No Comparison

The October 2, 2006 issue of Auto Week includes a Drivers Log entry on the 2007 HUMMER H3x written by special projects senior editor Kevin Wilson. The vehicle was in the magazine's test fleet September 11-18. He writes, "the H3 is not particularly comfortable... The ride is very trucky."

Hey Mr. Wilson-- IT'S A HUMMER! The last time I checked, HUMMER models (H1, H2, and H3) are trucks. Luxury or not, it's a truck, and a rugged one at that. So calling the ride "very trucky" is like calling water "very wet."

I drive a 2005 H2 and love it for its "truckiness." I test drove the H3 when shopping and liked that model, too. I chose the H2 because it's the concept vehicle I fell in love with at the 2000 NAIAS in Detroit. When the production model debuted, virtually unchanged from the concept, I was sold. Also, with its 3.5 liter, I-5 engine producing 220 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, the initial H3 felt a bit weak under the hood, which is what most auto journalists also wrote about the vehicle. (The new 2007 H3 has a 3.7 liter, I-5 engine producing 242 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque which is reported to be an improvement.)

Wilson also writes of the H3x (the "x" indicates a special luxury trim package), "It's also loud; a shape this blocky is bound to stir up wind noise, but there was also significant road noise from the fat tires and suspension bump-thump."

Most trucks with fat, off-road capable tires produce more road noise than touring tires. When you buy a truck, you know and accept that fact.

Then, Wilson compares his experience in the H3x with a previous test drive in an Infiniti FX45. He cites the FX's better performance on the highway at higher speeds and the same fuel economy. That's like comparing apples to oranges. The FX is roughly 200 pounds lighter, sits lower to the ground, and is more aerodynamic than the H3. That explains the better highway feel and fuel economy, not to mention the FX's platform, shared with the G35, and its V-8 engine lifted from the Q45.

I've driven a friend's FX35 (V6 model) and it's a nice vehicle, but it's no HUMMER in my mind. Folks who buy HUMMER vehicles know exactly what they're buying-- TRUCKS. That's what we want, that's the performance we expect, and that's what we get. If we wanted car qualities, we'd buy a crossover.

Oh, Good Evening!