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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  I Like - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Dieter - February 28 - 8:30 pm

  Had to convince my wife to buy it but now she is a convert. I love the looks both exterior and interior and the quality of the build. The turning radius is impressive for the Hummer-- Tighter than some cars. Power could be better but, if you are not towing something it is adequate. Gas mileage is decent for an SUV its size. Only 2 negatives in my book---More space between the seat and door for making adjustments to the seat and having an option for driver seat position memory. 24,000 miles later, I am very happy that I own an H3.

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  off roading - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Clarence Kistler - February 27 - 7:36 pm

  Since buying my H3, I have only had it off road once. It was great trip, I put it through 2 feet of mud, up and down steep hills, through a river (18 inches deep) and over some rocky trails with no problems.

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  The Best SUV We Have Ever Owned! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By cmzapffe - February 26 - 4:41 pm

  We have owned our H3 for three months now and have taken it on a long road trip. It is by far the best SUV that we have ever owned, and we have owned a Cadillac SRX, a Lexus 300, and many Jeeps over the years. The ride is rock solid, maybe a little too bumpy for some. The interior is fabulous and the exterior has so much pizazz! The Victory Red color is great. Easy to spot anywhere! The sound system is the best. We have the adventure series with extra wide tires. No trouble at all with the full four wheel drive over snow and ice. My wife loves this car. My only complaints are with the manual seats and mirrors and the low mileage, 13 city and 17 or so on the highway.

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  HUMMER Heaven! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Ponche - February 24 - 10:03 pm

  We love our Hummer! We cant believe how many looks we get while driving this H3! People actually stop and point and ask us about our Hummer every time we drive it. Were getting about 19 mpg, which is unbelievable given the huge size of this SUV! Our H3 performs great and the turning radius is fantastic. After driving this car, we will never buy anything else! We are now HUMMER collectors!

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  Best SUV out there! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Racheal - February 20 - 8:56 pm

  Dont let the size of this SUV fool you! It has the smoothest ride. I absolutely love the interior of it. It is roomy and has cargo space in the back. You can even let down the back seats to make more space. I won a RED H3 and everywhere I go, people are complimenting me on this. It is the smallest of the Hummers, but it still has that hummer look, with a better gas mileage!

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  Sorry I Bought H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Roger - February 16 - 9:13 pm

  I bought my Hummer on a Saturday and it was in the shop the following Thursday. Countless electrical problems from traction control sensors to interior lights illuminating when the brakes were applied. The truck has been towed in to the dealership 5 times because it fails to start. Its been in the shop over 22 days and the dealer cant determine what causes the problem.We just experienced our first significant snow fall here in NJ and my H3 was in the shop. I am in the process of filing for relief under NJ Lemon Law. GMs response has been luke warm at best. Bottom line not a vehicle I would recommend, not even to my worst enemy

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  My First Hummer (GM) - 2006 Hummer H3
  By KM - February 14 - 10:33 pm

  After owning my H3 for a little more than 5 months I thought I would give my 2 cents worth. I can only tell you that it is a very fun vehicle to drive and that it makes my previous vehicle a 2001 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab feel like a toy. The gas mileage has been from 19.4 to 17.1 on the low side. I have not had it off road yet but, have driven it in some icy conditions and it handled beautifully! As for blind spots, it does have them , you just have to learn how to use your mirrors.Overall, I am very pleased with my first GM product.

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  Very Happy - 2007 Hummer H3
  By raysan - February 14 - 8:03 am

  I have been a foreign car driver for years. I felt it was time to BUY AMERICAN! Boy am I happy. The H3 has it all I am getting 25-28 MPG on the highway and close to 20 around town. Great comfort and head room. All around I am extremely pleased

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  U can keep it !!!!! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Tommie 2 tone - February 12 - 9:42 am

  Well after 16 months of ownership A couple of things . First, If I were to rate the ride from 0-10 10 being the best, It would be 4, A LOT of wind noise you feel EVERY bump in the road , The $1,200 sound system dont waste your money, Gas mileage If I were lucky about 15 MPG Hway. Only thing it is a head turner . other than that You can keep it .

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  Hummer H3 2007 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By R.Wiles - February 10 - 6:34 am

  My only issue so far was the factory did not program the security codes in the computer and the vehicle would sometimes start, and other times not start. The dealership quickly fixed the problem. It is difficult to get into and out of, but a set of side step bars works well on entry and exit. A great style of vehicle that not everyone has, that is what I like.