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:

• 

  Hummer H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Zyzzx - March 4 - 3:13 pm

  One month ownership and Two Thousand miles later. The H3 is very comfortable to drive. It is a little slow off of the line, and on up hill mountain grades. However, it has a smooth ride, and very nimble turn radius. It keeps up with the H2s on off road courses, or even performs better due to its smaller size. It fits nicely in parking spots as its size is smaller than a van. I have averaged 17.2 miles per gallon using 89 octane rating or premium although the H3 is designed for regular unleaded. The interior is very nice. It could use some dry cleaning hooks and a change cubby. You cant be collectic with this vehicle. It feels rugged, powerful and fun to drive.

• 

  Happy H3 owner - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Happy H3 owner - March 3 - 10:20 am

  Pretty happy so far. Tad too early to comment on some things, but bought and drove back 250 miles home and it was more than pleasant on the highway. Ride was smooth and the monsoon sound system was fabulous making it a pleasure to drive home. This will be my wifes car to drive my 2 year old around, so when mamma is happy, everyone is happy. Sorry enthusiasts, this H3 wont see any more mud that what a local pot hole can hold.

• 

  Ustoppable! Beats other SUV junk - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Dave - March 2 - 1:28 am

  I bought an 06 H3 Adventure Package with only 8500 miles. I have put around 1000 miles on it, and already have taken it off road in some serious terrain. Let me just say this, I have had other 4wd SUVs and they would not dare go where my Hummer went. The truck is fun to drive, and gas is comparable to other SUVs. I will be a Hummer owner for a long time. I have driven the H2 and believe the H3 is better off-road and more practical.

• 

  I love my HUMMER - 2008 Hummer H3
  By hummer fan - February 7 - 4:35 pm

  I love my H3. I would not change anything. HUMMER did a great job with the new interior. I also have a 2006 H3. The power of the new 5 cyl is great! Went from 220 in my 06 to 242 in my 08. It is a noticable difference. I highly recommened the new HUMMER H3s

• 

  It worth the money great job GM - 2006 Hummer H3
  By poissonnierl - February 4 - 8:09 pm

  I sell cars this one came in on trade with 17000 miles got a great deal on it. But better then that my wife loves it. It good on gas and looks runs and smells new. The way my wife care for the car it will last a long time. Would tell evertone it the best

• 

  V-8 just right - 2008 Hummer H3
  By alpha dog - February 4 - 7:40 am

  Upgraded from an 06 I-5 to the new Alpha V-8. Not a huge difference in city driving or offroad but highway driving is improved 100%. Passing and merging much easier and much less annoying downshifting and hunting for the right gear. Big improvement worth the money.

• 

  H3 Tactical Edition - 2007 Hummer H3
  By J75 - February 3 - 11:56 pm

  Overall, enjoy my H3! Drove a 2006 F- 150 supercrew before this, saw the H3 Tactical, and fell in love with the aggressive black on black exterior. Only negative would be, had some transmission problems at 3,300 miles. Apparently had faulty parts and installation. Still worry about a brand new vehicle with that kind of problem! Dealership did a excellent job with repair and outstanding customer service. I always hear about how small H3s are compared to H2s! Want to thank the haters for stating the obvious, thats exactly why I purchased the H3! Recommend this vehicle to anyone!

• 

  Looks Great . . . But Needs More Power - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Erik - February 2 - 7:36 pm

  Positives: The exterior detail and interior style are A+ for this SUV. The thick steering wheel felt comfortable in my hands while driving, better than any other car on the market (very similar to an F1 wheel). The turning radius of the H3 was shocking. After driving a Range Rover, I had low expectations, but the H3 was able to deliver a tight 180. The moonroof is large compared to similar SUVs, another plus. I thought the interior amenities would be cheap or lacking for the price, but again, I was quite pleased. Offroading is amazing in this car. Negatives: Needs more power. The I-5 Turbo that was originally intended would have been a nice balance of power/efficiency.

• 

  Not Happy! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Not Happy !!!!!! - January 24 - 1:42 pm

  Ive had my H3 now for 19 months and it has been in the shop 4 times. TV monitor went out, heated seats quit working. Ive had it in 3 times just for the 5 speed manual. It wont go into 1st, 2nd or reverse gears..I have to almost brake the gear shift to get it to go into gear. I get stuck at lights and traffic with people blowing their horns because I cant get it into gear. I took it in twice and they said it was fine, they couldnt find anything wrong until I went for a test drive with a mechanic and he said they would replace the stick shift. It worked great for 2 weeks and now Im back to not being able to get it into gear. Doors lock & unlock by themselves now, eletrical problem.

• 

  I love my H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By kenn - January 23 - 6:33 pm

  This is a great vehicle. Traded in a Isuzu Trooper. This thing feels like a race car. Ride is stiffer than a normal SUV. Off road it feels very safe and stable. Traction both accelerating on ice and braking on snow/ice is excellent. I have owned nothing like it in the past. Rear visibility somewhat less than normal but huge outside rear view mirrors help out greatly. Gas mileage is right on based on the window sticker. It took 5000 miles to get that. Might even get better, who knows.