How about "Missing" features?
Features I feel are missing from the H3 LUX:
(frame of reference: 2004 Colorado 4x4 CC (MSRP $32K) and 2005 GMC Envoy SLT (MSRP $38K)
1) The leather seats appear to be similar to the ones in my Colorado with Hi/Low heating switch on the side of the seat. Ok in a $32K truck, not acceptable in a $38-40K SUV. I'm expecting seats similar to my Envoy, more plush, 3-level heating, back and seat bottom controlled separately. Sidenote...what's with the manual recline on the H3 driver's seat? Even the Colorado has power recline.
2) Seat & mirror position memory...missing.
3) Power adjustable pedals...missing.
4) No steering wheel touch controls.
5) Manual A/C. Should be automatic, if not dual zone automatic.
6) I'm not sure on this one, but I'm guessing the H3 DIC is the "Basic" version I have on the Colorado and not the "Enhanced" version I have on my Envoy.
I'm contemplating purchasing the H3 this year because I love its "Looks" and capabilities, but the above "Missing" features are giving me reservations for a vehicle in its price range.
My thoughts on the I5:
I've driven it daily in the Colorado for the past year and I really have no complaints about the power of this engine. I do however absolutely hate the exhaust note that it has in the Colorado. It sounds like a 4-banger. I hope when I get to test drive the H3 it does not sound like my Colorado...definite deal breaker for me. Also, there is a well-documented issue with the notorious "rough-idle" on the I5/auto Colorado, which GM has been unable to fully correct with 2 PCM updates now. Hope this doesn't plauge the H3.
Admittedly, I'm not a hardcore off-roader, so maybe the H3 is not targeted at me, however, I've read that GM is trying to target women with the H3 and if so, the above missing features become even more important. My wife loves the looks of the H3, but won't even consider a more expensive H3 that doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" as her Envoy (which cost me MUCH less than $38K). I realize you're paying for the Off-road capability of the H3, but what's the point of a "LUX" package without all of the "LUX" that GM puts on its other similar price range SUVs? The "Hummer" nameplate doesn't carry a premimum for me, I want "All" the features GM put on my Envoy (which cost less than the H3). I don't think that's asking too much.
On the plus side, the lack of these features may keep the H3 from becoming the "Soccer-Mom" gotta have.
