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 is a monster - 2006 Hummer H3
  By melvynray - January 16 - 3:50 am

  the h3 is a monster. i cannot get it stuck and i cannot get tired of it!!!

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  Orange Peel Baby! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By wooddorker - December 15 - 1:20 pm

  Two points stick in my mind, a total lack of power and poor QC. The Black H3 I drove couldnt get out of its own way and had heavy orange peel all over the body. Think of what anti-chip coating, which is normally applied to lower body panels looks like, now think of a whole vehicle that looks like it was painted with a roller. All of the in stock units had the same problem. Naturally, the dealer didnt seem to see a problem. The versions I looked at also had misaligned body and interior panels reminding me of a Cavalier. The H1s & 2s nearby did not look anywhere near as bad. A neat vehicle on paper, its too bad it got executed the way it did. Look closely before you b

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  1,000 Mile Review - 2006 Hummer H3
  By mymarisa - December 1 - 4:26 pm

  Cargo room in the rear is less than expected and smaller than smaller SUVs. Nice handling even in the worst driving conditions.

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  Myh3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Tina - November 22 - 12:36 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Fun to drive, cool to look at. Went from mini van Mom to Hummer Girl

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  Too Cool for Words! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Gonzo - October 8 - 11:23 pm

  We love our canary yellow H3 with luxury package and crome details! Such an eye catcher! Rugged and strong although a little meek when it comes to power! Lots of room, especially for passengers with long legs. Lots of safety features as well. Overall, an awseome value for the price! Too bad no employee incentives on these since they are 2006 models!

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  Great SUV, if youre single - 2006 Hummer H3
  By bradoh3 - August 19 - 2:36 pm

  The H3 is eye catching. It has a large sunroof, big step in height, and the Hummer lines. I think GM has created an excellent SUV to compete against itself. Much better than Trailblazer/Envoy/Rainer SUVs in handling and quality construction. However, this is no Lexus.The H3 is not designed well for families with kids. 3 cup holders and no place for sunglasses.I would think $38,000 would buy a little more. Drivers info center (nope), large center console (nope), easy to reach window and seat controls (nope). For people without kids or as a second vehicle it is very fun to drive, feels safe, and is smooth even with 33inch wheels/tires.Of course I still love my H3, even with its shortcomings

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  Lovemyh3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By VegasGal - July 21 - 1:13 am

  This SUV is phenomenal to my family and I. Its "rugged" capabalities are majorly impressive! Not the most power in its class, but were not looking to race a Hummer. lol. Its built for what its meant for. Going where everywhere else cant, and getting away from it all. It rides super comfortable, smooth. Keen suspension. Best Sunroof ever. Best Monsoon 7 Speaker system w/ XM ever. I cant say how many heads are drawn to it when its driving down the road. Looks like no other. Feels like no other. Is like no other. Happy Customer from Las Vegas

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  Awesome Little Monster - 2006 Hummer H3
  By John - July 20 - 10:03 am

  My family has enjoyed the H3 and will keep enjoying it. It has been a great addition and hope to keep it for years to come.

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  The car to have if youre a fun seeker - 2006 Hummer H3
  By hummer gal - July 19 - 10:40 pm

  I have had many cars, ranging from 5speedster convertibles to midsize to v8 trucks. The H3 is no comparison to either class, it would not be a fair comparison to the other cars. But, if you want to know, this is a car for a thrill seeker. Do not look for power because you shall find none. Do not expect the suspension of an avalanche or much less a cadillac, this car has a firm, sure of itself ride. I like the car not b/c it is the first one to escape the beaurocratic non- confrontational, tamed designs that have plagued the auto industry, the one that broke the mould. And, as previously said, it is just as fun to ride and admire from whichever angle. Wished seats were raised up a bit more.

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  A Economy Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummer Guy - July 17 - 3:13 am

  Very nice, strong vehicle. Awesome design, obviously a hummer. It gets plenty of head turns.