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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  Rocky Mountain Enthusiast - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Ian - December 12 - 4:23 pm

  I custom-ordered my H3, and when I took delivery, I knew it would be the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I have a 64-mile daily commute to the office where I drive to work while its still dark in the morning, and its dark by the time I get home in the evening. To rack up the miles, every other weekend, its my turn to drive up to Keystone or Breck to ride with two of my friends. The H3 handles so smoothly, that I have very little worries about driving in treacherous road conditions (especially around Eisenhower Tunnel). The H3 retains its iconoclastic style. Me and my friends are always noticing the second glances by other drivers as we coast on by in the fast line down I-70.

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  2007 H3 after one weekend - 2007 Hummer H3
  By MLP222 - December 11 - 6:41 pm

  I purchased a 2007 H3 for my wife and may never be able to get her out of it. She loves everything about it. The styling is certainly unique and the fun to drive factor is off the scale. Interior design and layout along with the fit and finish is the best Ive ever seen on a GM vehicle and this is my 14th. Im 63" and my wife is 5"0" and we both find comfortable seating positions and all of the controls are well placed. Im not a fan of the combo turn signal, CC and wiper stalk and the radio controls are a little small. Even with the new 3.7l engine power is "adequate". We purchased the H3 after the lease was up on a 2003 4 Runner. the Toyota got 20 mpg vs. 15 and had much better power.

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  Slow Pretty Box - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Sgt. R - December 6 - 4:17 pm

  The H3 is underpowered. It barely can maintain 75 MPH on the highway and if you go up any incline the MPH will drop. The SUV gets poor MPG for a five cyl. engine. I like the look and it is nice off road but dont do any long distance highway driving. Interior is bland. Lots of mods available.It just isnt a real hummer. Should have more power and that would make things a lot better.

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  H3 is Outstanding - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Jack - November 22 - 2:03 pm

  Like the bank vault feeling after being "on display" in past Range Rovers. Several other vehicles considered (FJ,FX,LR3,X5,ML) and appreciated the simplicity of controls & excellent front seat comfort. True, the blinds spots are huge (not as bad as FJ)but just turn your head & use your mirrors. Great sound system, excellent HVAC & so far build quality/ reliability is perfect. Warranty & great dealer pricing/service so far prove to be a great ownership experience, especially after owning two $70K+ vehicles that you would expect to be treated like " a special customer" by dealer personnel. It never happened. I should be grateful that experience saved me $35K and undue frustration! Thanks GM.

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  Buying American Again - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Rusty - November 21 - 7:11 pm

  After many years of Toyotas and Nissans I have finally went back to American made. The H3 seems to be practical and looks sharp. Hopefully, it will be dependable.

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  My 2006 MEGSHMR!!!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Meggie - November 21 - 11:31 am

  I absolutely love my screaming red H3. Almost everything about it is wonderful. The only complaint I will voice is with regard to the stereo. Within weeks of purchasing my H3 the coating on the stereo/radio buttons started to wear off. I had to have my radio replaced - I was told they used "soft touch" paint in the design and it was wearing off for all owners. If it continues to happen I will have to have my stereo replaced yet again. Other than that...no complaints. The most wonderful car I ever owned - and I went from my beloved 20 year old BMW 528e that I drove off the lot brand new in 1986 to my H3 and I love it!!!

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  H3 A Solid Choice (but)... - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Rayvyn - November 20 - 6:36 am

  I have owned my H3 for a year now and racked up 14,000 miles so I think I can say it is an exceptional vehicle. I see ratings dragged down everywhere by test-drivers and tree huggers but when you are considering a new suv guesses and fairy tales should not be good enough. In a word it is a solid 8 for anyone other than a moterhead speed freak and a 10 for on / off road mixers... Sadly - it is and will always be both a GM and a low end model under the hood so until the design a specific v6 for it - you will be risking your money (as with any GM)... The only real problem is the weight and some pushing on neg. camber turns...

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  My Jeep with More Seats - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Scott Vogt - November 11 - 11:18 am

  I have only owned my H3 for about a month but have already used it off- road and hwy driving. It is the most fun vehicle I have ever driven and to date as capable as my Jeep Wrangler that I had to trade. There are not many H3s in rural NE which makes it even more fun when you park it and everyone once to come get a look. I gave up cleaning the side windows for now due to the finger prints that always appear when I return. Fun to drive, fun to look at and capable of true offroad performance is what sets this apart from other vehicle in its class.

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  Different than the others - 2006 Hummer H3
  By gina4321 - November 3 - 3:06 pm

  My husband has a black H3 that he has totally chromed out..He has this H3 looking like it came out of a SEMA catalog. Its gorgeous and mean. I really enjoy driving and riding in the truck. Very comfortable, the front leather seats feel like recliners. Turning radius is fantastic. OnStar is wonderful!! We have had the H3 for about 9 months now and all we do is drive it. We have 24k miles on it and purchased it with 11k already on it. Have had 0 problems. We have taken it on an offroad Hummer weekend and Ive never seen a SUV do the things this one did. The H2s could not compete with its onroad capabilities. The only disadvantage is the fuel consumption, 15mpg,but takes reg. unleaded!

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  H3 rocks - 2007 Hummer H3
  By H3 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my H3! Hummers are so much fun to drive! I never wouldve considered off-roading, but it is so much fun!!