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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  H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By arose4yu - August 10 - 9:53 am

  Before I purchased this vehicle, I heard the acceleration was poor. I do notice that you have to floor it if you are on an incline (like on a freeway), but I dont mind at all. This vehicle, to me is more about cruising than trying to race other cars. Havent tried offroading, but Im sure as Hummer it should be fine.

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  my H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Pat Jolley - August 9 - 2:28 pm

  I have an H3 with the 4x4 off road package. My car demands attention, It looks good, and has a dominating character off road. It gained my respect the day I was traveling to work on a 2 lane road at 60 mph. I turned the corner to find a truck turning without a turn signal indicator on. My reaction time was minimal. I veered to the left. He also turned in that direction. I then turned to the right with brakes pressed hard. My Hummer responded precise controlled, confident,and I was able to avoid the truck. My only complaints: not enough power on highway and limited visibility in rear window. Backing up is tricky. When they improve that Ill get a new one.I love my Hummer.My husband does too!

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  2006 Hummer H3 is FUN! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By rcdrig - August 9 - 11:56 am

  I have 5000 miles on this vehicle every mile of which was fun to put on. Fuel economy and performance are not great, but thats what I expected. The build qualiy is the best Ive seen from GM, and the design, both interior and exterior are done to perfection. The little offroading Ive done says this is the best off roader yet! On road and cleaned up this vehicle catches eyes including mine. Outstanding vehicle!

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  Swfla h3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By KYLE - August 9 - 9:46 am

  Great support, high clearance in water or rock, the 2 boys love it, i love a lot of mileage in fl, ga and nc this h3 has not been babied and it has stood the test all we do is change the oil, waiting for a bigger motor or diesel edition

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  Hummer 2006 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By 4drsuv4wd3.5l5cyl5m - August 3 - 3:58 pm

  The hummer is very comfortable to drive, excellent in winter conditions.The only downside is the amount of storage space in the rear, and the lack of storage space in the front interior. Other than I love it. Bob Brown

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  Luv this Hummer! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By luvmyhummer - August 1 - 1:17 pm

  We shopped around and finally decided to get the Hummer H3. We have the money to spend on the larger, but, for running errands and going to our 2nd home in the mountains, we feel the H3 fits our needs. I love how it looks, sound systems is nice and it is comfortable! The only draw back is that the rear window does not roll down - too bad for our 195 lb English Mastiff. We love it!

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  Darn Fine Ride - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Guido - August 1 - 3:56 am

  Youve read all the raps on this car already. It wont drive like a Porsche while pulling a house and still get 40 mpg. It is what it is; and I like it. Its comfortable to drive, handles reasanably well for a heavy truck, and it does everything I expected it to do. The power is sufficient and reasonably balanced with mpg. Interior cargo space is limited - but its because of the huge wheel wells for off-road suspension travel. I knew what I was getting in to and I got what I expected. Im very happy with that.

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  Eye Catching!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By mom of three - July 30 - 3:33 pm

  I love driving my Hummer. I purchased the luxary package in Boulder Grey and put 450 miles on it the first week I owned it. I have three kids in car seats, so it is a tight fit on the back seat. I have to be careful closing doors so no ones hand gets smashed. The cargo area is also smaller the expected. Again, it is a tight fit for the double stroller I carry. Overall, the kids love the Hummer as much as me. It get good gas mileage and the sound system and onstar are nice to have. The salespeople at our dealership bent over backwards for us to give us the best deal ever. We will definitely be repeat customers.

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  Hummer H3s are awesome - 2007 Hummer H3
  By josh cline - July 29 - 7:39 am

  Many people believe that hummers are gas guzzling blocks on wheels, but there is another side to hummer. A practical side, the H3 gets decent mileage for its size and performs off road like no other. also good to have on family cruises. How you ask? Well, by folding down the rear seats and extra 55 cubic feet is added to your compartment space. Also the optional roof hatch allows you to easily transport suitcases along with other essentials for family trips. Also, the H3 performs well on camping trips. For example, say you needed to pull a trailer with your camping gear in it. Well the H3 can pull up to 4963 pounds, so when your looking for a new midsized suv think hummer.

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  This is a great vehicle to own - 2006 Hummer H3
  By SHERYL - July 28 - 4:54 pm

  I have really enjoyed this car. It took me a little while to get use to the small windows but now I dont mind them. This SUV has a nice smooth ride, no road noise, and a great sound system. No matter where I go perfect strangers come up to me to ask about the Hummer. I have gotten more attention with this vehicle than any other I have ever owned. I would absolutely buy one again.