Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. Hummer H3

Thai said:
As of right now, this is pure rumor without any facts. I visit Hummer websites daily...no real info yet. If the engine bay is big enough, i would not mind having the Trailblazer's 4.2L V6 in the H3.
Yeah the 4.2 would be nice in there too. Have you had a chance to look under the hood of one and see if that 3.5 is crammed in?
 
Solice said:
Yeah the 4.2 would be nice in there too. Have you had a chance to look under the hood of one and see if that 3.5 is crammed in?

Well, there's a bit of room...but i don't think 4.2L I6 will fit in there.:( I corrected my post above...it's an INLINE-6 instead of V6. The inline configuration is too big for the H3 engine bay i am sure. Maybe a V6, but inline requires too much space (longitudinal).
 
BTW, i just found out the crawl ratio for the FJ:

33.76:1. (auto) vs. 41.84:1 (manual)

These numbers are way below the H3. They are no better than the 4runner/Tacoma. Don't get me wrong, these are good numbers for an average SUV...but, isn't the FJ Cruiser advertised as an off-roading demon?? If so, then i would think that Toyota would make it such instead of going halfway.

So far, the H3 looks like it's gonna eat FJ for lunch in off-roading:(...assuming that H3 has decent reliability.
 
Hey guys - I don't understand something. I was actually in the Marines, and thought the H-1 was a fantastic vehicle - slow and crude, but went anywhere. However, with the H-2, I lost faith in the Hummer line. I saw the video on the internet how an H-2 broke down as a result of weak linkeages. Everyone was ragging on the H2 (suburban frame, etc). So is the H3 something really better? I thought, GM was marketing the H3 to soccer moms(well - especially women), its a smaller H2, etc. The reason I know GM's marketing strategy for the H-3 is because it was a marketing case study I just did at Kellogg. Also, a lot of magazines have been ragging on it for having an underpowered engine. I never really looked at the H3 because of this. So when did GM actually get off-roading?

This is a very interesting thread!
 
The H2 is just too big...and is a true symbol of "American Arrogance". However, to be fair, the H2 does off-road well...the huge tires, skidplates, rear locker WITH ATRAC up front (excellent combo!), and impressive angles (approach, breakover, & departure) alone make a good off-roader off the showroom floor.

Is the H2 reliable?? Well, it is based on the Tahoe's old platform...so, it should be decent. Is the suspension up to task?? Well, the tie rod is kinda weak for the H2 size/weight. But, if you're careful, then the H2 is pretty good (for it's size). Is it the best for it's size?? No, i think that the Dodge PowerWagon is better.

As for the H3, i do think that it is quite impressive in it's class. I would get it over an H2 in a heartbeat. It has similar advantages as H2 (listed above), but it comes in a smaller package with a tremendous transfer case (optional). With the H3, you actually get a much better interior (quality-wise) than the H2. The interior & exterior panel gaps are smaller in H3...it seems like GM designed the H3 better than H2. The H2 seems like a last minute glue & tape job by GM engineers. GM seemed to put more thought and effort into creating the H3 from the Colorado chassis.

My only gripes about H3 are:
1. It's a HUMMER...therefore, some people may vandalize your truck or flip you off!
2. Kinda space INefficient...a lot of wasted space due to design.
3. Weak engine power...not good if you do a lot of highway driving.
4. Small windows...impossible to back up!
5. Questionable reliability/durability because of it's roots (GM).
6. Suspension & drivetrain components are not tested yet...still too new. Hopefully, it is more "over-engineered" than the H2.
7. Lastly, ATRAC (traction control) shuts OFF in front when you lock the rear axle. This sucks the big one!:mad:

My opinion.
 
ToyotaDan said:
Hey guys - I don't understand something. I was actually in the Marines, and thought the H-1 was a fantastic vehicle - slow and crude, but went anywhere. However, with the H-2, I lost faith in the Hummer line. I saw the video on the internet how an H-2 broke down as a result of weak linkeages. Everyone was ragging on the H2 (suburban frame, etc). So when did GM actually get off-roading?

This is a very interesting thread!

While I'm by no means a fan of the H2, it is still an okay offroader on moderate trails once you upgrade the tie-roads, pitman, and idler arms with Fabtech components.

Checkout the following video of H2's in Moab,
http://www.sincityh2.com/zipped/MoabFall2005.zip
 
Last edited:
I just found out the whole truth about H3's 4wd system:

When you go into 4-LO, ATRAC is disabled! So, ATRAC goes away just by being in 4-LO, instead of what i previously thought. ATRAC only works in 4-HI LOCK or 4-HI.

An H3 in 4-LO is running open diffs at both ends.:(

I take it back...FJ Cruiser will have the advantage now.
 
Thai said:
I just found out the whole truth about H3's 4wd system:

When you go into 4-LO, ATRAC is disabled! So, ATRAC goes away just by being in 4-LO, instead of what i previously thought. ATRAC only works in 4-HI LOCK or 4-HI.

An H3 in 4-LO is running open diffs at both ends.:(

I take it back...FJ Cruiser will have the advantage now.

Hmmm...weird. Must be their way of providing incentive to pay up for the rear locker model.
 
Thai said:
I just found out the whole truth about H3's 4wd system:

When you go into 4-LO, ATRAC is disabled! So, ATRAC goes away just by being in 4-LO, instead of what i previously thought. ATRAC only works in 4-HI LOCK or 4-HI.

An H3 in 4-LO is running open diffs at both ends.:(

I take it back...FJ Cruiser will have the advantage now.
So you can lock the rear in 4-HI (optional) but not in 4-LO? That sounds arse backwards! I would think you rather be locked in low rather then high :confused:
 
I think the 4Runner is more in competition with the H3 than the FJ . The price is not similar nor the market the same between the FJ and H3. The Fj is more basic bones like the Xterra.

In any event, there will be plenty of people from various forums who will probably figure out the electronic mod in order to activate the ATRAC with the Rear locker. The Rubicon owners figured out how to by pass the computer in order for all 4 lockers to work in 4Hi.

With such an initial low price for the FJ, ARB will have a front locker available for the FJ. Locked and Loaded for under 30K is cool.

I think the new 2 and 4 door Rubicon for 2007 will be awesome with the only downside being the reliability issues known famously for DC products.

Every one has their cup of tea but the 4:1 transfer case would be nice for my plans. I wish Toyota would follow. I plan to have either the FJ or Wrangler in my stable by the end of the year. I hope the H3 Alpha version doesn't come out for while or else I will have to wait even more. :D

Cheers,
 
The rear locker only works in 4-LO (in H3 equipped with Adventure or Off-road package). In 4-LO, ATRAC is off completely in all H3.
 
All H3s come with some sort of locking rear diff. The base trucks have the eaton G80 that is used in the fullsize trucks....it is an automatic locking rear unit. The optional locker is the fully electronic selectable unit. Both should be good. I am disappointed in the inability for tractional control to stay on in 4 Lo however, that just does not make sense. I wonder if this means the ABS deactivates too.....?
 
T4RMatt said:
I wonder if this means the ABS deactivates too.....?

I don't think so. I believe that the ABS system has an off-road program in it, like H2. I know for sure that stability system turns off when you lock the center diff (4HI Lock or 4LO lock).
 
I like the H3 a lot.

But, quality concerns are enough I'd take an FJ without question as a daily driver.
 
I'm very excited about the upcoming FJ Cruiser. I'm on my second Toyota, and while both have had an issue or two that Toyota just won't address ('99 - Clutch Pedal Assembly, '03 - Brakes and Rattling driver's seat), all in all, I still love the vehicles.

My biggest complaint with the new 4Runners is that you can't get it in a manual. Well, that will not be the case with the FJ Cruiser. So, that's what I'll be getting next, I believe. I wish you could get it with a sunroof, but since it's my daily winter driver and my bad-weather summer driver, it's not that big of an issue. I'd rather have the manual tranny over a sunroof.

I had found this photo online, and was REALLY hoping this would be a color offered, but when you configure one online, it's not. No biggie, I'll probably get silver. But this would be sweet.

FJ_cruiser_G.jpg
 

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