15th Jan 2006, 03:00
Hummer has studied the demographics of it's market.
They know who is purchasing their vehicles before they're bought.
They may indeed produce a larger engine for the H3, but it would require major modifications to the vehicle to do so.
The current in line 5 is not getting the respect of the automotive press because they don't get it. Neither do you. Hummer is not about speed. Never has been. Probably never will be. Torque, climbing, rocks, dirt, mud, that is what the Hummer is meant to do. The reason people buy this vehicle is because it can do these things, even if the owners don't do them, they like the fact that they could. Winning a race on the street is not important for this vehicle, climbing something no one else can, is very important for this vehicle.
Jeep is producing some good vehicles. Their goals are changing, they seem to want to sell a lot of Jeeps. The Rubicon is really their only serious contender. The SRT series, Grand Cherokees, Liberty and base Wranglers are not competition to the Hummer in the dirt. The Hemi won't make up for a lack of traction on a slick rock with an 85% grade and a two foot high shelf to climb. These Jeep vehicles will be loved by the automotive press for what they can do on the road.
I don't believe "Sales Consultant" is. If he was, he would already know the demographics of his primary buyer.
I bought the H3. I know a Hemi powered Grand Cherokee can beat me in a race. I don't care. No one in traffic notices he's sitting next to me at the light. They are all staring at the Hummer.
15th Jan 2006, 21:28
The in line 5 produces 225 ft/lbs of torque. It has four valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams and is multi port fuel injected. This is currently state of the art technology for an off road engine.
The transfer case is 4:1, the gearing is 4:56 in the automatic. The Hummer has lockers in the rear and computer traction, over-steer and under-steer control. The computers also assist in braking and ABS.
The horsepower-torque figures for the in line six are less impressive than the five. As is the technology.
The Jeep Liberty is not in the same class as the H3 but weighs as much and doesn't go any faster than the Hummer. Wranglers are much smaller, but don't get better mileage, and don't accelerate any faster than the H3. Grand Cherokees flat cannot compare to the H3 off road in any category, period. Neither can the Commander.
The Grand Cherokee can do many road chores better than the H3, no argument whatsoever. If your concern is that you only need a four wheel drive for weather, get the Jeep.
If you read "Car and Driver" and "Motor Trend" then you are already comfortable with letting someone else determine your preferences for you. These magazines select the criteria for testing that they feel is important. It never has much to do with serious four wheel drive.
I'm not trying to sell H3's, and I don't dislike Jeeps. I just want to set the record straight. The Hummer represents itself well. The H3 has an impressive list of off road capabilities and options.
Many modified Jeeps are capable of the same off road abilities and performance. You can spend the money and increase the ability of the Jeep well in excess of the stock ability of the H3. The problem is MODIFYING YOUR JEEP may void the factory warranties.
The whole discussion is obviously not about serious off road competition. We are comparing stock factory production vehicles.
All the information is out there. You just have to do the research. Rumors and made up stuff are a waste of everyones time. People commenting on vehicles that they no nothing about is just as bad.
16th Jan 2006, 23:08
I have to agree with the general consensus that the H3 isn't fast. I drive it to work everyday, and I can name a lot a vehicles faster no question about it. Who cares? The highest speed limit I've seen is 75 mph, and even a Geo Metro can do that. Back to the H3, it's meant for W-O-R-K not S-P-E-E-D. I can't think of many vehicles that will go where the H3 goes. Besides the H2 and H1, maybe the Jeep Wrangler (not familiar with Jeep) with a locking diff and some off road tires. That's about all I can think of. In all, I just have to ask, does it really matter what others think of it? I mean, I have my two bits that I like to throw in, but if your happy with your car, end of story. I like the H3, end of story. If you don't like it, so what?
20th Jan 2006, 09:34
You could also go with the Jeep Commander Limited (optional upgrade), it has a 4.7L V8 that produces 15 more horsepower than the Hummers in line 5.
It only costs $22,000.00 more and it's gas mileage is also worse.
24th Jan 2006, 07:41
Then there is the Rubicon, the ultimate Jeep.
I really do respect this vehicle, it is most definitely a player in any conversation involving the best stock off road vehicles.
It is not big, but it is capable.
The Rubicon's engine numbers for the 4.0 in line 6; it produces 190 horsepower and 235ft/lbs of torque while getting 15/19 mpg.
These are very similar numbers to the H3 (Rubicon produces slightly more torque, H3 produces more horsepower, both have similar gearing).
However the H3 is substantially larger and able to carry more with just slightly better fuel economy.
Neither vehicle would win any races (on road) nor would they beat each other in a race.
Now, "greenies" don't go beating up on Jeep's just cause they compare with Hummers.
24th Jan 2006, 10:26
The talk at Hummer is the possibility of the H4. Especially since the H3 is exceeding sales projections (30,000 units this year and more next year).
The H4 would compete in the Wrangler class. Smaller, lighter, and even better fuel economy.
This vehicle would also carry incredible off road ability and rugged styling.
I would love to see it, but I think the H3 is just the right size for my family of 5 (car seat included).
13th Jan 2006, 22:42
Hey, times can change. Remember back when Jeep made the military vehicles? Now look at everything they have. Grand Cherokee SRT8 (known mainly for how fast it is, not off road capability). The Commander looks very luxurious too. Now days it seems like people love roar around fast and get mad at those who don't. Maybe it would be good for Hummer to introduce a "fast" H3.