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:

• 

  American Collectors Item - 2006 Hummer H3
  By ghostrider8 - July 18 - 12:14 am

  I was by a bank that Hummers are investments as the demand for Hummers is huge.The H3 has been a great, fun, rugged,strong & qaulity.The engine has pep in town,but most of the power is torque for pulling & climbing in hard terrain.Most that complain about them either have not taken proper care nor servced at a Cadillac or other GM desler.I had to cut off road in terrain that big 4x4 trucks could not go in,the H3 went through with no problems without even having to use 4 wheel drive.H3 is heavy & is designed to basically go anywhere,it is not a Ferrai,it is a Hummer built to in the harshes environment & it delivers.Open speed the H3 has no problem cruising at 100 mph.It is just cool.

• 

  giant piece of junk - 2006 Hummer H3
  By lodown - June 7 - 2:44 am

  Bought this pre-owned at 5 years old. Conveniently everything started going down the drain at that point. Stupid things would break like the door... couldnt open the driver door from the inside. Sunroof leaks, passenger will randomly get quite soaked. It seemed like every week something would go wrong. Key fob just doesnt work... tried changing the battery..nothing. One day I tried to go to work and the truck locked me in park! Couldnt move the vehicle! Extremely unreliable. One day hazard lights just turned on its own and wouldnt turn off. Cant even drive up hills without a hard time. No interior lights that turn on when door opens - stupid. Poor handling.

• 

  The True All American SUV! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By ghostrider8 - June 3 - 2:57 am

  (Note mine is automatic,online drop box only gave one option.)The style & design of the H3 is a head turner,it is unique,rugged,&can practically go any place. IF YOU BUY ONE, ONLY SERVICE IT A GM DEALER LIKE CADILLAC THAT DEALS WITH ESCULADES,BUT STAY OUT OF OIL LUBE & TUNE SHOP.The H3 is a fun vehicle to drive,has the most powerful A/C & Heater I have ever had.It is well built & reliable. They are now becoming some what of collectors items where Hummer Owners Clubs are growing & it has been speculated to be one vehicle that will increase in value.

• 

  Never Again! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By attaboy33 - May 14 - 10:45 pm

  My happiness last for about 3 months until the sunroof began to leak and hasnt stopped since. I have taken it in 5 times and each time they only want to replace the drain hose. I bought it preowned and learned after 2 years of ownership that the problem existed prior to purchase and it was never disclosed, now the warranty is up and they refuse to fix it. The leaks have caused stains on the seats, a foul odor, possible rust. It is now currently under investigation by GM. Not to mention all the other problems listed below: tire monitor unsteady alignment hood latch recall 2 new batteries electrical issues 2 a/c issues repaired rattles shocks have gone out and I only weight 175

• 

  Road King - 2006 Hummer H3
  By k0pir - April 29 - 2:10 pm

  Whether your on the highway or on a dirt road this hummer h3 is a road king. I love my 2006 Hummer H3 Luxury. From the heated leather seats to the big open sunroof, this is one amazing vehicle. Its not a car, its not a truck, its not like any other SUV, its "like nothing else." Go any where, do any thing, they completely make an average trip a real adventure. If you like the outdoors, camping, getting away into the wilderness and dont mind getting stares from bystanders on the street, youll love the H3.

• 

  WhosYourDaddy - 2006 Hummer H3
  By highwinder - April 20 - 10:59 am

  The HUMMER H3 is the single most capable and superior real-world SUV ever devised by mankind. Originating from military combat vehicles, the H3 fits on trails the H1 and H2 are too big for. The H3 has everything a Jeep Rubicon has, and has everything a Jeep Rubicon doesnt have, and all for the same price and gas mileage. Dont get me wrong, I like Jeeps- Ive driven them for decades. I get the "Jeep thing". Most H3 drivers do - weve been there and done that. But if Jeepers ever tried the "HUMMER THING", theyd never go back. Its the "Jeep Thing" on steroids, complete with stealing your girlfriend and not spilling my drink all over the leather while off-roading in style and comfort.

• 

  I love my H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By craigsdead - February 16 - 2:59 pm

  I bought my H3 a few months ago, and i love it. All i want to do is drive! Its sleek and rugged at the same time. I believe it will be a collectors car some day. I traded my 07 Mustang GT and have had no regrets. The car was too small, and sucked in the winter. The H3 can drive anywhere. I mean anywhere. It has plenty of room for my wife, kids and dog. Its great to take on long trips. The gas milage isnt great, but its the same as a lot of the minivans. But its a Hummer. Its much cooler. Clearly. If you are thinking about buying an H3, just do it already. You will love it!

• 

  BEST SUV EVER! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By maverick112 - January 2 - 3:11 am

  The H3 is a collector item that is not only fun to drive,but looks cool.The 3.5L in-line 5 is a proven engine that has plenty of power,ver reliable,& you have to watch your speed because you will be at 100 mph cruising without even knowing it.I feel like I am driving a luxury tank & it is rugged & durable,but inside the cabin it is silent & smooth with great style.The fuel economy is actually pretty good for such a heavy 4x4 that if keep up with service,use synthetic fluids,& run high octane fuel from a name brand station,it improves fuel economy & performance.Hummer is the Rolls Royce of 4x4,where there is no place it cant go,stylish in town & the Lion off the road.It is the King of SUVs.

• 

  H3 THE ULTIMATE SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By offroader92 - November 22 - 5:07 pm

  I have owned many SUVs & Jeeps & nothing compares to the H3 in style,reliability,design,durability & performance.There is no place the H3 cant go,it is tough and rugged with unique design.It gets great Gas Mileage campared to the much small Jeeps I have owned.The in-line 5 cyl. engine is very quite & smooth & on an adventure run,it cruised past 100 mph with no issues.It has a ton of torque power to climb & for off-roading fun.Our friend has one with 146k miles without a problem yet.I love the H3 & I have never owned a vehicle that gets so many compliments.It is just plain fun to drive & I plan to keep this for the long haul.I will not sell my H3,I plan to enjoy it as it will be a classic.

• 

  H3 4x4 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By ghostrider8 - October 3 - 12:38 am

  A very impressive off road SUV that is the utilimate SUV on the road.The engine is very reliable inline 5 cyl. Votec that I have seen H3s with 180k miles & still going.The look of the vehicle is awesome.The A/C is very high power & extremely cold.It has a rugged suspension,that feels like driving a military armored vehicle that is loaded with luxury.The turing ability will let you turn on a dime.It has a wow cool factor unlike any SUV on the road.The engine is very fuel effecient for being a 4x4 SUV that has a ton of torque power,put a high flow air filter & it will give a boost in power.It is vehicle that cruises smoothy & will get up to 70 pretty quickly for SUV size.It is a one of kind!