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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  Middle TN trail rider - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Hummin along - February 9 - 3:53 pm

  Very solid vehicle. The most unique suv Ive owned. Nice to look across the parking lot and find your vehicle with ease. Miles away from ordinary. Rides and drive great but could use more power for tow capacity. Definitely gets you a 10 on the attention scale but everyone thinks you must make big bucks. Great value for the price.

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  H3 Problems - 2006 Hummer H3
  By H3 PROBLEMS - February 7 - 9:22 pm

  My H3 has been in the shop 4 times with the same gasket leaking problem, now its in the shop again. Why? cause its leaking again, in the same spot, and now it formed another leak this time under the middle of the truck. It only has 7,000 miles on it, and it has never been four wheeling.

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  h tramp - 2007 Hummer H3
  By tez ramone - February 6 - 6:32 pm

  i love the vehicle, made the perfect choice for me. Has enough power, very comfortable and i like the stylish- ness of the design.

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  warkid - 2006 Hummer H3
  By warkid - January 25 - 6:35 pm

  We love it. Its great off road, fun to drive, pulls a 19 travel trailer, and it will plow thru 3 feet of snow with very little effort. It is a very stable and safe vehicle. Thinking of buying another one. It truly is a little monster.

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  Loving the Hummer - 2007 Hummer H3
  By jodoan1 - January 19 - 2:24 pm

  I didnt have high expectations after buying only Honda cars for the past 10 years. Sounds silly that you buy a car for style as opposed to reliability, quality and resale value, but I DID! After 2 months of ownership, I am happy to say that the car has exceeded my expectations in quality and "Fun-to-Drive" factor. There was one small problem I noticed after taking delivery of the car, but the dealership drove 50 miles to my work place to fix the problem. It was a missing screw in the rear driver side door moulding.

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  Hummer H3 "Mixed Feelings" - 2007 Hummer H3
  By mmorrismm - January 18 - 6:03 pm

  Well we picked up a 07 H3 Lux loaded with everything except Nav on new Years. Beautiful Boulder Grey metallic. So far, what a vehicle as far as build quality. A blast to drive and true a lot of looks. May mess up my raise this year as people think it cost over $50K...LOL Gets better gas mileage then our 2000 Cherokee which this replaced. A beast in the snow which is why we got it living in Minneapolis. I really think Hummer (GM) chose to be cheap on a 40K truck and things I took for granted (Should have heated mirrors, RDS even though it has XM, cheesy Tire Pressure system should show separate for all tires,Remote Starter etc) But I would buy it again.

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  Impressive! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Blue Monster - January 14 - 10:50 pm

  Am approaching 13k miles. Excellent vehicle overall. Only minor problems: head needed replacing for rough idle and squeak from front suspension. Its a fun vehicle to drive and can climb over curbs & medians with ease. Very comfortable seats. Quiet. Feels beefy with suspension muscle. My kids love the dual DVD and we get lots of compliments. Am a BMW driver and was looking for something different the H3 definitely fulfilled that desire. Highly recommended vehicle. Just dont expect a powerful engine and performance around corners.

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  Let Nothing Stand In Your Way - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Copper Man - January 12 - 1:06 pm

  This is the most perfectly balanced vehicle that Ive ever driven. It drives solid and strong. It gives you a sense of power, safety and luxury all in one ride without sucking you dry for gas. I was pleasantly surprised at the fuel usage which is less than my previous Ford Explorer. The style and uniqueness are unmatched and the upgrades really stand out. When you drive a Hummer, you are in a class all by yourself and that class is first class.

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  Overall - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Danny - January 10 - 2:11 am

  Im very pleased with my H-3. Its a little under powered, but with all the gears its fine. I wish they had beefed up the front end a little. Tie rods look small and worry they may break under heavy offroading. Bigger motor would have been nice, but the mileage would have been a lot worst.

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  hummer 3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By bud - January 8 - 7:50 am

  I love my vehicle, I did have an engine problem that was resolved .It is great in the snow and handles well..Visibility is less than I expected..overall..very nice vehicle.would like to see a diesel offered.