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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  Great SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Chico - January 8 - 3:43 am

  I received on of the first few out of the line and wanted to drive it for a little while before I posted a review. I now have 3,000 miles on it and I must say my wife and I both love it. I keep reading about how underpower it is... well, it is not a Ferrari... if you would like to go from 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds I suggest you buy a sports car. However, if you would like a nice sice SUV that can take you to remote places without a problem and at the same time will still look great when you park it in front of the Hyat. This is the car to get. I still think that any GM or Ford car over $25K is overpriced.

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  HUMMER - 2006 Hummer H3
  By GARY - December 16 - 2:53 am

  Nice machine, beefy and gets alot of looks. Why? Who knows. Is it because its a new vehicle, because of the black color, because of its unique design, or is it simply because its a HUMMER. I think Consumers Report magazine was way off on their review. Some findings are correct but overall it is nothing you cant live with. I find it to be alot less smaller than the gas sucking large suvs and some of those king size trucks. You wont feel worried driving this size HUMMER! It is much more efficient than many other vehicles on the road today! Good price!

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  h3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By zack - November 24 - 2:23 pm

  Really a nice truck. Has typical GM lack of thought. Hard to reach seat controls, window controls just where you would put your arm to rest, mi- installed exterior parts (upper marker lights, forward edge exposed makes horrible wind noise), no grab handle for the driver, no mirror for the driver. Overall a nice vehicle for the money it has just gotten the GM penny pinching that would have made it great!

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  Awesome vehicle - 2006 Hummer H3
  By aircruz - October 22 - 12:46 pm

  I have owned a ton of cars: VWs, Volvos, BMWs, Mercedes, Suburbans, Jeep CJ-7, etc... I currently own a GMC Yukon XL 4X4, Dodge Ram 4X4, Corvette C-5, and some old classics. I gotta tell you, this HUMMER H3 is an AWESOME VEHICLE! I feel it is the best looking HUMMER to date and actually works quite well on todays roads. The ride is super smooth and quiet with great handling and very tight turning radius. Mine is black with LUX package (leather, 6-disc CD Monsoon stereo, ONSTAR, etc.) auto-trans w/ stabilitrak, sunroof, chrome pkg., chrome roof rack, chrome tubular assist steps, side curtain air bags, XM radio, and trailer hitch. With gas over $3, I find the power more than adequate.

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  Baby hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Mari - August 9 - 6:16 am

  I had my "baby" hummer as many people refer to it since September, and i really like it. Its a real attention grabber, so get used to it. As far as power goes i dont feel it is sluggish when accelerating, the sunroof is great, very large the only problem is the visibility especially when backing up, Also i have the adventure package and there is quite a lot of noise in the vehicle when driving on the highway. i wonder if it is because of the huge 200 lb tires. Oh well i still love my "baby Hummer.

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  nice - 2006 Hummer H3
  By alex - July 4 - 5:10 pm

  I just got my h3 two days ago, its rely nice it drives like a dream, looks great, and the sunroof is huge. but i have put only 150 miles on it and it is already in the shop, i got a mesage "service 4wheel drive" some one came out from the dealership to fix it but i had to be towed, i didnt even take the vehical off road and it still broke, hopefully it was justa factory error and it wont happen again, thjis is common with new vehicals hopewfully no too common with mine

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  mid-sized muscle - 2006 Hummer H3
  By gulcappyjr - June 26 - 10:53 pm

  picked up my birch white adventure series on 8-13, loaded it with extras ie: black off road lights,mud flaps, brushguard,sidesteps, lampguards, monsoon system and chrome fuel door. the cloth interior is extremely comfortable. the 33 inch off-road tires make this hummer look awesome. do yourself a favor and do not worry about the horsepower the h3 is a fine tuned machine. the gearing is brilliant. cant wait for my next drive home. thanks gm this thing is a tank!!

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  Total Satisfaction - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Terry - June 15 - 8:16 pm

  Have owned Jaguar,Bentley,BMWs,Corvettes,and a variety of domestic and foreign autos in my life.The H3 brings an degree of owner satisfaction not found in most vehicles. The turning radius is awesome. The structural design gives a great sense of safety and security within the cabin. A joy to drive, ample power, despite bad press concerning same, and good mileage. Every tank with 90% city driving is at 16 mpg and it uses regular gas. The kind of vehicle which makes you create reasons to go somewhere. An extra feature is that my wife loves it as much as I do.Wish she had her own!

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  howell - 2006 Hummer H3
  By steven howell - June 11 - 7:20 pm

  I have been driving toyota since 1988 and the H3 changed me over. a fun vehicle to drive. only fall back is the h3 has very little front cab storage, change drawer, ash tray etc. and i do not like the open gas cap area. I dont think GM can out perform toyota engines but I will Have fun driving it.

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  Awesome - 2006 Hummer H3
  By CATMAN85 - May 18 - 5:06 pm

  Before my ordered H3 arrived I was concerned about power. Dont be. This vehicle is a great performer, great ride and its got class. Thanks GM.