Oh, the Humanity (UPDATED WITH TEST DRIVE RESULTS)

[TimW]

OK....I had an opportunity to take one for a spin down the freeway today (I-17) for about 8 miles or so. Brief encounter, to be sure, but since this was a BIG TREAT, beggars cannot be choosers. Big thanks to the unnamed individual who let me gawk, and then drive, his/her H3.

Ok...impressions:

RIDE. It rides MUCH smoother than my 4 Runner, even with the Off-Road Suspension. My 4 Runner rides like, well, a truck. For whatever reason, that seems to turn off all the car mags, save for the real truck folks. The H3's ride is like a nice nice truck.

ACCELERATION. Much better than I'd anticipated. Overall, a bit better than my 4Runner, which is nice, but not like my neighbor's F-150 V-8, which I wasn't expecting it to be. Reasonably good get-up-and-go, but I can see how someone who has been behind the wheel of trucks with V-8 or large V-6's could be disappointed.

VISIBILITY. This would take some getting used to. My 4 Runner has big windows and lots of them...like being in a fishbowl at times. The H3 is its antithesis in this area. Nothing one can't get used to with some time. However, they put the rearview mirror SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE of the front windshield, so you're bobbing and weaving to make sure there are no cars or pedestrians right in front. I think a great first modification would be one that allowed that to be moved closer to the roof.

DRIVABILITY. Other than the mirror issue, it wasn't bad at all. The seats (leather) were nice and supportive. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel isn't an issue for me, since I've never had one. Someone mentioned the difficulty getting their hand down to the driver seat adjustment with teh door closed. It's true, and I have girly-man-sized hands. I didn't find any issue with the foot pedals...I wear size 10 shoes.

CARGO. I have to take some measurements against my 4 Runner, but I don't think the cargo area is any bigger, since the rear wheel-wells cut into the cargo area. The rear seat does NOT fold completely flat, and even if it did, it would sit ABOVE the cargo area floor. STUPID in my opinion. My 4 Runner's rear seats fold completely flat and level with the rear cargo area, making a nice place for....stuff....or our 4-legged child, Abby the Wonderdog. The rear of the H3 will be a challenge in this regard.

RESULT. I will be renting one from Avis very soon for a weekend to be able to get a longer overall impression. But so far, the good outweighs the bad. This won't be the vehicle for everyone, but it will be a nice one for some.

Thanks again Unnamed Individual, for letting me take a gander at your truck.