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 Hummer by Tommie - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Tommies Hummer - May 7 - 3:20 am

  Its an eye turner, looks all the time. Purchased with auto trans, Adventure off road package, Premiem sound system. Avg. about 15 mpg, Dont know if I had the standard suspension, but dont really like the highway ride with the adventure Pkg. alot of static using the radio system , mirror control should be lit at night, engine is fine if youre not looking to be a speed demon. Visibility limited use caution when backing.. Would I get another??? Dont know at this point ! If I would rate this from 0 being the worst and 10 the best I would give it a 7....

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  my first hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By my first hummer - April 14 - 9:16 am

  H3 is just great. The best and most interesting car Ive ever had. Drives great, excellent quality & 15 mpg around town.

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  My Hummer H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By DnDESGV - April 11 - 4:50 pm

  Love my 06, H3 Yellow Hummer, it is the best to drive and everybody stares at you and points, was a long time dream to have one and now I do. There is nothing else like it. Thanks

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  Great truck - 2006 Hummer H3
  By H3 - April 4 - 9:36 pm

  It rides nice and is fun to drive. have taken a trip and enjoyed the drive

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  hummer 3 is a good buy - 2006 Hummer H3
  By xavier sulsona - March 29 - 11:46 am

  very pleased, great look and quality. i wish that gm places a 6 cyl as a standard option.

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  Well Designed Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By New Huumer Buyer - March 24 - 9:23 pm

  Just purchased my Hummer and I can honestly say the designers at GM did the proper critical thinking needed to compete in a competitive auto market. It balances between power and economy. No its not a Porsche eater, but sufficent for its intended purpose. The build quality and choice of materials is great. Interior controls are well thought out and functional. Exterior design is rugged. Overall, my driving experience has been very positive with very few complaints. I would recommend this vehicle for its unique look, quality, and emphasis on fuel economy. This design will last the test of time, with continued slight modifications GM will have repeat buyers going forward.

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  Just What I Hoped - 2006 Hummer H3
  By oldboy - March 14 - 8:13 pm

  I have had 20 cars in my life, the most recent being the first car I ever leased, a Cadillac SRX. My lifestyle is not cut out for leasing (drive too many miles) and I was praying for a lease pull ahead to get this Hummer. As soon as the lease pull ahead came, I bought a new H3. I was hoping it would be as nice as my favorite car, my 1996 4Runner. Its better. The ride is just what youd expect, and the power is better than what I expected. It took a few phone calls to find what I wanted -- Red, luxury package with no sunroof, no chrome. The leather seats are much better than the cloth -- well worth the extra $. Stability and noise level at highway speeds are great. Highly recommend

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  I love this truck - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Patricia Burns - February 9 - 9:46 am

  This is a girls Hummer. Drives great, looks fantastic, and I cannot stop driving it! Where has this truck been all along?

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  I Love My H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By walc - January 24 - 8:10 am

  After a week of driving, Im really glad I bought an H3. Dont believe anything you hear about lack of acceleration or a cramped back seat. I say, "compared to what" - a Corvette or a streach limo? Visibility is somewhat limited. During a mild trail ride, I dented my rear bumper when I backed into a tree stump. I should have gotten out and checked before backing. The good news is it took my body shop less than a hour to replace the bumper. They said it was a very well-planned design and they only had to remove 3 bolts to take off the bumper. Total cost was $400.

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  Love My Hummer!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummer Girl - January 11 - 4:03 pm

  I test drove every General Motors SUV out there, nothing compared to the H3. The Hummer stops on a dime, is high off the ground, easy to drive and steer. The H3 can cut better at the wheel than my old Grand AM. The rear window was a concern for me since some people mentioned the spare tire blocking it. It DOES NOT block the rear window, it does maybe 2-3". I can see fine out the rear window day and night time. The side windows are smaller than the usual vehicle but you do not notice it at all. Gas isnt bad, afterall it is a 6000+ lb boxy vehicle. Im 53 and can drive this vehicle just fine.