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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One of the best SUVs I haved owned - 2006 Hummer H3
By Ken - January 6 - 12:00 pmI purchased my H3 in the summer of 2006. I thought I should wait at least a year before I could give any proper praise or criticism of the H3. I primarily used it for driving in snow conditions on my way to ski. Its quite nice to be waived through when chain restrictions are required of other cars in heavy snowfall. I have also used it extensively on Camping trips to National Parks and Forests, where some of the roads are extremely poor. The vehicles off road abilities far surpass any of the other SUVs I have owned, both foreign or domestic makes. The H3 seems to be at home in off road conditions. I dont worry about road conditions in National Forests like I would have in my 4Runner.
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A Head Turner - 2006 Hummer H3
By JTLJammer - January 4 - 4:50 amGreat driving experiance for under $40K. Commanding view of the road, much more than our TBlazer XL. Got it loaded up with Lux Package, Chrome Package, Head Rest DVD System, etc, all for far below "what others are paying" on this site. Make no mistake, it rides like a truck. But it is classy, turning radius is exceptional and I cant wait to take it through a snowstorm. Very rigid truck - you just feel in command when driving it. Get the step rails - youll never get in or out without them. Unlike the H2, it doesnt scream "look at me Im special". It is not a rocket, but unless you will be towing a 5th Wheel (dont), the Inline 5 Cyl is more than enough - dont listen to the complaints.
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A new honeymooner with my Hummer - 2007 Hummer H3
By Your Boogy Man - January 3 - 8:57 amRalph Cramden says it best,"A Hummingner, Ah Hummeringner, Ah Hummer H3",LOL,LOL,LOL.! I Love My Hummer, It is a great ride and I do LOVE all the attention I get riding through mall parking lots and parking at work!!!! Way ta go GM !!!!!!!
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Not for racing - 2006 Hummer H3
By Mark - January 3 - 8:51 amWe purchased our H3 after a lot of homework. We were apprehensive concerning all the complaints about the H3 being underpowered. We have owned V-8 powered vehicles mostly and were afraid to give up that power availability. We realized that though the H3 has only an I-5 cyl., it is geared low. The H3 does just fine with the equiped engine, as long as your intentions are not to race the vehicle. We are very happy with the performance and gas mileage. Its just fun to drive. We dont miss our V-8.
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Good Stuff - 2007 Hummer H3
By James - January 1 - 9:57 pmI am impressed with the power and handling. I love the stability. It feels like a sports car. I am disappointed that the radios installed are not RDS enabled...they dont display the info transmitted by the local stations. seems like a dumb thing to do. Otherwise, its a great vehicle.
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2007 H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
By Mary Bertollini - December 31 - 9:02 pmExtremely comfortable to drive - leather heated seats are the best!! Excellent visibility - interesting that people stop and look at the vehicle wherever I go - many ask questions about it. Stereo system (upgraded) is excellent.
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H3x - 2007 Hummer H3
By Bob Beyer - December 25 - 10:20 pmBest vehicle I have ever owned and this makes my 15th over the past 40 years. It is easy to enter and exit, very good front view and even with the short windows no problem seeing out the sides. The rear view is somewhat limited because of spare tire and rear headrests. I have large feet and gas pedal space seems a little tight. Love the solid ride without being rough and it takes curves like race car, I think because of the wide stance and huge tires. This car gets lots of looks no matter where I go, its Victory red with lots of chrome. I feel like a teenager again, no other vehicle made me feel proud of my ride like this Hummer h3x, go out and test drive one for yourself.
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H3 - Looks and Drives great - 2006 Hummer H3
By wizzkid47 - December 25 - 6:24 pmI have had my H3 for about a year, and I have only one thing. The radio buttons are wearing off. For me personally, the gas is not bad and it uses just about the same my old Ford Taurus did. The interior of the H3 with all the upgrades it can hold is great. I have found a great way to keep the children happy and quiet with the dual DVD system. I love this car and so does my husband. We both get compliments on it.
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Hummer nailed it with the H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
By Matt - December 18 - 10:16 pmI have two boys and am not going to give in to the Mini-van lifestyle. I looked at all types of suvs and none of them drove like the H3, it handles and drives so smooth that you forget that it is a truck. The interior is roomy and designed perfect, it fits my two boys and all our stuff with ease. And with the 5 cylinder Vortec 3700 the H3 moves when you need it and the Fuel economy is better then most of the other suvs out there. As they say "To Each their own". I can say having the H3 protecting my family is comfort enough, but the performance and style of Hummer speaks for itself, and if you can smile every time you open that door you know you made the right choice.
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Great - 2007 Hummer H3
By Eric - December 16 - 5:12 pmThe greatest Hummer anybody could offer. Nice and roomy for the family and friends. Reliable or dependable on the road.
