Overview & Reviews

Originally, Hummer ownership was kind of like hiring a Hollywood pyrotechnic company to run your Fourth of July celebration -- complete overkill and massively expensive, but surely a great way to impress the heck out of the neighbors. Then came the Hummer H3. It was designed to be the "real world" Hummer: less pyrotechnics and more sparklers.

That's not to say that the company's engineers stopped their testosterone I.V. drip. The H3's styling still proclaimed loudly that it's a card-carrying member of the Hummer guild, and the truck had more off-road capability than just about every other midsize SUV when the pavement ends.

For everyday urban use, however, the smallest of Hummers still wasn't the best choice. Unless you were driving the "Alpha" version, which boasted V8 power, the Hummer H3 was painfully slow in certain situations. It was also let down by other traditional Hummer faults such as poor outward visibility and an interior that isn't as voluminous as its exterior styling suggests.

If you're keen on the H3's looks and style, or if you plan on plenty of recreational use, a used H3 should be a good purchase. Still, our editors feel that most buyers will be better served by other used midsize SUVs.

Current Hummer H3
The Hummer H3 was a midsize SUV that was produced from 2006-'09. A pickup-style model known as the H3T was produced only for 2009 and was equipped similarly.

Originally, the four-wheel-drive H3 came with a 3.5-liter inline-5 good for a meager 220 horsepower. Hummer addressed the power shortage in 2007, bumping it up to 3.7 liters and 239 hp. The inline-5 was the same engine found in General Motors' midsize pickups, and despite its increase, it was overwhelmed by this SUV's nearly 2.5 tons of curb weight. In our Hummer H3 road test, we recorded a 0-60-mph time of 11 seconds. Fuel economy wasn't all that great either. Fortunately, there was also the Alpha version of the H3, which arrived for 2008 and sported a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8 that provided more respectable performance. With the V8, the H3's 0-60 time drops to 8.8 seconds. A five-speed manual was standard on five-cylinder models, while a four-speed auto was optional with the I-5 and standard with the V8.

Allowed to play in the dirt, the smallest Hummer was basically unstoppable. With 9.1 inches of ground clearance, loads of wheel travel, oversized all-terrain tires and standard skid plates, the H3 could pretty much go wherever you wanted without taking damage. For optimum performance, adding the optional Off-Road Suspension package yielded a shorter-geared transfer case for better hill climbing and descending, a locking rear differential, 33-inch off-road tires and firmer suspension tuning.

Inside, the H3's cabin was more stylish than those of its pickup relatives, though its materials were only a bit better (meaning still not good). At least most of the controls were easy to use. The 60/40-split rear seat could be lowered to increase cargo capacity, though this vehicle's maximum capacity of 56 cubic feet was smaller than that of many other compact and midsize SUVs. Outward visibility was hampered by the gun-slit-style windows and tailgate-mounted spare tire.

Aside from its engine updates, there were few changes during the H3's single generation. Stability control and side curtain airbags were made standard for '08 and a rearview camera became optional. Standard Bluetooth connectivity and manual transmission hill-start assist were added for '09, while a front locking differential became optional. The rearview camera system was also revised.

User Reviews:

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  My Hummie - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Evie Eve - July 9 - 1:16 pm

  Overall satisfied with exterior and interior design, but engine seems very loud, including squeaky belt.

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  Love it - 2008 Hummer H3
  By rob - July 1 - 11:36 pm

  Had a 05 TrailBlazer, loved it. The H3 blows it away. Speed, gas, build quality, and of course character. 4000 miles and not a single problem.

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  Its a Hummer - 2008 Hummer H3
  By H3TJ - June 28 - 11:00 pm

  Great off-road performance. Nice exterior and interior design. Always it is fun to drive.

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  H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By RON - June 23 - 8:23 pm

  Two cons to consider: * L5 engine does not provide enough power but great on gas. * Rear window too small and spare tire blocks half of it - technically you are backing up blindly (back-up camera is a necessity not an option).

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  06 H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Flash - June 13 - 1:30 pm

  I am buying this lease. I just love this truck. Drove my 88 Buick Reatta for 18 years and replaced it with this H3. I average 15mpg with 60/40 hwy/city driving. Have installed a custom fabricated roof rack. The look and stance of this vehicle is outstanding. It drives quite well and handles Michigan snow very easily. The H3s weight easily tracks through slush while changing lanes on the e-way. This vehicle is a foul weather drivers dream. Decent towing capacity, phenomenal offroad ability, fords a foot and a half of water and has competitive mpg with other vehicles in this class. Its like nothing else.

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  No Doubts - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Bullwinkle - June 7 - 2:46 pm

  Positives: 1) Very comfortable 2) Outstanding steering & suspension 3) Visibility was a concern, but is fine (I am 511") 4)MPG is no worse than any other full-size SUV. I use full synthetic oil, nitrogen in tires, and radial force balance. I get a legit 20MPG if I keep speed no higher than 65 MPH. Contemplating performance intake & exhaust. 4) After rebates & GM supplier discount, it was the same price as many small SUV wannabes. 5) After 8 months and 6,000 miles, it has not been in the shop even once. Needs Improvement: 1) The only area of dissatisfaction is the clunky 5-speed manual. With a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual and 10-20 higher on HP and torque, this would be an awesome machine.

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  Get it w/ a SUN ROOF- change perceptions - 2006 Hummer H3
  By 06HUMMERH3JRS - May 31 - 9:00 pm

  The new H3 is a vehicle I thought I would never be able to afford to own. To some extent the people and co- workers think you have big bucks. Besides expense people also think that its a gas guzzler, however after driving for over 5,000 its better than my 97 Jeep Wrangler, which has a 4 cyl. I have already been approached at the gas station by people that are eager to give me feedback on the fuel issue. I will get asked at least once a week by a total stranger about the H3,they like it. It does get the attention, girls like guys driving them and guys like girls driving them...its a win-win. Wait for good GM incentives. Interior looks are nice, but slightly uncomfortable! Turning radios is A+

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  Good overall for the price - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Dots - May 30 - 2:07 pm

  I got my Hummer in Feb. and had been driving it for three months. The only problem I had was the speedometer, it was off by 20 MPH, a bit scary with a big hunk of metal like it. Otherwise, I like the car. It is a fun car to drive. I didnt expect the fuel mileage to be great. The car is actually smaller that it really is, most people think it is big, I own and drive small cars, such as Toyota Corolla and BMW Z3. I did not found it hard to handle once I get used to it, which takes about three days. The visibility is poor, but the big mirrors more than make up for it, you need to be careful when you drive, no matter what you are driving anyway.

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  So Awesome - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummin Around - May 19 - 9:39 pm

  I literally just got the H3, like a week ago. I used to own the Mercedes C230 and let me tell you I am so happy that I bought the H3! It has so much space, the adventure package is still very nice although its not the most luxurious. I own a boat detailing business so it came in handy just in time for summer! With gas prices rising quickly, Im a little worried about the gas mileage, but so far so good. Its not as bad as some might think. And the stereo thumps! Im a young hot thing so I like to show off. I absolutely love love love the H3! My parents were so mad at me that I bought it, but then they drove it and are realizing that maybe I am actually smarter than I look

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  ALPHA gets an "F" - 2008 Hummer H3
  By ER in Cali - May 8 - 11:19 am

  First off,this car looks awesome! Just sit inside and look really cool, just dont turn it on. Had serious problems from day 3. Ive had this car 6 months and it has been in the service department 4 times. The engine however seem more powerful than the regular H3 (my loaner cars) but Im having a difficult time rating it due to the fact I dont have it most of the time!!! Inside is "space challenged" no room for anything other than the people in it. No backpacks, purses, phones etc... Vision is impaired, be very careful no one is in the crosswalk because you can only see directly in front of you and thats it. In the canyons I find myself leaning to the side so I can see the curves.