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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  Dont judge it by the cover - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Sean Flood - April 27 - 3:37 pm

  For an SUV with the rigged off road terrain look, it sure drives really nice. The turning radius is amazing. The Monsoon stereo is a definite must. The oversized sunroof lets plenty of sky light in on a warm sunny day. Considering the size of the tires, there is really not a lot of tire humming. When gripping the steering wheel, it gives you a sense of power and confort all at the same time. The two downfall areas I see is that the window lock controls are too far back for the driver to access it. The space between the door and the power seat controls are very tight. You have to reach in front of the seat, then slide your wrist between the seat and the door panel. Overall, I love my H3.

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  H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By mcallen - April 26 - 1:41 pm

  Great SUV for its value. My husband and I conidered the BMW X3, VW Toureg,Jeep Commander Limited, and the FJ. The base model features of these vehicles offer only half of what the H3 offers, and at a much higher cost. We also considered the L2, but it was way too small in appearance. My H3 is great fun to drive, and its solid. My husband talked me into purchasing the boulder grey as opposed to the black. Glad I valued his opinion. It always looks clean, even when its not. I have had lots of positive compliments about it, and friends considering a purchase for themselves. There is plenty of leg room for passangers riding in the back. Fair cargo space. Perfect vehicle for my family

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  grey ghost - 2007 Hummer H3
  By wisconsinpackers - April 22 - 5:26 pm

  I had a full size Chevy truck and decided that I did not utilize the features so I would look for a SUV. I thought that the Hummer H3 looked sporty and had a bit of an attitude, just like me. I was extremely impressed when I test drove my Hummer, I was sold from the start. Love the turining radius and have got SOOOO many compliments. This is a great vehicle and would recommend it to anyone looking for a veicle.

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  Needs more power - 2007 Hummer H3
  By delmartian - April 22 - 2:41 pm

  I love the looks and it feels like quality. Wish it had that cylinder deactivation multi v-8 Chevy Tahoe has and a 6-speed auto-transmission. Also wish it had ipod compatibility. A rear roll down window like the 4- runner would be nice, dog owners would love it!

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  18 Months and Love our H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Boeaven - April 16 - 11:04 am

  Our H3 purchased online after disliking local dealership. Has adventure package and other options. 18 months and 20,000 miles later we are loving it and plan to keep many more years. Did a lot of comparing-old truck 4x4 was 19 years old and we could choose anything. It is what the literature says. Small engine/power only concern for those that need quick pickup-we do not. Wish GM would get on the stick with a bit of a mudflap for the front tires as we got the rockguard and the only flaps available do not fit, they will if you have the stepup but the rockguard is different fit. All in getting what you want and we compared everything out there.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Hummer H3
  By h3welder06 - April 11 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my H3 6 months ago and I love it. It drives great in the city, is a breeze to park even in the smallest of spots. And after youre done in the city, I can proudly say that it handles a day offroading like its older brother. Plus being a young guy my truck gets a lot of looks driving down the road. Awesome SUV all around.

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  Hummer-Time: others "Cant Touch This" - 2006 Hummer H3
  By AKW - April 11 - 12:36 pm

  Been looking at Land Rover and Toyota Landcruiser for long time, but didnt like the prices (and rep. of LR Reliability). Once I looked & did H3 test-drive, I was hooked. Purchased the next week with Leather, sunroof, and Adventure Package (all a must). The good-ol-boys in Shreveport, LA have crafted a "ride" that would please anyone from executives to high-tech Rednecks. If you dont like to get looks, or if you like to "burn rubber", buy another vehicle. The power is ideal for on or off-road, but not if you will tow things larger than a 20ft ski or fishing boat in the mountains. Ive been a Ford guy for years, but hats-off to GM on this H3.

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  Tough SUV - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Joe Mattox - April 7 - 8:35 pm

  So far the truck has been a joy to ride. Nice well appointed interior, leather, XM, 6 cd, heated seats, and the off road package. My wife has taken the truck now so I dont know if I will get it back. The truck is black on black with chrome package and It causes a lot of stares from kids to the elderly. I love the truck.

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  Real Mans SUV - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Ace - April 6 - 1:30 pm

  Excellent ride. Pleasantly surpised from the first time I had the opportunity to test drive. Amazing turning radius and yes, all of the creature comforts you would expect in a luxury SUV.

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  H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By bummerhummer - April 2 - 11:46 am

  Its a shame that after a year GM couldnt correct a problem that was occuring with their 5 cylinder engine. Maybe this is why the foreign cars are taking over the US market. H3 is not up with the times as far as technology and has poor engine performance.