[Wisha Haddan H3]

8 pages? omg! A lot happened here since my last post.

Well mtc, I don't like to put down other vehicles. I respect their strong points and would go wheeling with any rig. But if you really want to know why I don't like the FJ, here's my take on it.

I considered three '07 midsize SUVs before I decided on the H3 - the H3, FJC, and redesigned Xterra, each with their best offroad package. (I compared specs with the Jeep JK, but it wasn't out to test drive.) I didn't rely on brand reputation but instead did tons of research on them all. I compared vehicle specs, read reviews and examined every part of the vehicle to compare design, fit, finish, function, aesthetics, ergonomics and overall utility. Then I started my test drives.

I drove the FJ auto and manual transmission and there was a lot to like in the drivetrain. The engine had lots of pickup from stop and still had plenty of high end for passing. The auto shifted smoothly and at the right times, and the 6spd manual was very smooth and fun to shift. Plus, the extra overdrive gear was truly awesome. The dealer wouldn't let me take it on any dirt, but it climbed the mountains out of Denver with no problem at highway speeds.

I also liked the high mount oil filter, the strength/stiffness of the frame, the long front wheel travel (7.9 inches on IFS is amazing), best in class ground clearance (1/2 inch more than H3), more payload than the H3 (by 200 lbs), more tow capacity (by 500 lbs), beefy roof rack, onboard power inverter, good safety features, washable interior materials, sunglass storage above the gauge cluster and opening rear window.

However, there was a lot I didn't like about it. For starters, I hate the exterior design. It's bulbous and lumpy and looks like an egg carton on wheels. The headlights are too close together for the width of the front end and body, which makes it look like it has a fat ass and a tiny head. The front bumper fascia and painted plastic extensions are flimsy, ugly and provide no body or wheel protection. The tail lights look like techno bug eyes.

The engine requires premium gas but gets the same mileage as the H3 using regular. The TRD exhaust note had an annoying ping in it (like those farting honda mufflers). The suspension was sloppy around corners or changing lanes. Only the manual comes with full-time 4WD. The stock tires are smaller than the H3's and their tread is poor offroad. It has the same turning circle as the full-size land cruiser (5 feet more than the H3 and 2 more than the H2). It has smaller approach and departure angles than the H3 (tho it's shorter) and the optional tow hitch makes it worse. The stock underbody protection is largely plastic or PVC (except the aluminum front skid plate). The transfer case isn't bad at 2.57:1 but the H3 is better at 4:1

Ergonomically, the front seats, steering wheel, and gearshift weren't placed well for my body type. I adjusted the seat and steering wheel position, but ended up either too close to the steering wheel and shifter or too far from the pedals. The dash is huge between window and driver, and it was a stretch to adjust the rear view mirror. Button placement below the A/C controls was also a pain to view, reach and select while driving (maybe you'd get used to it tho). The rear seats were relatively easy to get into but hard to get out of. There was room in the back for kids or average adults, but don't put anyone tall, old or chubby back there. Besides, with suicide doors you have to open the front doors to let anyone out the back.

As to visibility, the blind spots were even worse than the H3, because the C pillar is so thick and so far forward. The rear view mirror also seemed slightly convex and I didn't like the distortion. The side mirrors were tall enough to see the the roof of a semi (big deal) but not nearly wide enough to clear the blind spots (bad, bad, bad). The rear window is also smaller than the H3 and more blocked by the spare. The rear window opens only by using a key ... there's no interior button or keyless rear window release.

There are few luxury options on the FJ either, so no leather and no sunroof. You can get a sound system upgrade, but the subwoofer is in-your-face street techno instead of the badass stealth sub like on the H3.

The H3 has all the features, comfort and luxury I wanted. It has 4 doors, a sunroof, fits me ergonomically, gets the same mileage on cheaper gas and goes anywhere offroad without $10,000 in upgrades. Plus it doesn't look like a balding fatassed egg crate with beady eyes.

I could probably say more, but I'm done. The FJ Cruiser doesn't fit me, my family or my lifestyle, and it doesn't have the offroad features I required. I respect its drivetrain, but you have to drive the 3.7L I-5 to believe all the power and torque it has. It's sweet and sounds as good as my old 4.3L V6 Blazer. I do wish the H3 had a 6spd manual tho.