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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  Hummer H3 LUX - 2006 Hummer H3
  By xcitme - July 19 - 10:59 pm

  Having owned only sports cars in the past I was greatly surprised on how much I like the H3. The interior is very comfortable and user friendly (I highly recomend the luxury package). The H3 rides well and handles great. Sure it could use a little more power and the gas mileage is bad, but hey...its a HUMMER.

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  Love it! - feels like a $50,000 ride... - 2006 Hummer H3
  By cheappc.com - July 14 - 8:48 pm

  Ive been thinking of buying this since it came out last year, had a mercedes c class which I couldnt stand the problems anymore.. anyways I love the H2, was too "BIG" for me (dont like 8-10 mpg, no thank you). My H3 is bigger (inside & outside) than a BMW X5, way bigger than an X3 (though I love BMWs, i probably would have gotten an X5, but they are changing the body in a couple of months and I couldnt wait). I love the personality of this HUMMER, the Acura MDX - doesnt compare - nor does Lexus RX - the Infinity EggUv (i know they have nice reviews, but way too delicate for me)and way to mainstream in their design (they all look "the same" kinda). Got mine "FULLY" loaded for $35,000.00

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  Good But - 2006 Hummer H3
  By biobob - July 14 - 10:11 am

  Colorado driving is good but lack of power on hills at altitude is a major weakness. I looked into aftermarket superchargers but costs of $6000+ make them push the Hummer in to the next class of suvs. To try and overcome this weak point the 2007 has bored out the engine to get 20 more horsepower. I am testing one this week. However loading it up to 5400 lbs. and being pushed by a 5 cylinder engine is a strain.

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  Rues tonka toy - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Rues Tonka Toy - July 10 - 5:30 pm

  Fun to drive. Really a great around town cruiser getting +16 mpg. Lots of favorable comments from fellow motorist and the just plain curious.

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  Hummer news - 2006 Hummer H3
  By BM - July 10 - 9:14 am

  With hopes that the vehicle will hold its value and it has been a nice vehicle to own for the 2 weeks since purchase.

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  Its a Humdinger! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Terry - July 9 - 11:03 pm

  When you invent reasons to get in your H3 just for the thrill of the trip, you know youve picked a vehicle that will continue to be a source of enjoyment for many years.I had read reports before purchasing that criticized the power available in the H3, but I have not been disappointed.Taking into consideration weight and horsepower available;its adequate for my driving. Highway travel is very comfortable,even with the adventure package options,and you are not aware that you are exceeding the speed limit.My first four tanks of gasoline in city driving has produced 16+ mpg on each tank. Only complaint is window & lock button panel on driver armrest is where you want to rest your elbow.

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  Love this SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Disnydad - July 9 - 6:45 pm

  This vehicle has been fun to drive and mpg is much better than my old pickup with a V8. Not sports car like acceleration but this is a 5 cyl SUV. I have not had one mechanical issue to date. The H3 is excellent for offroad

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  Serious engine ping fixed for 2007! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Thomas - July 8 - 11:44 am

  I really love my H3 but have had quite a time trying to solve the engine ping, even the dealer is having a tough time. Upon doing a google did I learn 2007 model H3 will have a upgraded engine to remedy this. What do we do for the 2006 models?

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  love this ride - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Ruben - May 18 - 9:36 pm

  This vehicle is a head turner! Fun to drive and extremely quiet on the road. The 5 cylinder produces plenty of power to move you along.

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  Awesome but .... - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Aaron - May 8 - 11:03 am

  Bought my H3 Luxury Package in November after years of owning a Jeep Wrangler and I love it. There are some squeaks and rattles but it buries my old jeep. My biggest complaint is that there are no child safety locks on the doors, which I discovered this weekend when my 2 year old son opened the "locked" door at 45 mph. Major flaw by GM and their response was they think that the auto locks when the car is in drive is enough. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. So if you have more than one child just remember that they will be able to unlock the doors.