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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  Awesome! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By happyhummers - October 2 - 6:44 pm

  This is probably the most comfortable vehicle that weve ever owned. It is very well built & solid the steering is tight and the turning radius is superb. Great on and off the road. We actually have complete strangers stop and ask about our H3. We wouldnt hesitate to recommend this vehicle to anyone. You wont find a better SUV out there, reasonably priced - and its made in America! We are thrilled with our purchase!

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  Youve got to give up to be COOL - 2006 Hummer H3
  By David - October 1 - 8:03 am

  I gave up the speed of a FX35 for the coolness of the H3 and havent looked back. I cant believe the attention this car gets. I have had people looking in the windows while I still inside on the phone. The kids in my neighborhood think it ROCKS. I cant keep my wife away from it. Power is the only downside, maybe they will come out with some supercharged upgrade. Then it would be perfect. Its as fun chroming this as it is my Harleys.

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  Wife Loves This SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Drew - September 29 - 5:43 pm

  Traded in a 2002 Toyota RAV4. Wife alwasy wanted a Hummer. Saw the 0% offer and had to jum on the offer. We have 2 big dogs so she must have an SUV. She said she will never drive anything but a Hummer from today. Very fun to drive and demands off road activity. We love it. More importand is my wife loves it!!!! She got Yellow.

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  buy American? - 2007 Hummer H3
  By timberridge101 - September 27 - 3:34 pm

  After having several German car.I thought Id try American. The trim, paint, body molding & overall fit are not what I expected for the top of the line limited H3X. Ill keep it if the weather requires emergency transportation. GM was going to offer after market kits to dress it up. I cant find any performance products that will fit. By the time I get this SUV set up the way I want. Ill just go back to Porsches SUV-S and drive.

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  Hummer3 Harriet - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Cindy - September 26 - 4:11 am

  I love it! There isnt anything about the H3 I dont like. Seems everywhere I go, other people love it as well. I have even been stopped by a policeman so he could check it out! Best vehicle I have ever owned. Will never go back to another type of SUV.

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  h3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By jc - September 25 - 5:19 pm

  We bought the vehicle 6 months ago and really enjoy the style because it has class. I am one that uses the FWD and it is hard to get stuck. I have owned seven FWDs and this one gets the best gas mileage and the most comfortable.The interior noise is very minimal and it has no bad blind spots. People seem to indentify this as a solid patriotic american vehicle. I own three thousand acres on the navajo reservation and have had to use the FWD many times including pulling other peoples SUVs out of the mud.

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  H3 in Biloxi. Mississippi - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Jeremiah B. - September 14 - 5:50 pm

  I love my H3. It rides good on city streets with a little roughness on the freeway. But its an offroad vehicle and im happy with the performace. I have the chrome package and get looks from everyone. I love the OnStar / XM with the premimum sound and the DVD in the head rest keep my 2 yr old occupied. I am hooked on HUMMER now and look forward to upgrading to a more roomer H2 in the future.

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  Hummer Nation - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Todd - September 12 - 11:41 am

  This is my favorite automobile yet. It truly accomplishes what it was designed to do. Crawl, dig, pull, forge, or climb--this Hummer will get you where you want to go. On road performance is outstanding, it handles like a dream on the street. However, if youre looking for a dragster youre in the wrong place. Low-end torque is more than sufficient for getting around while I do agree that horsepower could be better for the highway. I recently saw kids playing with their H3 Happy Meal toys. I have been stopped on several occasions by kids saying "look ma, a Hummer!" The Hummer brand truly is an american icon- -I mean how many Toyotas do you see them stuffing into Happy Meals?

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  Best mid size SUV on the road - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Alex - September 12 - 3:43 am

  I purchased my H3 in July, got to use my GM employee discount. I have been on road and off road with it with no problems what so ever. Fuel economy could be better but not bad for its size and weight. I still get a lot of questions from people about it every day. I tell them it is fun to drive and will get another one when my lease is over in 2 years.

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  Great vehicle for the price - 2007 Hummer H3
  By H3 Newbie - September 5 - 12:54 pm

  Great looking vehicle, the styling is awesome. King of off-roading. First SUV and definately best choice among competition. Would reccomend this vehicle!!