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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  Best value - 2006 Hummer H3
  By RAY ROBBINS - December 6 - 1:20 am

  Having owned a H1 I didnt know what to think about the H3. Now I am convinced it gets the most bang for the buck!!! IT has the looks, the on and off road feel of a very capable SUV. When compared to other HUMMERS it has a remarkably low price. Together with good dealer service this is an unbeatable vehicle.

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  Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Kevin - November 3 - 5:23 am

  It has been one of the better purcases I have ever made. Plenty of room and power. I highly recommend this to anyone. Great off-road and great in the city. It turns heads wherever I go.

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  H3 Feel - 2006 Hummer H3
  By jaime lim - October 27 - 10:20 am

  Thoroughly enjoy driving the H3; looks like the larger sibling, but easy to fit into normal sized parking spaces and has good gas economy. H3 gets alot of positive comments for its look and the main question asked is about gas mileage rating. Im currently averaging about 18mpg combined city/freeway. The luxury model has leather seating and is very comfortable on longer trips. Ive owned the Lexus RX300 and Nissan Murano SUVs and the H3 is a worthy competitor in the midsize market and should be considered a US SUV market challenge to all off-shore manufacturers.

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  Oops, reality check - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Phil Mitchell - September 30 - 8:43 am

  Update to my 11/22 review. On 11/26 the transmission went out. Dealership says no others have been reported losing the tranny. They loaned me an H3, so I was happy with that. They took 2 1/2 weeks to fix it though! They have now had it longer than me. I got to drive one with the Adventure package, though, and liked the performance in a heavy snow that we had. Got my H3 back two days ago and seems fine. Keeping my fingers crossed. Love most everything else about it. Can live with the mileage and power. Lux pkg is nice. Do watch backing up, however.

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  The H3 is definitely me! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By J Woods - September 17 - 10:20 pm

  I fully loaded my new H3 with most everything and didnt break $40,000. This is by far the most fun Ive had and the thrill has yet to wear off. The leather seats are a must and are as comfortable Ive experienced. I absolutely love the FAT leather steering wheel! This should be an option in all GM vehicles. Power is just fine and is in balance with its decent fuel economy. Adventure package with 33" wheels makes the truck!

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  Dirt Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Yankeemike - August 16 - 9:06 am

  Got my H3 in Sept, went to Western Colorado and Moab Utah. Took out back seat to allow sleeping in back (getting old,dont like the ground any more, pitching a tent takes too long) Yes needs flat floor and about 4 more inches. Climbed everything, I Have off road package,( 5 spd)did need low range, didnt have to lock up the rear axel.Used the locker ounce at Moab, nothing too challenging as I dont have the nerf bars on yet. Gears are whinny in low range, the hold back feature on down hills is great, saves brakes. MPG on Hwy 17-18.5 in town 18-19!! Needs something up front to cut wind improve aeros. Door seals keep dust out, but allow it inside doors,pain to clean. needs 25 more HP.

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  SUV that actually goes off road - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hunter Executive - August 8 - 5:23 pm

  This is an SUV made for outdoors enthusiast not soccer moms. If you are a hunter, camper, hiker, etc., you will greatly appreciate the real value of this vehicle. If you really need a station wagon that is good on the road when it snows, you will be better served with a BMW X5/Lexus GX470, which are fine autos. Edmunds, knocks the H3 for cargo space, acceleration and towing capacity. The towing gripe is lagit (4500 lbs), but the acceleration is quite good especially 0-50. You only notice the power slump 50-80 when passing, but it is NOT bad and you will appreciate the improved mpg. As far as cargo space goes it is actually one of the best? Compared to a Touareg, BMW, etc. it is HUGE.

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  Just ok...... - 2006 Hummer H3
  By W.E. Scott - August 4 - 4:00 pm

  We ordered the vehicle in Feb 05. After months of anticipation, we finally receievd in June 05. Nice fit and finish. Vehicle runs and drives out ok. However, the 5 cylinder engine is anemic and the vehicle is severely underpowered. In addition, while GM was offering lots of incentives on all other GM vehicles, MSRP was the best we could do on this one. Since the lux-H2 is being offered at $49k with the employee discount/incentives program, it is a much better value for the money.

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  Superior Blue - 2006 Hummer H3
  By 104th Cavalry - July 28 - 2:26 am

  I am very pleased with my purchase. The H3 feels very solid and well built. It drives quite nice and cruise the highway well. The stereo is awesome. Everyone knows it is underpowered but as long as you are not looking for sports car performance, it is not an issue. The seats are comfy. Only complaints so far, the stereo is installed slightly crooked and pushes out the center face plate. dealer says bring it in and they will fix it but it is the attention to detail that hurts GM again. Second issue is weather or not the H3 come with a shallow pocket in the center console. This dealer says no and I did not get one, but I am pretty sure it did an it was not installed.

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  Hummer Love - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummer Love - July 12 - 10:20 am

  Have owned over 70 Vehicles, This rates up at the top 5%. As the engine breaks in it runs better all the time. It is not the Hemi engine, but I dont plan on towing anything. We have the moonsoon stereo, a must have! We have the auto, talk about handling on slick roads... WOW!