It simply amazes me that GM actually hires individuals who are called "engineers" to create these vehicles. Further, its actually more shocking that GM approves ideas that these "engineers" come up with. For instance, "lets produce a vehicle (H3) and give it 5 cylinders"! Granted, I dont expect them to put a corvette LT1 engine in it, but the H3 would actually be an appealing vehicle if it had the 5.3 liter engine. Also, as I can appreciate automakers making an effort to make 4X4's fuel efficient, they will NEVER be as efficient as a Corolla, Civic, or Yugo. So, why decide to build a decent looking vehicle like the H3 and give it an I-5? Trying to be fuel efficient? Who knows, but GM is losing badly as my local GM dealers have ALOT of these things on their lots. I look at some vehicles like the Dodge Ram and think the engineers are smoking crack during pre-production as they sit there and think that the 6 feet headlight lenses are attractive (IMHO). I just wish the individuals that make the crucial decisions (like looks, power, features, etc) would listen to the consumers wants and needs and not what he/she thinks looks the best at their respective auto manufacturing facilities. I am confident that most vehicles look and perform the way they do because of a few engineers/supervisors opinions and what "they" think looks good. Unfortunately, we (consumers) have to settle and choose between these "final products" and pay top dollar for them. The sad part is, there will never be "common" people like us making those decisions as 3 1/2" thick glasses wearing Ivy league grads will have those positions and will keep making decisions based on what "they" feel the consumer would want or like. Bottom line, obviously they have no idea. Am I wrong? Look at the current Chevy Silverado...is there any front end on a truck that is uglier?? Those engineers should have been fired.
I would pick the FJ over the H3 but would buy neither. I went and sat in one last weekend and was not impressed. For the price averaging at about 25k I would exspect more creature comforts. The front springs and bumper look week. The interior is boring with only one accessory outlet. This is a 18k truck with a 25k price tag. I would consider buying one for 18k but not at the current price. I'll wait for next year for more improvements and the first year bugs to be worked out. I would never buy any first year production vehicle.
Look at the Chevy Silverado. It is one of the best 3 selling cars in this country ATM. Though then again, people who buy F150, Ram, Siliverado generally have never had much else to look at and many of them probably wouldnt look at anything else even if there was more serioius competition.
But indeed, I-5 in the H3 is rather dumb. Next year, it will be bumped up to 243 horses and 245 ft lbs or something - still well short on torque compared to the Japanese. Go figure. Even Dodge's "High Output" 4.7 liter Magnum has similar torque to Nissan and Toyota's 4 liter V6s.
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1988 Nissan 300zx 5sd 71,000 miles
1995 Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 5spd 90,000 miles (sold, frame gone)
2001 Sequoia Limited 4x4 119,000 miles (some electronic issues, manifolds, otherwise solid and not a single rattle woot)
It simply amazes me that GM actually hires individuals who are called "engineers" to create these vehicles. Further, its actually more shocking that GM approves ideas that these "engineers" come up with. For instance, "lets produce a vehicle (H3) and give it 5 cylinders"! Granted, I dont expect them to put a corvette LT1 engine in it, but the H3 would actually be an appealing vehicle if it had the 5.3 liter engine. Also, as I can appreciate automakers making an effort to make 4X4's fuel efficient, they will NEVER be as efficient as a Corolla, Civic, or Yugo. So, why decide to build a decent looking vehicle like the H3 and give it an I-5? Trying to be fuel efficient? Who knows, but GM is losing badly as my local GM dealers have ALOT of these things on their lots.
I agree. That 5 cylinder is a pain in the butt. There is so much vibration. Open the hood while one is idling, and it's shaking around enough to mix paint cans. Rumor has it that in 2008, they are putting the 5.3L V8 in, with 320 horsepower. FINALLY!!! Now you're talking. Bad news is, it looks like it is only going to be available with the slush box auto. If they were smart they would at least put in the 6-speed auto box from the Escalade.
Re: H3 or FJ?
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