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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my post repair review - 2006 Hummer H3
By Car lover - September 4 - 9:56 pmLast time I wrote I was annoyed at some technogly issues. The Hummer sevice people fixed them. Now I will objectively state the pros and cons of the H3 based on mine.The are pros good gas mileage for an SUV, show stopping looks , nice interior for GM , decent handling characteristics , roomy back seat, and the ride comfort of (I have ridden in both of these cars) a Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac Deville/DTS . The cons are not enough horse power and torque for sporty driving , getting to highway speeds easily, or towing, poor rearward visablity , and poor cargo room. I consider eather waiting for the SRT8 Jeep(45k). If you can afford it the Range Rover Supercharged(90k)the best SUV in the world
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Hummin Along - 2006 Hummer H3
By James - September 1 - 11:49 pmI am extremely pleased with my new H3! I got it in black with the luxury package, sunroof, chrome wheels and chrome steps and trim package. I had shopped around and concluded the H3 with its current pricing is one of the very best values around in a rugged 4-wheel drive SUV. It handles incredibly well and is just plain fun to drive. My four daughters are now all "Hummer girls", and my wife, who at first was a tough sell, really likes it after driving it around town a few times. Highway mileage is as advertised - about 19 mpg which is fairly good for this type of vehicle. Im already planning on getting another one with the small block V-8 in 2008 when my lease is up.
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No Regrets! - 2006 Hummer H3
By Happy Hummer - August 27 - 11:57 pmAt 3 weeks new, an accident landed a several-thousand-pound wooden utility pole fell on the top of my H3. Car was totalled, but we walked away unscathed (and with remaining headroom to spare)! Former SUVs wouldnt have protected us that well. Good in rollovers? Id bet my life on it! Important.. get the chip and exhaust upgrade... it makes a huge difference in power. The next H3s on its way...No regrets!
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Hummer H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
By DC Man - August 25 - 3:37 amThis is one QUIET machine, ride is almost car like in town, but take it on a washboard dirt road, get it to 60 and tape your jaw shut. It is awesome. Smoother than one would ever imagine. Handles like it is still on a highway. Gas milage for me has been 18.9 with the low around 16 in heavy outer loop traffic. I have taken it up some very steep hills of construction site dirt and it acts like they dont exist, and I am talking all I could see was sky! this is probably the best ATV made. I have owned everything from grand cherokee to corvette, with a Harley or two thrown in and I am IMPRESSED. If you are in the market, do yourself a favor and test drive one.
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Poor Front End - 2006 Hummer H3
By bary - August 22 - 2:22 pmI got an H3 2 weeks ago and it had a bad vibration...The selling dealer exchanged it for another H3...This one has an alignment problem that the dealer says it cannot fully remedy because of a problem in the rear. So now Im 2 for 2 with disappointment...I hope GM takes this lemon back
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New HUMMER Owner - 2006 Hummer H3
By BANGLE - August 21 - 2:43 pmPurchased new dark blue H3 base model for Michigan winters and the Hummer styling. Exterior design is striking. Off-road is great, very nimble and inspires confidence with ground clearance and stability. Good ride on-road. What is going on with the drivers side arm rest? I accidentally lower the windows when I get in with my elbow and the arm rest jabs into my leg (Im 62"). The drivers seat is positioned too low and deep. My left foot hangs up on the parking brake cable. Great buy overall, though. The 2007 has 15 more horsepower which would be nice.
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Recommended purchase - 2006 Hummer H3
By wes - August 15 - 9:53 pmexcellent look, no road to tough, chicks really did it and the gas mileage is way better than the escalade and many extras you can add
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Happy Camper - 2006 Hummer H3
By Blue Max - August 15 - 7:00 pmThis vehicle is a gas (no pun intended) to drive: fun and suited to both in city and long haul freeway trips at high speeds. It is actually very comfortable and quiet (this automatic has the Morocco Leather Luxury Package with sunroof) on long trips, not at all truck-like. It turns heads but doesnt cause the recriminations of the H2/H1 not that a Hummer driver much cares what is behind them, only what lies ahead! I am looking forward to winter driving and use the off road (Adventure Package) as part of my job. I have owned a Grand Cherokee as well as a full size Mitsubishi Montero and this is more masculine than both of them, combined. I recommend it as a good value with no pretensions.
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like nothing else - 2006 Hummer H3
By sltbluh3 - August 14 - 4:53 pmThe braking system is excellent. Ride is very comfortable. Feel safer. I drive about 70-75 miles a day a combinaton of back country (23) stop and go city (5) and interstate (7). I get about 18.8 mpg with this type driving. Ive pulled trailer with no issue. Very fun! This is my 6th 4x4 and the best.
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Sports Car to Hummer, Easy Transition - 2006 Hummer H3
By THATCH - August 14 - 2:30 pmI traded an 05 Altima SE-R (260HP) for the H3 Luxary Package with Navigation. I have not been disappointed one bit. Brakes are great, and as for the power-- yes it is less than perfect but its a HUMMER and everyone just seems to get out of the way as soon as you look like youre going to move/turn, etc. Its almost humorous. Fit & Finish are the best Ive seen on a GM vehicle, ever. Interior styling is far superior to my past GM experiences. It is solid and quiet inside even on brick roads, railroad tracks, or backing over curbs... :-D The headlights are not HID, but they are built like HID with the cone type center reflector. I get flashed with brights more now than with HIDs.
