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 - 2006 Hummer H3
By doordonut3 - July 10 - 2:10 amI have enjoyed driving this vehicle more than any vehicle I have ever owned. The only car I would rate close to this was a 1999 Camaro SS. The handling and ride are better than I ever expected. Im 62 presently and I beleive I will always own a Hummer H3 along with my second vehicle. My congratulations to General Motors for providing me a vehicle of this quality for this price that is so enjoyable to drive. Everyone in my family and circle of friends has been very impressed. Thank You Again General Motors.
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Loaded 2006 Hummer H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
By Shaun Ritter - June 30 - 2:56 pmWeve had our new H3 for a month now and love it. We bought one completely loaded, LUX pkg, offroad pkg, navigation, homelink, locking rear differential, and dual dvds in the headrest. Were averaging 15-19 mpg like the sticker says. We love driving it and would highly recommend this over anything else in its price range.
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Just bought this yesterday - 2006 Hummer H3
By Debra Styron - June 24 - 7:00 pmI just bought the first one in MS yesterday. I am a 51 year old woman and I love this vehicle. My grown children are trying to steal it. I was so very surprised at how easy it drove and handled. I could not belive the handling on the highway. It was a much smoother ride than I was expecting. I have driven Cadillacs for years and I actually traded my CTS in on this truck. I am very excited about owning this truck.
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Best one yet - 2006 Hummer H3
By Rod Maker - June 19 - 11:40 pmThis one is a keeper. I have leased most of my vehicles but this is the one I bought. Handles very well, u turns are not a problem. Hard to get use to having people stare at us when we are driving. Fun vehicle.
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Watch out! - 2006 Hummer H3
By Shelby - June 16 - 9:10 amI am on my 2nd H3 now. The first I bought in Oct. 2005 and had rear noise at 35 mph. After 3 weeks in the shop and the rear axle replaced (do to lapping paste left in the vehicle after shipping) the car started again after it was returned to me and they have now given me another one. At just under 500 miles on the new one the comtuter module went out and had to be replaced. So far so good but I am ready for another car that is not Hummer or GM.
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Too Much Fun - 2006 Hummer H3
By AZ Off Road - June 13 - 2:53 pmThe vehicle is very nice. The handling is amazing, for its mass. The turning radius is very impressive, better than many sedans. On road, it rides very nice, everyone that has driven it loves its handling/ride. Off road, it is among the best available. Ive already taken it down a few trails and I am impressed with its capability over rocks, sand, mud, and inclines. The features and quality appear to be very good, which was more than I expected, considering the manufacturer.
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H3 Red Hummer!!!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
By jackgit - May 24 - 10:10 pmGot rid of my Yukon Denali XL for the H3. I wanted someting different, Awesome. I choose the Victory red with Prem pagkage. Added the chrome package & WOW!!!! Rides great. Im 6.2 & hae plenty of room. Heated seat buttons in a bad place for a big guy like me. Some minor complaints below. I did have a 04 Denali XL SLT......I swallowed 7 GMAC payments to get the H3 Did a deal way under invoice...... Used 1k GM card $ 39 mth lease.
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Awesome - 2006 Hummer H3
By Ranger* - May 14 - 5:36 pmThe H3 is the best SUV thirty grand can buy. Rock solid, awesome handling, and of course; its got the HUMMER look :)
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LOVE MY NEW H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
By RKA - May 7 - 10:23 amJust bought my first Hummer. Coming from a Mustang and the power it brings...My H3 is perfect!!!! I have read many reviews...some were very helpful others I will have to disagree. I cannot wait to take her on a long rode trip to test her legs long distance. I couldnt have purchased a sexier SUV. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT.
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luv it - 2006 Hummer H3
By hummerguy - May 5 - 12:10 pmTraded in my Avalanche for new H3. Much better mileage and the style really turns heads. Much easier to park and more agile. Maybe a little underpowered but rides great on the highway and off-road is supreme. Worth a look if you want a smaller SUV. Plan on trips with 4 people or less, 5 is crowded.
