H3 Review of sorts

[Steve R]

Went to the L.A. Auto Show, saw the new H3: cute

First-off, that rear axle section is gonna drag-ass offroading; the leaf-springs extend well in front AND behind the axle and have several bolts protruding out to "glide" over rocks. Much worse then that, the shock absorbers have HUGE bracket plates that attach UNDER the leaf springs really bad.

Man...I can think of so many times when my little sway-bar nubs dragged on rocks....the H3's brackets are gonna be like dragging anchors...and with all those bolts sticking out at each spring plate attachment....sheesh: real smart on GM's part!!!!!

The underneath of the H2 is not plated entirely, but at least the frame members are basically like protective bars. The H3 has a lot of "stuff" hanging down and prone to contact with boulders, rocks and taking damage. Also not good.

Beyond that it looks fine. Not as stable on the side-slope but it should hang fine beyond that.

The ONLY advantage I see is that it's a bit more narrow and could find more lines and be more nimble on a trail then the wider H2 or H1.

Better mpg, less costly (more disposable?), easier to park & manuever...etc.

I can't wait for our first H3 owner to tell us how their rig cost half as much and can out-wheel us.

Well..at least we're the original imitators!!!!!