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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  Possibly the best vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By mike_n_va - March 15 - 6:47 pm

  **Luxury pkg. 3.5 i-5, 4x4 Automatic** I bought my 06 H3 used almost a year ago with 36k on it, I was VERY skeptical because I have never been a big fan of GM but after a long process of reading reviews, stats and comparing to competition it just made since. This H3 Rocks! Very comfortable, Solid build, awesome looks AND gas mileage is surprisingly good! (apprx. 18-19 hwy) 4x4 is ridiculous, Ive had it on sand, trail and deep snow and it had me smiling ear to ear. One problem I could do without would be the limited i-5. Although I never have problems with regular driving 85 mph+.. highway or acceleration (on-ramps etc) But Steep mountainous inclines are tough at highway speeds.

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  64,000 and going - 2006 Hummer H3
  By russ - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in March of 2006, since then we have had 3 bad winters in a row, it is one tough SUV in the snow, no problems even in new 14" snow that hasnt been plowed. Only problem, portion of the left fender on rear driver side door paint came off. Other than that no problems. Great driver in any weather. By the way still have the original Bridgestone tires, they will make it through one more winter. I will put the same Bridgestone tires back on it.

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  I traded my vette for it - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Dale - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I loved my little red 87 Corvette, but when I happened to test drive the H3X, I had no problem trading it in. My Hummer is just as exciting as the vette,just in a different way. Im safe, comfortable, and still stylish. I can go to the hunting camp and cover it with mud, take it to the car wash and still take the Mrs. to a fancy restaurant that evening. It is the ultimate boy toy. Ladies, there are a lot of H3s coming back on the market from leases at real steals. Christmas is coming. You want to get him something hell really like?

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  More comments on Hummer than C6 - 2008 Hummer H3
  By LuvsHummers - November 2 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of an Escalade and BMW X5 I am impressed. The Alpha has plenty of power when you need it and cruises smooth at 85-90. This thing is build very tough and think it is the ideal vehicle for anywhere. If the term MPG is even a worry keep looking, while I do get 15-16 hwy it isnt pretty when driving in traffic. Overall I think this is a nice all around vehicle but not quite the space of larger suvs. Went between this and a H2 and chose the smaller, and am happy with that choice.

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  Great woods truck - 2007 Hummer H3
  By PAULICUSMAXIMUS - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned teo and still have one fuel awful with a average hwy of 15 mpg will go any place you put it. I pulled a 75k tractor trailer without a wheel spin and have the video to back it. You can accessorize to your hearts content. Not made for speed but will go when you have to.

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  Hummers rule - 2007 Hummer H3
  By white h3x - September 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd hummer h3. I am now on my 2nd H3 and I have an H3x now and let me tell you this thing is decked out. Tan leather interior, dvd headrest gps Got rid of monsoon system (updated and put new speakers in the doors and even added subwoofers)adding 26s for the warm months next year. I always loved the Hummer line in general and I could not afford the H1 and H2s so the 3 was the best option. I live in Ohio where the winter months has been horrible the last couple of years but my H3 never fails me! I even have friends calling to borrow it or can they pay me to be a taxi for them. Upset GM is taking them away but luckily I have mine already! Will keep for a few years then upgrade to H2

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  Its so Cute! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Popester - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2006 Hummer H3 with 80,000 miles on it. Although the mileage was high, I had confidence in it after reading the reviews. It came with DVD player and sidestep rails. Just the base package. I didnt really want all the bells and whistles because my theory is, the more that you have, the more that can go wrong. Im a 57" female and I have plenty of room. I heard about the blind spots but I dont have any problems with that. The best thing is, even though this is a 2006, you cant tell. People love it and want it.

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  Wish they still made them - 2008 Hummer H3
  By warmhiker - September 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought our first H3 in 2006 and just bought another used for me in 2010. I SO wish they still made these! Most comfortable SUV out there. Absolutely love the drive and I dont get run off the road out here in TX! Only complaint is takes forever when you step on the gas, but put in a shot of Gumout fuel injector cleaner, and gave me a little more umph! Despite be the best vehicle Ive ever owned (out of 10!), if you get a chance, get the extended warranty. After 4 yrs., the security system and engine coil had to be replaced ($1200), but thats about it. If they still made these things wed get another. Wish someone would buy Hummer and keep in American!

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  Best Looking SUV Out There! - 2008 Hummer H3
  By H3 Owner - August 5 - 2:44 am

  Just bought my H3 luxury with 40,000 miles. I love the exterior and interior design. The engine is only a 3.7 and its a little underpowered but its not TOO bad. I think GM should of put a bigger engine in it. The fuel economy is whats expected from a mid- size suv. Im getting about 17 mpg combined. I think the interior set-up is one of the nicest from GM. The visibility is not great but not a big issue for taller drivers. The leather is very comfortable and the sunroof is huge! The monsoon system is banging. It turns heads like crazy! I love this car and wont get rid of in until the wheels fall off!

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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Posta - July 8 - 8:07 am

  Just bought the Hum H3 used with 50,000 km. Chrome package and moonroof make it look sharp. Dominate the lanes with this thing. Oversized tires make it look awesome.