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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  Perfect size 4 me - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Humowner - March 18 - 8:20 pm

  I recently purchased an H3 and love it. My biggest concern was that it would be too big of a car for me to drive being that I am only 4 11 and have always driven small cars. I had been doing research on SUVs but never imagined a Hummer. Once I test drove it I was convinced, it is easy to maneuver and feels very light weight. I will however have to have side runners installed so that I can get in and out much easier. This is a perfect beach automobile. Oh yeah....my husband really likes it too.

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  Needs V8 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Ryan - March 10 - 9:03 am

  Test drove H3 and as I expected, way underpowered. I am a V8 kind of guy and a truck as heavy as this needs alot more than a 5 cylinder with HP and torque in the low 200s. Will consider purchase when a real engine is put in vehicle.

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  The H3 is a great truck. - 2009 Hummer H3
  By Elripster - March 1 - 11:19 am

  Why I bought it: Needed a purpose built off road and expedition vehicle with high capability that can also handle daily driving/road trips. The fit and finish are better than its only equivalent, the Jeep Rubicon, which makes it better for 15 hour trips. Im getting 16 MPG mixed during the Chicago winter. My 94 4runner is getting 12 MPG. 72 MPH = 18 MPG. 65 MPH = 20 MPG. 4Runner=15MPG tops. Ride: Very nice. Amazing a truck with 33" tires can ride this well. Inclement weather: Outstanding. 4800 lb means standing water on the freeway is a non-issue. It does not get blown into ditches on icy roads. Summary: Awesome purpose built vehicle. Theres a reason there are no 2WD Hummers.

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  Attention getter! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Bill - March 1 - 4:20 am

  This SUT is a real attention getter! Everywhere I go people stop me and ask about it. Ive taken it on a 200 mile road trip and driven it in city traffic. So far, it has been a blast. I was not sure what I was getting into when I bought it. I read the reviews about the lack of power. Ive found it to be fine on the highway. Ive hit passing gear a couple of times with no issues. In a perfect world it would have more power, but at this point Im not ready to give up the gas mileage. The four wheel disc brakes stop on a dime. I hate to admit it, but I have already found this out first hand.

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  Passionate about my H3 - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Calamitygirl - February 28 - 9:03 pm

  This is my second H3! This vehicle has performed on/off road better than I ever imagined. It has that solid sound when you close the door. The Monsoon stereo system is a big plus. I love to off road, why, because I know my H3 can take me places I never imagined going. The Adventure Package has opened up new trails literally. Next stop, Moab, Utah. I know my truck will live up to my expectations and then some! Whether Im going down the highway at 70 mph or climbing up a steep hill, my H3 holds her own every time!

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  A real offroad truck - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Alisoh3 - February 28 - 10:16 am

  I am constantly amazed by how capable my 08 Alpha is off road. It will crawl up an down hills and rocks I cant even WALK up or down, and do so with no fuss and no drama.

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  Second Time Around - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Off Road - February 26 - 10:10 am

  Loved my 06 H3 Adventure Package and couldnt pass up to opportunity to move up to a 2008. The improved engine and tranny combo have greatly improved the in town driving experience. Ive owned Vettes, a Porsche, muscle cars, an Audi, a Lotus among others and the Hummer is more fun than all of them. Even competes with my GTI as a fun to drive vehicle. GM should keep making Hummers.

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  AMAZING - 2008 Hummer H3
  By PaulD - February 8 - 6:46 am

  This vehicle is AMAZING. Yes, amazing in the fact that Im amazed at why anyone, other than a discounted GM employee would buy one of these things! I have the 5 speed and have driven old dump trucks with tighter linkage. The front seats....are the WORST I have ever sat in. Feels like Im sitting in a bucket. The side bolsters make my right leg fall asleep because they press in so bad. A cheap attempt at sportscar type seating. The fold down rear seats dont fold down flat. The steering wheel doesnt telescope and should in order to make up for TERRIBLE seating position. Dirt and mud and snow are thrown onto the door handles from the tires. Id write more bad, but out of "characters remainin

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  Happy with my Hummer - 2008 Hummer H3
  By RWright - February 3 - 3:21 pm

  Wow this is a really nice SUV. Traded a 06 4Runner and I am glad I did The H3 is a quality built SUV clean lines solid feel and the engine has gotten my respect. Very comfortable ride. Handling is great and power is adequate. Paid 32K for a 40k truck. Backup camera is a must. Rear window is small. Sound system is the best Ive ever owed

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  2009 H3X Unstoppable! - 2009 Hummer H3
  By SAR Duty - January 22 - 8:36 pm

  Vehicle is unstoppable through record ice and snow storms this winter. Secure and extremely comfortable to drive. Heated seats are a must in our northern climate. SAR assignments in rough country, No problem! This unit can get er done! Superior build quality. The Monsoon sound system is wonderful. The HUMMERs vehicle hands- free calling phone works even in the most remote locations (even when our personal cell phone wont). Did we mention, we love this vehicle.