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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  Hummer - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Gus Moore - June 25 - 3:30 pm

  I bought a loaded 2008 H3 with just 30k miles and kept it just 5 weeks before trading it back into the dealership. In that 5 weeks, I had to buy a $150 battery (come to find out it was the third battery the vehicle has went through) and jump start the vehicle 4 times something that you shouldnt have to do to a $25,000 SUV. When it did actually start, I found the 5 cylinder engine woefully under- powered which would be acceptable if it got better that 14 miles per gallon (My trade-in was an 03 F150 4x4 V-8 that got that good!) The H3 looks are fantastic but as my wife "Its all show and no go". That coming from a woman who drives a 2009 Scion xb 4cyc. After 5wks, I traded.

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  Nothing - 2006 Hummer H3
  By mariakh@nisswa.net - May 5 - 5:42 pm

  I bought on 3-17-2010 we had it for 2 weeks gas mileage is horrible, it wore one tire very bad had to go back in to check out, then one week ago the wiring harness burned up and we ended up paying for some of it, also the tire I had to pay for half of it. I personally think its a recall?

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  Nothing Comes Close - 2006 Hummer H3
  By hummerfan - May 3 - 5:08 am

  Bought the vehicle used but fell in love with it ever since I test drove it. No other SUV will give you more driving power than the Hummer. Its certainly a head turner and no doubt be ruling the lanes (if you signal and make a lane change) cars beside you will yield to you (Thats the fun part of it). Though I have had some problems with the sun roof drainage system which gets clogged when you go off road and cause a mess INSIDE the passenger side and gets it all wet. But you can clean it out easily with low pressure air blown at it. definitely an envy during the winter or winter storm season. Every vehicle gets stuck will wish to be in your ride.

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  Blizzard Beater - 2007 Hummer H3
  By COL Rhino - April 10 - 12:37 pm

  We bought our 07, base, black over black, 5 cylinder engine, auto transmission, H3 Hummer, used with 32,900 miles on it. This baby is a real blizzard beater. We bought it during the second blizzard of 2010 in the Washington, DC area. Absolutely a great choice for us. Nothing stopped it. Looks great, dependable and runs great too with a comfortable ride, reasonable power for both in-town and highway driving and the Onstar and onboard telephone service is really useful. We are definitely ready for next winters snow. Meanwhile, we are enjoying the Spring and Summer months. The A/C has kept me cool in unexpected Springtime 96 degree temps, while sitting in rush hour traffic. Grrrreat!

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  Hate to See the H3 Go ! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By robertHummer - April 9 - 9:47 pm

  After 3 years and 50k miles, the lease is up. Hummer was a trip to own. No major problems . I would say the windows are too small and going to a "drive through" is torturous. I have to contort myself to get to the bank teller or McDonalds window. Overall H3 was slightly underpowered. The interior space seamed cramped. I dont think they designed the 07 with BIG PEOPLE in mind. I was uncomfortable . I enjoyed the response of people who were excited by its design. Comfort in a car is most important. It is a magnet for people though. I felt luxury from others but it lacked comfort from its design. I hope they improve.I wish Hummer Well!

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  African H3 - Everybodies dream car - 2008 Hummer H3
  By H3 African Component - March 26 - 12:20 am

  I love this car, SUV, truck, transporter or call it what you like. The only negative comments I ever get is from somebody that does not drive one. My wife and my 2 kids love the HUMMER. Out here in South Africa we have a lot of trails, bush and off road areas and we just wish we had more time to track them all. It parks easy, drive comfy and attracts attention

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  Love my mellow yellow! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By cachito2 - February 26 - 5:44 pm

  Fell in love with it the moment i saw online that it was being built. Ordered ours early and got the bright yellow in October 2005. Has always been a head turner even to this day. Lux package so the interior looks great and has been durable, great leg room, nice big sunroof and great stance overall. Been on quite a few long trips Fla & SCar, etc. except for a few minor issues, knock on wood has been reliable overall. We live in upstate NY so get alot of snow, since yesterday got 30 inches, my car left me stranded last night, wife rescued came to my resuce, i was in total awe how our h3 went through the snow, was really proud and reminded why got it in the first place..luv it!

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  HUMMER Family - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Doug R - February 25 - 6:39 pm

  We liked the 2007 HUMMER so much we bought a second HUMMER in 2009. Now my wife and I each have one to drive. We love the security, safety and comfort of the ride the H3 provides.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By CAWillie - February 2 - 9:09 am

  Bought our H3 in July 2006. Have both loved and hated it at times. It is flawless in snow and mud..goes anywhere you want. While it has been dependable, it has also been irritating at times. The passenger compartment is too cramped. It is a fight to get my arm between the seat and the door to adjust the seat. The heated seat buttons are hard to reach on bottom of seat. It would have been so much better to have them on the dash. A baby seat behind my wifes seat barely leaves her enough room to be comfortable, knees on dash. Despite negative comments, we both still like it. We have rescued stranded friends and pulled tree stumps out of yards with no problems. We would buy it again.

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  I Like This Vehicle - 2009 Hummer H3
  By Hemato - January 27 - 8:50 am

  With V8 it performs very well as a beast defeating I Think all its competitor in its category it has solid built Also its not that bad in fuel economy it depend in how you drive it and its better than allot of off road vehicles in fuel economy it has standard quality appearance of interior which I prefer it simple and solid I like this car its all I need