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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  Solid performer - 2007 Hummer H3
  By keith - January 17 - 3:11 pm

  I find this vehicle to have adequate power and the off road performance is exceptional. Mine is stock and it is the best off roader I have had. Highway mileage however is not what was advertised. The 20 mpg must have been calculated going downhill. Get 14 in town and 17 on highway. Have a few minor rattles and would like to see less plastic used on interior, cargo room could be improved. Also would like more cubby holes for various items. Overall a good truck

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  Awesome but Dangerous - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Aaron Kush - January 15 - 11:53 pm

  I always wanted a HUMMER and finally in November my wife let me get the H3 and I loved it until this weekend. While driving 40 mph my 2 year old son reached over to the "locked" door and opened the door. How did he do that? There are no child safety locks on the H3, even though I was told when I bought the vehicle that there was. Hummer told me if I disable the lock I will void my warranty, so instead is my son supposed to fall out of the vehicle. The option I was given was to ductape my door, $40k to put tape on my locks? Sorry, not good enough. IF you are without kids buy this vehicle; otherwise, be careful. See you in court GM.

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  Nothing Else Like It! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Boeing777 - January 2 - 7:24 pm

  I bought limited "tactical edition," which is base black-colored H3 model--equipped with sunroof, brushguard, tire cover, tubular steps, grill, interior trim package, bsw tires, and powder- coated wheels, all colored black. Understandably, when detailed/washed this vehicle looks sharp, always turning heads. Fun to drive/ride, especially on longer drives. Handles well: quite reliable in both snow and heavy rains. Although this vehicle does not get optimal fuel mileage around town, it does much better on highway driving (achieving better highway mileage than my special edition Xterra). Love your H3 it sought out you!

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  Hummer Time - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Dan - December 31 - 1:26 pm

  Have owned for 3 months now. Just got back from a weakend at AM General Hummer course in South Bend IN. Dealer sponsored event. I am amazed at what the H3 will do. Went off roading with H1 and H2s. Thought I might be outclassed by bigger more expensive Hummers. The H3 will handle anything and H2 can and more. I have pics of H3 pulling the H2 out of the mudd. On road H3 is smooth and comfortable to drive.

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  Move Over Wrangler - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Ashley - December 18 - 10:58 pm

  Ive fallen in love with Hummer H3. It has great stock performance on mud terrain, and it can be submerged in water. The ride is comfortable, and since its manual, its a blast to drive. It rumbles like an F250, but thin enough to get through off-road trails in the woods. When I first heard of the H3 I felt it wasnt going to be "manly" enough for me, but the first time I drove it, the car changed my mind completely. Its extremely spacious, and the interior is perfect for its off-road, military look yet its very modern and designed well for the not-so military-type. Speakers are great as well as the subs. Seats are comfortable. It handles well at high speed, and has so-so acceleration.

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  In love with my H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Grannie - December 11 - 7:24 pm

  At my age of 61yrs I feel so good when I am driving my Hummer not to mention just looking at it. It was given to me for my 38th wedding anniversary by my husband. I was a Saab girl until I test drove a Hummer. My grandchildren love it as well, everyone in the family wanted me to choose little less flashy car

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  I just love this vehicle - 2008 Hummer H3
  By ERIK - December 2 - 8:36 pm

  Still love it, very glad I purchased it. Dont those folks feel stupid now at fuel $1.81 a gallon. Very nice, I get a lot of compliments to boot.

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  Love my H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Beverly Richardson - November 24 - 12:05 pm

  My H3 gets 20 mpg on the highway including mountain passes. It gets 15 mpg in town going to and from my work. I love the handling and stability of my H3. It is the Corvette of SUVs. It is comfortable, but I would like softer material in the cloth seats. But I do love the vehicle.

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  Hummer H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Mini Tonka - November 13 - 1:00 pm

  This is a great ride. Fun and sporty exterior, functional and comfortable interior. Running about 17 mpg right now. Could use a little more horsepower, but is adequate for this smaller Hummer. Accesories help beef up the H3. Many are not available until late summer. Interior fabrics are durable and attractive. Dashboard is well designed...easy to read...easy to reach. Center console storage area is a little small, but works. Large jockeybox. Second row seat comfortable- door access a little snug, but not bad. Second seats fold flat so lot of carrying capacity in rear. Rear door opens easy. Rear area has rubberized surface-easy to keep clean. Overall excellent vehicle for its size

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  Awesome H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By H3lady - November 10 - 2:03 am

  I finally have my Hummer, wanted one for years. The H-3 is very affordable and is worth more. I really like the comfort they put into the seating. Rides super!