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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Hummer H3 review - 2006 Hummer H3
By a tired mom - November 28 - 7:09 pmI bought my Hummer H3 after looking at the other types in the market including the FJ. I was in a very bad car crash so I wanted safty and I am a mother so I wanted to be able to count on it when I needed to . I have had some problems with mine . Head light lens take in water even when not off roading . Replaced drive seals ,now making klanking noise in 4 low,4 high locks.Check eng. light keeps on says fuel cap but replaced it . Along with tring to find brighter headlights no luck there.Dealership only one in my area is not helpful. Contacted Hummer corp. help line. still tring there.I have the adventure & luxury pkg. Over all my boys love it & it is nice when not in the shop.
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H3 Makes this Big Guy Smile! - 2008 Hummer H3
By garywmd - November 11 - 4:48 pmI am a 66" man who has struggled for years trying to find a vehicle that will keep me comfortable during my 1- 1.5 hour commute (each way). A month ago I bought my H3 and I ride in comfort. I was concerned about gas mileage, but it turns out that my old "small" suv only gets 1 mile per gallon more than my H3 (I drive in Los Angeles and it is all stop and go, gas mileage suffers greatly for all vehicles). I find I dont stop as often now because everyone gets out of my way! This is a great vehicle and I ride in comfort!
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DADZ H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
By william smyth - November 9 - 9:06 pmI have always wanted a Hummer but the others were dinasorish and terrible fuel economy. The new H3 is a wonderful design it handles extremly well on the pavement as well as Off road not like most SUVs that have no ground clearence to go off roading yet they claim to be able to handle anything till they bottom out. The H3 also has a very good interior stylish & comfortable for 5 but rugged too. The H3 also has DA BLING exterior offering a great chrome package with a Metallic Blue exterior that simply looks better than the Escalade or the Navigator makes the 4 Runner look like its from 20 yrs.ago boring yet the H3 is less$.The stares from the girls is proof enough. Hummer Like Nothing Else!
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The Hummer is the bomb! - 2007 Hummer H3
By jona matthews - October 27 - 2:18 pmI bought my Hummer 2 weeks ago, and I absolutely love it! It drives well. It is comfortable.
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Hummer, Nothing Else - 2007 Hummer H3
By Webb, I. - October 24 - 6:37 pmI have had my H3 for a few months now and I love it. The performance to me is good enough for the gas mileage that I get. I drive hundreds of mile a week on the highway and it is great. I love it when everyone else just moves over out of my way. I get numerous compliment on my H3 and it is still stock. I am proud of my Hummer H3 and that is just the way it is.
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Good Vehicle - 2006 Hummer H3
By ricky - October 23 - 4:40 pmI purchased this vehicle in May of 2006 and am enjoying it. I have taken it to DC to a ball game and to Nags Head for a vacation (got to pull a Ford out of the sand). It is surprisingly powerful, agile and fun. I had no problems in the sand and I saw several 4x4 pickups stuck. Fuel economy runs with the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, etc. Size is not bulky, but manueverable. Only holdback - I got GM supplier pricing and GM will not allow any points built up on GM card to be used. Because of this I will never purchase another GM vehicle, but the H3 is a smart buy for the person who wants 4 wheel drive, a good looking vehicle, avg fuel mileage and one of a kind fun!
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not so good hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
By cb123 - October 20 - 10:34 pmgot it for my 25th anniversary....1 year ago...battery burned up horrible smell, fuel injection problems, 14 miles to a gallon,without air conditioning, ever sat in middle seat in back...horrible.....sun roof so loud and constantly stuck...4500 towing...im towing 4000 and dieing...now its not shifting out of 2nd gear....never buy a car because its cute....should have kept my excursion......never a problem, im looking at other larger faster options!
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Average Truck - 2006 Hummer H3
By Chaser7 - October 16 - 7:06 pmCar is just average, many improvements needed although I am die hard GM, this truck could have been much better, also needs better leg room, had a white color and small rust spots all over i noticed after first time washing, the back wheel wells spray water into the back seat through the small crack in between the door and body
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H3X ALPHA - 2008 Hummer H3
By EGK - October 11 - 10:38 amThis is a loaded 2008 H3X Alpha. My wife shopped all the current updated SUVs - Mazda CX9, Acadia/Enclave, Mountaineer (weve leased five of these in a row). She also decided to look at HUMMER. The dealer let us use a 2007 H3 for a weekend - and she was sold. We also waited to test the H3 Alpha - and that did the trick. The V8 is much smoother, better acceleration and the ride and comfort are excellent. Its still a truck - so dont think it will ride like the other SUVs. But thats part of the reason to buy a HUMMER to begin with. This is one sweet ride. Its too new to assess gas mileage, but again, we know its not a 23MPG vehicle. Put an H3 on your short list!
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H3 Alpha - 2008 Hummer H3
By Eric - October 7 - 8:27 pmI have had my Alpha w/ off road package for little over a month and it is excellent. Without the V-8 engine, there simply isnt enough power to get this beast moving. So far everthing has performed as advertised. Off road . . . Jeep can say their SUVs are trail rated but since the H2 & H3 came along, they rated the trail. Everything else pails by comparison. The only drawbacks are dont plan on just buying a stock Alpha. Unless you want to crush your leather seats sliding out, buy the step assists. Add the chrome gas cap cover and throw in a brush guard and you almost have yourself the 3x package. Well worth the money. For those who want better gas milage: You knew what you were buying.
