'08 vs. '09 H3

[HummerMann]

With Tobin Hummer, the largest stand alone Hummer dealer shutting down next week, & Lynch paring its stock of Hummers back to unseen lows, I'm beginning to confront the horrible fact that the handwritng is on the wall for GM with Hummer. The big dealers get the inside scoop from GM. To me it's like seeing a friend die slowly. I'm sure Hummer Clubs will survive, but the core owners in the future will probably be diehard offroaders and those who just like to drive something fun.
I'm thinking of buying and setting aside an '09 H3 as the last of the greatest. So far, I can't see any differences cosmetically inside or out on the 09 vs the 08 except for the new H3T which was supposed to be at dealers in August. Anyone know of what the cosmetic/mechanical differences between the '08 and '09 are? There's not much available online on the '09 H3.

[Desert Dan]

The Alpha Adventure is supposed to have a front locker like the H3T.

[Planohummer]

-front locker available
-BFG tires on 32" variety
-map light at front above rearview mirror
-cowl no longer body color(flat black)
-frame reinforced more than '08 changes
-bluetooth standard
-w/s tilted back 2 deg. with thicker glass

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by Planohummer

-front locker available
-BFG tires on 32" variety
-map light at front above rearview mirror
-cowl no longer body color(flat black)
-frame reinforced more than '08 changes
-bluetooth standard
-w/s tilted back 2 deg. with thicker glass

With this much knowledge of the 09 whats the STRAIGHT SKINNY on the Hummer Division of GM and the future...

You can tell us...we promise not to let it leak out !

[rck0025]

Originally Posted by RubHer Yellow Ducky

With this much knowledge of the 09 whats the STRAIGHT SKINNY on the Hummer Division of GM and the future...

You can tell us...we promise not to let it leak out !

Heard on Fox business that GM commented today once again about its intention to sell the Hummer brand by mid 2009. They also said that GM asked the government for money so that they can revamp their plants to produce more fuel efficient cars.

I don't think the Hummer brand will sell during their proposed time-line. I think they are just doing anything right now to get cash from Uncle Sam. Saying that they want to sell hummer to raise money makes them look like they really need the cash - but maybe they do - they cut pensions. But who would buy it if it has such a negative image? I read TATA said no. Hopefully AM General if anyone!

[RazM]

The sale of HUMMER won't help GM in the slightest. They have too many REAL problems.

HUMMER is a 1% to 2% profit generator for GM, how could it possibly be that big of a thorn in its side?

GM is currently run by complete fools, and they deserve whatever they get.

Just when you thought GM was turning the corner, they brake, reverse and run into a lightpole.

[3Hummer]

what do you mean the "front cowl" isnt that piece int he front where hte hooks are attached too changed back to black for "09 as compared to the aluminum from "08

[timgco]

front bumper on the 08's = silver
09's = black

What I don;t understand is the whole winshiled being tilted back more and "thicker glass." That's a first that I've heard that one.

The blue tooth and dome light above the mirror sounds nice too.

[BradO]

The 2009's I've seen are still silver.

[HummerJim]

GM dropped the ball with Hummer - plain and simple. They never marketed it well and their announcement to sell the brand in June put the nails in the coffin for sales. They never stressed the made in America at American plants with American parts angle of it. I read the H2 accounts for more American jobs per vehicle than ANY big three vehicle made - why haven't I ever heard that from the mainstream press. It's darn shame GM didn't put the money to find a suitor for Hummer into the new HX instead or at least making the '09 Hummers more fuel efficient. The problem has always been physics, it takes fuel to push a heavy, non aerodynamic form through the air. Many of us bought them for their styling, and many for their mechanical and extreme condition abillities with fuel economy a secondary consideration. But with 4 dollar gasoline and trade in values plummeting, the economics become bigger factors.

Who wants to buy a vehicle from a dealership that isn't going to be around to back it up? Does Hummer Certified carry any value anymore? They have alienated thousands of Hummer owners that may never buy a GM product again, in their attempt to please stock holders. I know I'm preaching to the choir, because we love our Hummers with a degree that borders on obsession.
I was at Lynch last week looking at the 09 H3s and from the outside I couldn't tell the difference from the '08 parked on either side. I was also the only one there for the hour I mulled around. Hummer dealerships are bleeding red ink by the barrel full. When I asked about the H3T, he just should shook his head. The new H3 is the culmination of a great design and the best offroad and all around built to take a pounding SUV to come out of Detroit en masse, but like many others, I'm resigned to the fact that its days are numbered.
I still have the hope AM General can take over the Hummer H3 and H2 totally when GM sells, but I don't think they have that kind of cash. If they discontinue the brand totally, we have the satisfaction of driving the best 4 X 4 ever built.

[3Hummer]

Only thing i would be happy with is if AM General were to buy it, id trade mine in for an AM General built one in a heartbeat. As for it not being american made i think that ruins the lore, i know id rather keep mine than buy a new one made elsewhere. They did never market the vehicle right however it was never a mass buy vehicle anyway, it was indeed exclusive in its way.

As for the windshield tilted back 2 degrees, i dont buy that that would mean they would have to pretty much reshape every part of the car, front doors, roof, hood, interior slightly, and it would ruin from that Hummer look, thicker windshield maybe, tilted back 2 Degrees id like to see some proof to substantiate that.