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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  LDP - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Luis D. Pineda - July 12 - 4:53 pm

  Its design is elegant, definitely distinctive from the rest, specially when compared with similarly priced suvs. My wife and i love it.

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  Killer on Gas - 2006 Hummer H3
  By tommie N J - May 24 - 7:43 am

  Own it now about 8 months, looks great, nice ride, great sound system as long as its just using CDs and this is the optional system, 1,100 dollars !!! I cant understand the folks here getting 20 + miles per gallon On the Hi- way Im lucky in getting 16 mpg . My lease is up in 2 1/2 yrs. thank GOD Only thing i can say it that it does ride nice and looks great interior has some issues, IF youre looking to purchase one remember gas will be about $3.75 by the end on the summer

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  New H3 Lux and Off-Road!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By MiKe - May 9 - 2:40 am

  Awesome.Traded my dodge hemi in 4 it and love it. Less getup and go but love it! Great looks-rides great road noise isnt bad-nothing u cant cure by turning up the monsoon stereo system. Drive to Dallas 3 times a month and its been great. I did notice i have no place to hang my dry cleaning-No Hooks in back? Could move the seat heater controls to where you can see whether the passenger side is on or off and make more room for your hand to access the seat controls. Also I agree with moving the window controls up a bit as someone else pointed out in a previous review. Otherwise no complaints. I used my GMID and got the vehicle @ Invoice.I highly recommend getting one if youre looking at buying an H3.

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  feels cool - 2006 Hummer H3
  By william - March 30 - 8:26 pm

  I have never owned a suv that i had so many people ask me about. its a head turner and something very different from others. its an over the top ride without an over the top price. As my girl friend put it, its a SUPERCAR!

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  needs more power - 2006 Hummer H3
  By tennessee - March 3 - 1:33 pm

  the 5 cylinder engine is way under powered especialy when passing, this is due in most part to the 4700 lbs that it weighs which is almost as much as a 2wd nissan titan truck 2wd, the interior is very bland, and the abillity to shift between 2 and 4wd is not an option, for its size it feels very top heavy while cornering, this will be a good grocery getter , remember jeep liberty.

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  LOVE MY H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By MICHAEL - February 9 - 1:26 am

  I love the way my H3 drives & handles. It is nice & quiet inside while driving.

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  great ride - 2006 Hummer H3
  By K.P. - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  This SUV is fun to drive. My wife prefers it on the road to her Envoy. Took it from Texas to Colorado and back and got 19.5 mpg using premium gas in the Rockies. No problem getting over the passes. Great fun on back country roads.

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  Just had it 10 days & lovin it! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Phil Mitchell - January 7 - 3:40 pm

  Just had a yellow H3 for 10 days but just love it! Never had a vehicle that caused so much stir. Everyone comments and loves it. Comfortable, stable, decent mileage, excellent equipment, great quality, and fun. Cant wait for it to snow! Would def. recommend. My daughter has a Mercedes SLK and wants to drive the Hummer! It must be cool.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Leslie Rink - January 4 - 11:10 pm

  We just purchased our new 2006 H3 and we absolutely love it! Its a blast to drive. Very plush interior. All of the bells or whistles you could want. Smooth driving, peppy engine and great brakes. Responds well. Great visibility with large side mirrors I think the third time is a charm for the H3. The price is just right. Great for around town comfort. Seating for five. Secure feeling drive. A must have for the offroad enthusiast who loves all of the Hummer qualities. Simple stated, "We love our Hummer" We have always wanted one and now we can afford to have one. Take one out for a test drive and see for yourself!

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  I love my H3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Tracy Sobel - December 18 - 10:10 pm

  I just purchased the H3 in November 05. I love just about everything about it. One thing though ... they didnt put enough interior lights especially on the visor mirror. Very happy with the way it drives. :)