My take on the H3x

[nicwilliams37]

Whenever a person says Hummer, most people think about gas guzzling tanks that are more at home in Iraq than highways. We know that Hummers are that aren't meant to look good on road, but off it. Hopefully, GM can change people's opinions about Hummers with the new H3x. This vehicle is a cross between its behemoth brothers, the H1 ad H2, and GM's more modest SUVs, like the Trailblazer and Envoy. What they conceived is a vehicle that is at home both on and off the streets. The H3x sells for around $38,000 and gets an estimated 16mpg city/ 20mpg highway. The H3x is based on the Colorado/ Canyon truck frame and shares a very similar powerplant as well. The engine is a 3.7-liter inline five that makes 242hp@5600 rpm and 242 ft-lbs f torque @ 4600 rpm. This engine has been very reliable in my experience so far and runs very smooth. The only drawback is the engine could use a little more power since it has to lug around a 4700lb vehicle. Acceleration in this underpowered SUV is downright slow, taking more than 9 seconds to go from 0 to 60. But remember, this is an off-road machine, not a sports car. Passing on the highway takes planning because you really have to accelerate to make maneuvers possible. Because of the lack of power, the H3x is put at an immediate disadvantage compared to the V-8 powered Jeeps with serious power at lower rpm.
The interior of the H3x makes up for the lack of power with its fully leather heated seats, with the H3 logo stitched into the headrest. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather and a huge moon-roof is optional. Also available is a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with a 7-speaker Monsoon sound system that really "bumps". Features such as dual-zone climate control, Stabilitrak, XM radio, and Onstar are all available, which really enhances the driving experience. Both drivers and passengers alike will have plenty of legroom, since there is 41.9 inches up front and 35 inches in the rear, something pretty rare for a vehicle of its size. Even though I never sit in the back seats, I have at least tried them out, and must say they are very comfortable for a 5-10 guy. The downside to creating that legroom is the amount of cargo area that is available, which is 29.5 cubic feet. Compare that to the 35+ cubic feet that most SUVs have today, and it feels like packing for a trip is very cramped. The towing capacity of 4500lbs is also very low compared to other SUVs, like the Jeep Commander that can to up to 6500lbs.
As with any Hummer, the outstanding aspect of the H3x is its off-road capabilities. The H3x has 9 inches of ground clearance that gives it the ability to go over obstacles other vehicles would bottom out on. The steel skid plates provide full underbelly protection, just in case you try to go over a log or something that may damage the undercarriage. It also can ford up to 24 inches of water at 5 mph, which means you can feel safe about going through puddles and mudholes, no matter how deep they are. It can also scale a 60% slope when it is in four wheel low, allowing you to climb almost any hill. The suspension may be a little stiff on-road, but it really shines going its intended purpose, off0roading. The optional rear wheel lockers allow you to evenly distribute power to the wheels for better traction in the most treacherous terrain. With all this being said, The H3x is a Hummer that has adapted to the road, while not losing its roots on the trail.

[10cents]

I'm a dreamer but it does not stop me from evaluating humvees. I like the original rougher form of the beast. The sleek and lux versions does not shout humvee that much, in fact GM puts it right there in front so everybody knows it's a humvee. For those who does not like the humvee's brute looks and power, there are many dainty 4X4 alternatives out there.

[benedict]

You're talking about the H1. That's one serious-powered lean machine. In fact, most people would picture it when they hear the word humvee. The H3 is a more civilized form of that mechanical beast.