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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  Not so fun anymore - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Ness - August 22 - 12:32 pm

  Purchased my 2007 Hummer in February. I loved this vehicle in the beginning.Since my purchase it has had numerous issues. The dealer has been excellent in trying to remedy the problems. It had a terrible lean on the drivers side. The tortion bar has been replaced, the shackles adjusted and the leaf spring replaced and it is leaning again. The heated seats were stuck in the on position which required panel and switch replacement. Add to the frustration I went to start it this morning and it was dead. Only the battery they say! Hummers customer service had decided not to buy back or trade this vehicle without having rectified the problems. This is the high end luxury pkg - upside down 13,000 Would love to take it off road but afraid what might happen! Maybe this one is just a lemon :( Buyer beware!!!!!!!!!

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  Not Bad - 2007 Hummer H3
  By ENG - August 2 - 8:00 am

  We looked at several SUV models before considering the H-3 We have been Yukon buyers the last 3 times and after our last Yukon, we decided enough was enough. The H-3 has a very solid feel without the tippy feeling. It lacks on tow ability and power but the style and comfort make up for it. It lacks gages and the stereo leaves a bit to be desired. XM is not an option on the 07 but is standard on the 08. You will average about 16 to 19 MPG on the highway if youre lucky, around town is about 14-15. All in all the price and style makes it a great value. If you want a tow brute, look elsewhere.

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  Climb Mt. Everest in Style - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Dave Lander - July 31 - 11:51 pm

  If you like a vehicle that is bold, fun to drive and a absolute monster off road go no further. I purchased a white Hummer H3 with the off road package and it has not dissappointed. You get the best of both worlds, you can take it out and punish it off road in the morning then take it to a 5 star dinner that evening. The Hummer drives very good on road with a amaizinly tight turning radius. Before I bought this vehicle I had my heart set on a Jeep but after test driving I changed my mind. If you are looking for a vehicle that will go and do just about anything at a competitive price look no further.

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  Too much fun - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Navjit Singh Brar - July 31 - 9:30 pm

  Have had it for about a month now. Dont know how I did without such a beautiful vehicle. I replaced my Jeep Wrangler and have not regretted one bit. Gas milage is good enough. The music system is just awesome, particulary if you are a Bhangra Jat. The truck is soooooo quite while driving, even on freeway runs. Went with the gut feeling and bought it. Passed up on an X3 whose test drive did not impress, if you take price into consideration. And, boy, what a head turner. Serious, I have driven about 25 odd people in it, sometimes in bunches. Good burnishing for your image! JATZDOIT

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  H3 Alpha - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Jenny - July 31 - 10:19 am

  For all of you that have driven the 2006 or the 2007 model H3 and found that the power was inadequate, this is your new Hummer! I love the H3, but the power of my 2006 just wasnt enough. When my local dealership recieved the first shipment of Alphas I went down and bought the first one! This was the best decision that Hummer has made yet! Now the power is great, they have added child locks, moved the window and door lock switches to a more comfortable position, and roof rail air bags are standard now. They are also very reasonably priced for all you are getting!

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  Gas mileage? Come on its a Hummer. - 2007 Hummer H3
  By off roadin it - July 23 - 9:20 am

  Ive had my H3 for 4 months now, and I really like driving it. Of course I have to endure the evil looks from the hippies, but I can take it. If you are looking for a capable off road vehicle that will get you noticed, this is definately for you. If you are looking for zero to sixty speed, buy a sports car.

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  There is only one Hummer - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Eyedoc164 - July 14 - 5:39 am

  Stopped at a light next to a black H3 with chrome package and the mrs said that is our next car!. With sunroof and luxury package and chrome package, not much more you can add. Truck is not a speed demon and there are some blindspots that are compensated with oversize side mirrors. You ride high, you ride safe, and you ride the sharpest SUV on the road. Terrific turning circle. Not larger or less maneuverable than my last GMC Envoy. All my friends said, you leased a Hummer?? Then they cant wait to drive it! Having a ball humming down the highway!

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  H3 is for Me - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Hummer Lover - July 10 - 7:20 pm

  What a fun vehicle to drive. This is my favorite vehicle that I have ever had. I have the 5 speed stick and love it. The stereo, navigation, sunroof, and leather are excellent. Mine did not come with the pipe running boards so I bought polished stainless ones online for $186 delivered and installed myself in about 45 min. The rear visibility is poor so I also bought a hitch scan system at Pep Boys which plugs into the hitch receiver and uses the wiring harness for power. It uses ultrasonic waves to detect if anything is behind car when in reverse. It takes about 10 min to unpack and install for $99.

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  Safe Car to Ride with new Baby - 2007 Hummer H3
  By ToughMomma - July 2 - 11:31 am

  My hubby got me an H3X model for our 1st year anniversary. He wanted the H3 tactical, its a newer model that just came out from Hummer, but I got him to get the H3x instead. This SUV is nice, fun, and safer to drive. I feel like I am the king of the road with my baby boy with me. I loved the Nav system and the Monsoon stereo system that comes with. I have the Dessert orange with all the chromes all over it. I get the looks from passers/drivers all the time! Gotta love this SUV.

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  Truly Exceptional - 2006 Hummer H3
  By CPJNO1 - June 21 - 1:58 pm

  I have had my H3 now for just over a year and I absolutely love it. It is an extremely comfortable ride and, undoubtedly, the best looking SUV out there. I average about 18 MPG combined so the fuel economy is on par with most vehicles in its class. Driving it here in Buffalo during the winter is a blast, as it taking it off road north of the border. Even in extreme conditions, it has passed in flying colors. I drove back from Lake Placid in February during a blizzard with my wife and 2 young daughters. We received more than 2 feet of snow and the H3 was tremendous. I highly recommend this vehicle as it strikes the perfect balance between style, fuel economy, and function.