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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  Off Road Savant - 2008 Hummer H3
  By James - August 14 - 5:32 am

  Have 5000 hard miles on my supercharged Alpha, driving the worst trails of the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada/Owens Valley/Death Valley region, then returning home to a sleepy suburb of Los Angeles where my neighbors shiny clean SUVs never see the dirt. The Hummer H3 rocks! The offroad capabilities are truly amazing, and after beating it up on horrific trails, has not failed to get me home. No overheating while crawling in low range straight up rocky canyons, with AC blasting, and outside temps over 100. Smooth ride over ruts and washboard at high and low speed. Had dealer install the optional skid plate protection, good investment. Nav system needs improvement, no guidance offroad!

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  H3 Dream - 2008 Hummer H3
  By CJK - August 12 - 7:45 pm

  I waited a long time and did lots of research before buying the H3. Overall, styling, comfort and American made played key factors. After driving the H3 for two months, I couldnt be more happy. It looks good its fun to drive, and it has more than enough room for a small family. It also feels safe and solid. I ordered some of the factory performance upgrades (intake and exhaust), and it has proved to have more than enough power for todays driving styles. Not a race car, but a great all around SUV.

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  A hummer we can all afford - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Jeanine - August 12 - 3:00 pm

  I picked up this truck on July 2nd, and each day cannot wait to drive it. I previously owned an Expedition and love this truck. The ride is very comfortable, although the engine power is far less than an Expedition. The pick-up is a little slow but once you get going you maintain speed very well. I didnt purchase this truck for the power, Ill keep my trans-am for that.

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  Love my H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Beverly - August 4 - 2:12 pm

  I love the over-all size of my 2007 H3. The mileage is good (17 MPG in town and 20 MPG mountain driving on the highway). For the size of this SUV, the H3 handles very well. We live in snow country, so it is a dependable and a sturdy, secure driving vehicle. I like the full time 4x4. The towing package is good wish we had bought the 2008 with the V8, for more power when towing. It is a fun vehicle to own.

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  Hummer Lover - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummer Lover - July 30 - 6:23 pm

  I have not gone off roading; however, city and highway driving has been unbelievable. Everyone looks at it and just loves it!

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  06 Hummer H-3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Richard Lewis - July 21 - 3:40 pm

  It is very fun to drive. A real attention getter. It is very solid, wide and stable, great for winter weather conditions. You can really plow through bad weather with this little monster.

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  Good overall buy - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Hummer Cody - July 13 - 3:29 pm

  I really like this car. A lot of fun to drive, and pretty reliable. Wish that it got better gas mileage. I avg 14. Needs a little more power. Dont buy new. The MSRP of mine was $38,000 in Sept of 2006. Trade in on it now $21,500! If this is your daily driver, expect your yearly fuel cost to be around $4,500-5,000! Make sure you put a lot of money down when you purchase or else you will be upside down later on when you sell it. The new H3 Alpha seems to be better with the V8 engine, but gets worse MPG. Car gets a lot of great looks. The Hummer name impresses people.

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  Hallelujah I got a Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Mick Giroux - July 13 - 1:09 am

  Purchased this H3 for my wife, really! She loves it. Daughter thinks its GR8. Tested lots of vehicles(Hondas,Jeeps, Acadia,Vue and Extera)and we still liked this one the most. Forest green, nice color.I dont understand the complaints by some.I am 62" 198 sz 13 feet and I fit very well. Back seat also has plenty of room. Cant believe how far back the front seats will move. Dont people realize its a truck not a Honda Civic. Its a very utilitarian vehicle. Throw in your tools/climbing/hiking/boating gear and you are all set. Went from Syracuse to Old Forge NY recently and got 22 mpg RT with travel around town and the lake. Received complements on its looks. This is my 34th vehicle in 34 years. Love it

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  Fun to lease, but not to own! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By drmugavero - July 11 - 9:19 am

  I leased this H3 base model in white because the side of the vehicle is great for advertising my business. I leased it for 3 years and after 2.5 years Ive been satisfied with it.I am 62" and have more than enough leg room and head room. The truck rides nicely and the interior materials are high quality. I live 1 mile from my office so mpg is not a big deal and neither is torque. This vehicle is definitely underpowered for its weight. If I had a longer commute I would not have leased it. Unbelieveably good in the snow. The turning radius is so tight parking lots are a breeze. After 2 years Ive begun to notice the typical GM build quality issues such as squeaks and rattles.

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  2006 HUMMER H3 4dr SUV 4WD - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Sapper - July 9 - 1:21 pm

  I recently bought the H3 as a second vehicle for my family. I was originally not impressed with the gas mileage 13 mpg around town using a light foot. The beginning of the second month the transmission locked up and would not shift out of first gear. Two weeks later the engine light showed its true colors and would not turn off. The dealership allegedly fixed the problem by replacing a sensor.The temporary fix lasted about 3 miles from the dealer before the engine light reappeared. The H3 was immediately taken back to the dealer who informed us the cylinder head had to be replaced. Despite the problems we love the H3.