyj.

I didn't find the front shoulder room a problem at all and I dont have
narrow shoulders by any means. I did sit in the rear and agree that seating
three across the back would be an uncomfortable squeeze, not to mention the
single cup holder in the back would be located between the legs of the
centre occupant :). I also believe the small glass area might make it seem
smaller than it is.

James

[Ext User(David Z)]

"James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
news:4736ed4b@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>
> "David Z" <dave@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:XuBZi.11258$CN4.6008@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> "James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
>> news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>>>I took an auto Hummer H3 adventure for a drive today and I must say I'm
>>>impressed. My expectations were of an attempt to merely "pimp up" a 4wd
>>>for on road appeal but it really seems to be a very capable 4WD as well
>>>as being friendly to drive on-road apart from visability issues. Off-road
>>>it had definate potential.
>>>
>>> The 5cyl engine is a little on the gutless side, the benefit being
>>> extremely good fuel economy that would make Territory drivers cringe.
>>> Lacking
>>
>> The fuel consumption is actually significantly worse than Territory.
>> 14.5L/100km is the official combined figure for the automatic, which is
>> pretty shocking - by far the worst in it's class (mid-size SUV segment).
>> In fact, that figure is equal to the new LandCruiser 200 series 4.7L V8.
>> Territory manages a much better 12.2L.
>
> Nope...the auto 4WD Territory Giha in reality is around 14l/100km.

The 4WD Territory uses more fuel than the RWD. Official figure for 4WD
models is 12.8L. In any case, the Hummer's official figure of 14.5L is
still more than the figure you quote.

[Ext User(James)]

"Daryl Walford" <dwalford@internode.on.net> wrote in message
news:13jdoudc7rinj2d@corp.supernews.com...
> James wrote:
>
>> The curious thing about about this model is who it's main competitors
>> would be. My first thought was the Cherokee, as the Landcruiser and
>> Patrol are a little larger with I believe better towing capacity.
>> Certinally I have no doubt that the H3 Adventure model would keep up with
>> the best of them off-road (the base model and the Luxury offer no
>> diff-locks or the same low-range). Not really a competitor for the big
>> soft roaders as it lacks the poke and your paying a premium for something
>> that can actually go off-road. Alas I fear that is where they will all
>> end up though, dropping the kids off at school.
>>
>> If I was in the market for a useable 4WD and had $60k to spare I'd buy
>> one in a heartbeat except I'd have to put up with being "That poser in
>> the hummer"
>
> Good review.
> I've seen a couple on the road and noticed it was smaller than a Cruiser
> and cheaper than the 200 Series as well.
> It could be the first serious 4WD that GM have sold here so it could sell
> in reasonable numbers.
>
>
> Daryl

When the diesel is released (next year??), and provided it offers good
performance I think it should do well.

James

[Ext User(David Z)]

"Noddy" <me@home.com> wrote in message
news:4736ef49$0$81480$c30e37c6@lon-reader.news.telstra.net...
>
> "David Z" <dave@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:XuBZi.11258$CN4.6008@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
>> The fuel consumption is actually significantly worse than Territory.
>> 14.5L/100km is the official combined figure for the automatic, which is
>> pretty shocking - by far the worst in it's class (mid-size SUV segment).
>> In fact, that figure is equal to the new LandCruiser 200 series 4.7L V8.
>> Territory manages a much better 12.2L.
>
> In the real world, the Terry gets anywhere between 15 to 20l/100km/s on
> average. They're very well known for being thirsty, which makes it hard to
> understand why they haven't brought out a turbo diesel or dedicated gas
> variant.
>
> 12.2 is fanciful stuff for the brochure.

Sure it is, as is Hummer's figure of 14.5L. You think it gets anywhere near
that in the real world either?

[Ext User(Noddy)]

"David Z" <dave@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:XuBZi.11258$CN4.6008@news-server.bigpond.net.au...

> The fuel consumption is actually significantly worse than Territory.
> 14.5L/100km is the official combined figure for the automatic, which is
> pretty shocking - by far the worst in it's class (mid-size SUV segment).
> In fact, that figure is equal to the new LandCruiser 200 series 4.7L V8.
> Territory manages a much better 12.2L.

In the real world, the Terry gets anywhere between 15 to 20l/100km/s on
average. They're very well known for being thirsty, which makes it hard to
understand why they haven't brought out a turbo diesel or dedicated gas
variant.

12.2 is fanciful stuff for the brochure.

--
Regards,
Noddy.

[Ext User(Kwyjibo)]

"James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...

> If I was in the market for a useable 4WD and had $60k to spare I'd buy one
> in a heartbeat except I'd have to put up with being "That poser in the
> hummer"

What did you think of the shoulder room? I didn't drive it, but sat in one a
few weeks ago and it was a very narrow vehicle internally. Especially
noticable in the back seat.

--
Kwyj.

[Ext User(James)]

"Kwyjibo" <kwyjibo@ozdebate.remove.com> wrote in message
news:13jdsmub3m69od7@corp.supernews.com...
>
> "James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
> news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>
>> If I was in the market for a useable 4WD and had $60k to spare I'd buy
>> one in a heartbeat except I'd have to put up with being "That poser in
>> the hummer"
>
> What did you think of the shoulder room? I didn't drive it, but sat in one
> a few weeks ago and it was a very narrow vehicle internally. Especially
> noticable in the back seat.
>
> --
> Kwyj.

I didn't find the front shoulder room a problem at all and I dont have
narrow shoulders by any means. I did sit in the rear and agree that seating
three across the back would be an uncomfortable squeeze, not to mention the
single cup holder in the back would be located between the legs of the
centre occupant :). I also believe the small glass area might make it seem
smaller than it is.

James

[Ext User(David Z)]

"James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
news:4736ed4b@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>
> "David Z" <dave@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:XuBZi.11258$CN4.6008@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> "James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
>> news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>>>I took an auto Hummer H3 adventure for a drive today and I must say I'm
>>>impressed. My expectations were of an attempt to merely "pimp up" a 4wd
>>>for on road appeal but it really seems to be a very capable 4WD as well
>>>as being friendly to drive on-road apart from visability issues. Off-road
>>>it had definate potential.
>>>
>>> The 5cyl engine is a little on the gutless side, the benefit being
>>> extremely good fuel economy that would make Territory drivers cringe.
>>> Lacking
>>
>> The fuel consumption is actually significantly worse than Territory.
>> 14.5L/100km is the official combined figure for the automatic, which is
>> pretty shocking - by far the worst in it's class (mid-size SUV segment).
>> In fact, that figure is equal to the new LandCruiser 200 series 4.7L V8.
>> Territory manages a much better 12.2L.
>
> Nope...the auto 4WD Territory Giha in reality is around 14l/100km.

The 4WD Territory uses more fuel than the RWD. Official figure for 4WD
models is 12.8L. In any case, the Hummer's official figure of 14.5L is
still more than the figure you quote.

[Ext User(David Z)]

"Noddy" <me@home.com> wrote in message
news:4736ef49$0$81480$c30e37c6@lon-reader.news.telstra.net...
>
> "David Z" <dave@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:XuBZi.11258$CN4.6008@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
>> The fuel consumption is actually significantly worse than Territory.
>> 14.5L/100km is the official combined figure for the automatic, which is
>> pretty shocking - by far the worst in it's class (mid-size SUV segment).
>> In fact, that figure is equal to the new LandCruiser 200 series 4.7L V8.
>> Territory manages a much better 12.2L.
>
> In the real world, the Terry gets anywhere between 15 to 20l/100km/s on
> average. They're very well known for being thirsty, which makes it hard to
> understand why they haven't brought out a turbo diesel or dedicated gas
> variant.
>
> 12.2 is fanciful stuff for the brochure.

Sure it is, as is Hummer's figure of 14.5L. You think it gets anywhere near
that in the real world either?

[Ext User(Dan---)]

On Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:13:06 +1100, Daryl Walford PCM code reading says:


>
> Good review.
> I've seen a couple on the road and noticed it was smaller than a Cruiser
> and cheaper than the 200 Series as well. It could be the first serious
> 4WD that GM have sold here so it could sell in reasonable numbers.

Yup they are no where as imposing as people thought they were. Well
compared to the H1 and H2. A V8 model is also on its way too.

Although I wouldn't own one really.



--
Regards
Dan

[Ext User(RainbowWarrior)]

"James" <dotatdot@TtpPigG.com.au> wrote in message
news:4736df66@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>I took an auto Hummer H3 adventure for a drive today and I must say I'm
>impressed. My expectations were of an attempt to merely "pimp up" a 4wd for
>on road appeal but it really seems to be a very capable 4WD as well as
>being friendly to drive on-road apart from visability issues. Off-road it
>had definate potential.
>
> The 5cyl engine is a little on the gutless side, the benefit being
> extremely good fuel economy that would make Territory drivers cringe.
> Lacking performance aside (afterall it isn't supposed to be a GT) the
> on-road feel and ride was fantastic, not bouncy and bumpy as I expected
> and although obviously feeling bigger and heavier to drive than a sedan it
> wasn't obtrusive. And the turning circle!...fuck me, you could just about
> park the thing sideways in a double garage. Merging into traffic involves
> opening the very small window and sticking your head out to watch for
> approaching vehicles since the very wide B pillar and the position of the
> seat for me made it difficult to see over my shoulder. The interior is of
> fantastic quality and finish. Although the leather seats looked a little
> tacky they were very comfortable. Head room is a little limited but
> partially by choice, I just felt more comfortable being seated a little
> higher to get a visability advantage. Standard safety features include all
> the things you would expect in a $60,000 vehicle (and the ESP can be
> turned off). In town there is another factor that is annoying, or to some
> people good I guess, and that is the "Hey look at me" factor.
>
> Taking it off-road and giving it a real workout was a little difficult as
> everything is so dry and flat around here, the regular mud holes are just
> chopped up clay now. I gave it a bit of stick down a pot-holed bush track
> and found myself pleased with the way the suspension was working (and the
> lack of squeaks and rattles), until I took it around a corner at ~80km/h
> pot-holes included and found myself stepping a bit sideways towards
> several trees (Note to self...I'm not in a Subaru and this is not a CAMS
> sanctioned event instead the standard tyres do not have a lot of bite on
> the shoulders and this is a relatively heavy vehicle). When at a local pit
> used by motorcross wannabees I proceeded up and down a few of the hills,
> but it turned out to be all a bit too easy. The steepest would probably be
> in the vicinity of 40 degrees and with the auto using low range was really
> pointless but of course I tried it out anyway, and what a low range it is,
> combined with rear and centre diff-locks engaged this thing could climb
> rocky walls. I tried my best to get some wheels in the air but the terrain
> simply wouldn't do it justice.
>
> The curious thing about about this model is who it's main competitors
> would be. My first thought was the Cherokee, as the Landcruiser and Patrol
> are a little larger with I believe better towing capacity. Certinally I
> have no doubt that the H3 Adventure model would keep up with the best of
> them off-road (the base model and the Luxury offer no diff-locks or the
> same low-range). Not really a competitor for the big soft roaders as it
> lacks the poke and your paying a premium for something that can actually
> go off-road. Alas I fear that is where they will all end up though,
> dropping the kids off at school.
>
> If I was in the market for a useable 4WD and had $60k to spare I'd buy one
> in a heartbeat except I'd have to put up with being "That poser in the
> hummer"
>
> Regards
> James

Going off offroad experiences with earlier Hummers, they are too wide to fit
between trees on many offroad tracks, so ask for a good chainsaw and
jackhammer in the deal.
When they get bogged, their flat beely allows them to suction into the muck
like nothing else, so better talk a mate into buying one too to recover you.
And the interior is the best rendition of a reverse Tardis Effect I've ever
seen, how can something so big only seat 4 adults?

[Ext User(David Z)]

The interior looks quite basic to me for vehicle of that price. The stereo
and cheap temperature dials look like something out of a $19,990 car. No
LCD displays or digital read-outs of any kind - as basic as you can get.
Obvious signs of GM cost cutting. Then there's the old 4-speed auto, small
16" wheels... etc. etc.

"Dan---" <nospam@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:13jervgpiikhe1@corp.supernews.com...
> On Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:13:06 +1100, Daryl Walford PCM code reading says:
>
>
>>
>> Good review.
>> I've seen a couple on the road and noticed it was smaller than a Cruiser
>> and cheaper than the 200 Series as well. It could be the first serious
>> 4WD that GM have sold here so it could sell in reasonable numbers.
>
> Yup they are no where as imposing as people thought they were. Well
> compared to the H1 and H2. A V8 model is also on its way too.
>
> Although I wouldn't own one really.
>
>
>
> --
> Regards
> Dan
>