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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  After 1K and 500 miles offroad - 2007 Hummer H3
  By wtgh3 - June 14 - 9:25 pm

  Owned three Z cars, a Maxima, a Mazda MX6 a Honda CRX and a Mercedes C230 Coupe. This time I thought Id go with an SUV. But when I wanted it, I wanted it to be a true SUV. None of these namby pamby cross-overs that are out there. As they say its a true Hummer and its "like nothing else". Its really great off road. You dont have to be concerned about it when it goes on the skid plates because its like a tank under there. Be sure to remove the side steps cause there not so tough. Bought it pretty well loaded. Looks more expensive than it actually is. Amazingly it drives almost like a car. Gets lots of looks and questions.

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  Gm swings and misses - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Car lover - June 12 - 8:06 am

  Owned the the car for 3/4 of a month. She looks good and rides as comfortable as my gramps caddy. But the onstar never worked!!!! She is a slow as a snail!! I understand the idea was mileage, but 0-60 is only .2 seconds faster than my 1995 ford explorer. Also the cargo room is horrible! When your in colledge 55ft aint cuttin it! Further more my salite radio broke recently, Yet GM is still makin me pay for it. It seems to me that until GM can get its costs down and build things right you should look but dont buy!!!!!!! Until these GM reliabilty/build quality issue have proven themselves fixed I am questioning the thought of buying that corvette I was thinking about.

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  No Regrets 2007 H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By humming h3 - June 10 - 10:43 am

  Im 42, female, have driven Honda Ridgeline, XTerra, Honda Element. Yeah OK, been through some vehicles, but finally found my end with H3. Loved my Honda Ridgeline, but wanted more enclosed use of space for dirty dogs and stuff. Gas, pretty much the same as Honda Ridgeline. Love the wide stability it offers and turnig radius. Easy to park. Good visibility, better then the FJ Cruiser, actually the only thing the FJ has on Hummer is engine pick up, but I have a 2006 GTO for speed. Great space, good passenger leg room, comfortable ride and drive, especially for my lower back. Funny about window controls made for Tom Thumb?, but hey so what!

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  Room for improvement - 2006 Hummer H3
  By p - June 4 - 10:53 pm

  Although exciting behind the wheel, great looks and comfort, the biggest disappointment is engine performance. The power lags tremendously and is far less responsive than what would be expected from any HUMMER. This shortfall is impractical for on-road driving conditions (e.g. city traffic) and therefore lessons the H3s appeal.

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  What a joke? - 2006 Hummer H3
  By spdrmanus - May 23 - 6:45 pm

  I bought this so called Hummer and within 3 months sold it. It is totally lacking enough power for the weight ratio. Had it stuck on numerous occasions all because it did not have the power necessary to pull out. Traded it in on the H2, spend the few extra dollars and get the real thing not the wannabe.

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  07 H3 Luxury - 2007 Hummer H3
  By jacob - May 21 - 1:44 pm

  I have had my H3 three months and like it a lot. Traded a Lincoln Aviator with that great 8. It has been a power adjustment but I see gas stations much less. Bought it mostly for looks as most SUVs are now ugly swoopy station wagons. I see for 08 there will be an alpha v8 model. Kinda wish I had waited for it. No regrets getting my midnight blue/ camel H3 luxury model

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  Great Truck - 2006 Hummer H3
  By humr87 - May 13 - 10:40 pm

  Very satisfied with the H3. It can handle anything ranging from pot-holes to hard core off-roading. It puts Jeeps in their places and has no problems keeping up with the H1 or H2 in most situations. In some situations they have problems keeping up with the H3. Very well built, and very reliable. Turns a lot of heads!

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  best car!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By steve - May 9 - 10:33 pm

  the hummer h3 is by far the best 4x4, every one looks at my yellow one as it goes down the street and people think it is much more expensive than it looks. 10/10 amazing

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  Love it - 2007 Hummer H3
  By phewop118 - May 4 - 10:07 pm

  I bought my H3 without even seeing it. I had previously driven one and loved it so much that with the leasing deals going on, I went out and got one. I love the 5 speed manual. Its just too bad I couldnt find a manual with any options other than a sunroof, because a Nav would be nice, as would the Monsoon system that comes with it.

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  How to Stop an H3? - 2007 Hummer H3
  By WV Hummer Bum - May 4 - 2:34 pm

  I definitely love my H3. I take it off road all the time,really off road. Have already torn the rail step off the passenger side playing in a mudhole and almost rolled it on a logging road in the rain. It runs like a tank in 4L and I havent been able to get it stuck yet. Still working on that.