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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  H3 BRKDWN - 2006 Hummer H3
  By BLKJKD - January 23 - 7:33 am

  Sluggish response, quiet interior, good ac, smooth ride and good handling, good visibility - nice height, roomy intertior, plenty of elbow room from driver to passenger side, back seat could use some leg room, decent rear storage, heavy rear door.

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  A real Let Down - 2007 Hummer H3
  By engineer - January 22 - 7:19 am

  Bought this brand new 5 months ago... injector issues,misfires,horrible fuel economy with only 5k miles. The vehicle averages 11MPG city and 14MPG hwy. The ride quality is nice. The interior room is poor... even with the back seats folded down, there is no usable space. The 5 cyl engine is always straining to keep it moving and not having a 2wd only option eats the front tires. This vehicle has no tow abilities and with the spare tire mounted in the middle of the rear makes it tough to see out the rear window. Overall, I wish I had kept my Yukon.

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  H3 Alpha - 2008 Hummer H3
  By trader - January 20 - 4:45 pm

  I owned a 2006 H3 for 2 years and put 45,000 miles on it. Off road pkg. It was great off road, but lack power for pulling and acceleration. I have also owned a 2006 H2. Great truck. The new Alpha is what GM needed to build. The V8 is the answer to the underpowered I-5. I purchased this one with the Off road pkg also. I have not had the chance to take it to the mountains yet as I did the other two. I suspect it will outperform the 06 H3 with plenty of power to spare. I have not had the chance to tow my travel trailer yet, but has to be better at it than the 06. The redesigned window and lock placements were neccessary. Acceleration is great. These are trucks, not race cars.

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  H3 Rules! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Blacksmith - January 17 - 11:15 pm

  My 04 Grand Cherokee was making a lot of engine noise so I thought Id go test drive a few. They had H3 base model on the lot at a blow out price. I really didnt want stick, but when I drove it, I fell in love. Big thick steering wheel and big shift knob. Im 6-4 and this is hands down the most comfortable vehicle for a tall guy weighing 260. I dont even have to put the seat all the way back! The stick is easy to drive, the engine has good low end torque. Even the sound of the Atlas 5 is great. The shifter is kind of stiff and there is some small noises in it Im monitoring with the service guys. Its still pretty new so I have just put in 4 wheel drive low/lock briefly in the dirt.

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  What a Hummer! - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Larry Leung - January 16 - 6:01 pm

  Just got a new H3 Alpha from Toronto. So far I am extremely pleased with it. Its so solid. Lateral blind spots are minimal with the over-sized side mirrors. I took it to Wal-Mart and Can Tire and it parks with no difficulty, due to its small turning radius and rear vision camera. (A must). Also, with the chrome tubular steps, my kids and 5 wife find it no problem to get on and off it. With the V8 engine, it has enough oomph to get to 80km. I have yet to assess how bad the fuel consumption is (I know..) I love my Hummer H3 Alpha on this day one and I will love it more every day.

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  Great Truck w/quirks - 2006 Hummer H3
  By imruninl8 - December 25 - 7:20 am

  Just purchased the H3 a few weeks ago. Im impressed with the styling and the overall vehicle quality. I am happy with my decision so far, however, the engine could use more torque and HP, which I am actively seeking aftermarket products for. I actually use my SUV for hauling materials I need during my remodel project, and so far, Ive not been disappointed. Believe it or not, I traded an 04 Cayenne for this, as I was tearing it apart hauling tile, lumber and concrete in it....trust me, Porsche hasnt figured out what an SUV is for...however, the Cayenne S would smoke this H3 on the street. Anyway, Ill use this for a few years and see how it goes....so far, Im impressed.

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  Love the H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By We love our H3 - December 9 - 7:41 pm

  We love our H3 and would buy it again. Its been very reliable so far. It has 52,000 on it now. We taken through some of the nastiest offroading that no other out of the box straight from the show room floor can do.We have the adventure package. The turning is awesome. Easy to drive. Gas mileage is actually better than expected for this type of vehicle. Its better than Jeep and toyota. Toyota will break if you do the things that you do with H3. Land Rover is incapable of this kind of capabilities. Power is ok. Its an go anywhere vehicle not a race car.

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  Hummer Baby! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Walker - December 8 - 8:42 am

  We love our H3. Weve put it through its paces on the highway as well as off road (snow, ice, sand, shale, boulders, steep inclines, etc.) ... excellent performance. My wife and daughter love this car,they used to have an Audi A6 Avant. This car has so much more utility and the fun factor is way through the roof.

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  Hummer H3x - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Charlie - December 7 - 10:06 am

  Takes a little getting used to. Not the best visability. I dont like the way it downshifts at aroung 38 mph. The ride is smooth and it shifts nice.It gets 16 1/2 - 17 1/2 depending on if my wife is driving. Between the read doors it collects dirt,I installed mud flaps and body trim, didnt work. OnStar system was best investment as my wife likes the security. Overall I like, would consider another.

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  Hummer H3 Adventure & Lux. Package 2006 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By tiredmom - November 28 - 7:25 pm

  The Hummer H3 is fun to drive both on and off road. But has been in the shop since we bought it 29 times for items ranging from seals and gaskets on the front drive train. Brakes, head light lens, doors not unlocking with owner keys, noises from 4x lock low and in 4x lock high, mirror assembly coming loose then falling off going down the interstate, heater core going out, back cup holder coming off, the radio ant. coming off, check engine lights coming on and cannot find problem, recalls on jack, back windsheild pump motor .paint is easy to scratch also. I have only went 1 time off roading on the baby track . But I live in the country and needed something safe & tuff.