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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  Wat a great vehicle! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By AWESOME! - October 28 - 8:16 pm

  The Hummer has been great, it is built like a rock. I would highly recommend it. We were looking at getting a truck and Im very glad we got this it beat it way in price and in gas mileage! its sweet!! And u get noticed in a bright red HUMMER got to love it!!!

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  Kewl Truck - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Jerry - October 24 - 9:31 pm

  I dont know about all of you "Hotrodders" but I believe that people drive way too fast anyway, so to take a little more time getting up to 60 mph is not a problem for me and my wife. We love our Hummer H3, it really is impressive to drive and the turning radius is unbelievable (better than the S-10 I traded in and better gas mileage too). The size is great and people really take notice of the H3. I rate it "ONE FUN RIDE"

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  2007 H3X much better ! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By auto exotica - October 22 - 9:07 am

  Love H3x looks...18 inch wheels...3.7L engine much better power and torque than my 2006...drives smooth and great handling....traded in my new 2007 jeep wrangler 4 door for H2x and no regrets!!!!!

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  Re-Think it! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Mary C - October 20 - 12:28 pm

  After owning this vehicle for a year, I am ready to trade it. Loved the looks, but it is over-rated. It really lacks power and acceleration speed. Good for gas, but not for passing. Foot pedals are much too close. Fiance has a size 13-14 shoe and refuses to drive it. Power window controls are too far back and it has MANY MANY blind spots. You can hide a Civic behind you and not see it in rear-view or side mirrors. (No joke) I am 511 athletic female and vehicle still feels a bit tight for us with the leg room we need. Car seats do not fit well in the back seat without MUCHO effort. Great with obstacles and offroading, but lack of power just makes it a downer. Really just for "looks."

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  Awesome! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Jimmy - October 18 - 3:17 pm

  I have to say that the H3 is an all around fun vehicle to drive. My friends and family love it and they are always wanting to take a ride in it. Make sure to get the luxury package.

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  Fun On and Off-Road - 2007 Hummer H3
  By MD2BKobe - October 17 - 10:07 pm

  This is a fun car to drive and not to mention the looks I get barreling down the road in my bright red 2007 H3. Off- road the H3 is equally impressive and handles great. All in all, I would say I am very pleased with my decision to go with the H3 over the Tahoe, 4- runner, or jeep grand cherokee. It is a far better buy. You get more options for less money as compared to all the other SUVs in its class. I would strongly reccomend going to your local dealer and have them take you on the obstacle course to show you just some of the things the H3 can do. If that doesnt convince you to go with the H3 over the tahoe or other SUVs then I dont know what will.

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  I got more power! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Colorado - October 17 - 4:44 pm

  The H3 handles good and has a much better than expected turning radus. Here in Colorado I get to drive most suvs and I liked the H3 best for comfort with four on board and ease of handling in town or off road. However the H3 is a little under powered with a five piston, 3.5L engine when you drive at higher altitudes (I live at 7,100 feet above sea level). To get more power when I go into the mountains or on the Interstate I put in a Vortec supercharger and intercooler. Remember that this suv is 4,800 lbs. so its not a light weight but with another 100 plus horse power it has some get up and go. I have lost some mpgs but if I drive with a little care its not more than 10 to 15%.

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  Its a four wheel drive off road vehicle - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Dack - October 10 - 6:04 pm

  But its well suited for the street. It will get 23 mpg on the hiway if you drive 57 mph but it go down to 19 if you go 66. Its not a hot rod but its not supposed to be one either. It really is great off road and I have had 3 Broncos. The ride is great also considering its off road gift. First GM truck so we will have to see how it holds up. No lease I own it.

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  only the H1 and H2 are better - 2006 Hummer H3
  By mscottiger - October 9 - 3:17 pm

  been very happy with the new car. took about 2 times of driving to get used to the smaller windows but that is no longer a problem. Love the manual transmition, very easy to drive. love the SUV overall. and the price was the best part. affordable.

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  2007 H3 way to go - 2007 Hummer H3
  By JNC - October 4 - 8:29 pm

  Good looking...Very good ride...Great Radio Fun to Drive...Worth the price... Handles very good and has some get up and go...... Have to get use to some blind spots.