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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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2006 Hummer H3
  By paul - January 21 - 7:13 pm

  Purchased the 2006 h3 last month used with 22,000 miles on it. Its fun to drive, great looks, and for having a 5 cylinder engine, does a great job for handling its size. I did not have this for a very long time, but its doing well. This is not intended for racing, but for normal driving.

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  fun ride - 2006 Hummer H3
  By schmeiser - January 21 - 12:55 am

  Bought used 44,000 miles. Put on k&n aircleaner, e3 spark plugs, up graded exhaust. Drove den to ill 75 to 85 miles per hr got 18 1/2 miles to gal. I think very good for the speed. Handled great Nice ride. Takes a little to get use to the low window view. Window switches to far back. Could use a back up camera &back up warning system for safety.. Over all liked it. And am not a Chevy person.

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  Confident Truck for a family guy - 2008 Hummer H3
  By HuskerHummerowner - January 12 - 12:50 pm

  As a former single Dad and now father of 8 I wanted a truck that never let me down regardless of road conditions so I could always get to my kids or get them where they need to be. H3 is for me! Comfortable, fun, unique, and the power of a full-size truck without the waste of a flat bed I didnt need. Sightlines are nice, ride sits high, and people who know how to use mirrors should have no problem with the Hummer. Back-up assist is nice, but not required if you use your mirrors. Do not buy this truck if you are going to stress about gas! Love the combination of substance under the hood and style throughout! The 4Runner is great under the hood, but cant touch the H3!

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  2007 H3 Review - 2007 Hummer H3
  By 2007 Hummer H3 - January 8 - 6:41 pm

  Once you drive one you are hooked it is that simple. Best 4 x4 I have owned by far. I have owned Range Rovers, Land Cruisers, Nissans and they are not even close. There is nothing to dislike about this vehicle. Sure you hear complaints from other people and manufactures but trust me drive one and you will be hooked like me. Best off I bought a 2007 with 35k miles for $18k.

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  This is a great SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By JSchreiber - December 29 - 9:33 am

  This vehicle has gone where no other I own has, including my little jeep. It is the best SUV GM has ever made. It is a real off the road go getter, but still comfortable driving to dinner!

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  perfect - 2007 Hummer H3
  By hummer - December 24 - 6:51 pm

  i just bought my hummer even though it is almost 3 years old i love it. i bought it with 24,000 miles and i plan on putting a lot of miles on it. i had a 2004 chevy avalanche and i loved it but i had to trade my beast in for a newer vehicle so i went and drove a yellow H3 and realized it was awesome but i knew yellow would be the wrong color so i went looking for the right one and i found my BLACK with chrome H3 that is just perfect for me i cant wait for the long road trip. Let me tell you my Wife loves it to. i plan to add more chrome and in the next few months and this thing will look HOT.

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  Best of the Best - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Wow wow - December 17 - 4:36 am

  I had to order my Hummer 3 and all I can say is wow I love it and its well worth the wait. So go get yours today and hey pretty good gas mileage and awesome smooth ride.

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  Hummer Alpha V8 - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Offroading - December 7 - 9:56 am

  Excellent vehicle ... lots of power for passing and going uphill with the v8 power. Simple instrumentation and large knobs make it easy for adjusting when the vehicle is going offroad. Get the BF Goodrich tires TA K/O .... better traction

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  Most awesome SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By laura Cross - December 4 - 11:23 pm

  I just bought my H3, and love it. As a female it fits me perfect and it doesnt hurt that it makes guys turn their heads. Its turning radius was a big shocker after my Land Rover, it is wonderful. Also the gas milage is great and easier on my wallet. I do wish it had a bigger middle console and a litle bit longer trunk. But on the other hand I feel incredibly safe when I ride at night, since in NC there are always deer running out at night where I live. I feel this is by far the best car I have ever had and was well worth the two month wait that I had to endure to get the car of my dreams!!!

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  I love this car! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Leslie - December 3 - 4:46 am

  I have never had so much fun going from here to there. The gas mileage is better than my 4-runner. I dont find the inline 5 prohibitively sluggish, as a matter of fact, in this day of rising fuel prices a little compromise isnt a bad thing. I am 57" and dont have a problem at all with visibility. I have owned several highly rated suvs, including three 4-runners and an Acura MDX and this is without a doubt my favorite!