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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  Likin the H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Todd - April 29 - 2:56 pm

  Great SUV which gets a lot of looks! Poor visibility and a little bit of a rough ride.

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  Great - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Maelt - April 3 - 2:56 am

  It was great but the gas used per mile was awful! Other than that, it was a great expeirience to drive the Hummer! If you dont have one, you should give it a try! If you have one you know how it feels to drive it!

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  Hummer w/ adventure PKG/auto - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Tommie - March 18 - 2:53 am

  After riding and owning several SUV ,This Hummer is an eye catcher, Ride is kinda harsh , Dont know because of the stiffer suspension in the Adventure pkg. But all round its a good package. Could use a bigger engine,foot room at the gas and brake pedals could be wider. This is a nice vehicle but had owned and driven better. use caution when backing limited view

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  Love it for what it is - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Mark Phillips - March 9 - 6:56 am

  We absolutely love our hummer, we got both the luxury package as well as the adventure package and this vechicle off-roading is unbelievable. However it truly struggles in the mountains of Nevada towing our boat which weighs a total of 3700lb (boat & trailer) it definitely needs a bigger engine. Overall we love it and have had alot of looks and questions regarding it. We will definitely be looking at the 2008 with the bigger engines for a trade in, but for now we are enjoying it and having alot of fun with it !!

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  2006 Hummer Review - 2006 Hummer H3
  By HummerOne - February 12 - 6:40 pm

  A bit too many squeaks and rattles when bought, but otherwise an excellent vehicle. Not a powerhouse, but plenty of power to climb the mountainous terrain around AZ. Great gas mileage for a pretty hefty sized vehicle (4700 lbs) with almost 20 mpg highway. Excellent interior style and comfort, even on long rides. Very quiet ride even at highway speeds. Great layout of all controls. Lots of ground clearance combined with the locking rear differential makes this vehicle a true off-roader capable of anything a jeep can do. Keep up the good work GM.

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  My H3 had some bugs - 2006 Hummer H3
  By H3 Owner - December 25 - 4:53 pm

  As with any new car or truck, you might run into problems, but my H3 has been in the dealers shop 5 times now for different things from the rear window panels were warped from the heat of the sun from the H3 sitting in storage. The passengers seat belt had problems, The Bigger was the belts sqweek for an hour after I started it and made a loud chirping sound. The dealer rep said that this is a common problem and theyre using special belts down for it. My H3 was fixed and so was seat bel problem. Just got recall notice in mail about rear window washer needs replacement. Back into the shop it goes =( I still love the truck very much, but I hope this is the last dealer visit.

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  Awesome H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Johnnie Vegas - December 22 - 11:43 am

  Hi Everyone: I read everything on the H3 before buying it. Its underpowered and all the other quirks about. I can tell you I only have a 1000 miles on it thus far. But, the H-3 is awesome. I dont notice it being underpowered. I have a Jeep Liberty with the V-6 and that is pretty Doggie. The H-3 has excellent torque. I think I could climb a flag pole with it. So, far we are very happy with it. Did, I forget to tell you we are getting 18.9 mpg. The V-6 Jeep Liberty Limited we are lucky to ever get 16 mpg. I love it so far and would recomend it to anyone. Sincerely, john

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  James Sr ICT - 2006 Hummer H3
  By James Sr ICT - November 13 - 5:23 pm

  This SUV is a blast. Well built and sexy. I bought it last mo, so Ill be back in 3 or 4 mos to re-review when I know more about its character. This SUV is well worth looking at for the money.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2006 Hummer H3
  By CURTIS PAUL - September 26 - 12:36 am

  Armrest on drivers door too far back. Cant reach window or seat controls easily. Needs power seat option without leather seats. No leather wanted, i live in florida. Went to mountains on vacation and got total 19.7 Mpg. This suv is just fun,fun,fun. Our son bought one and he loves his also. It is alot better than the big fords and lincolns. We are treated with respect and admiration everywhere we go in it. Our dealership is very serious with these vehicles and their owners. This is one of the best vehicles i have ever owned. I also own a black c5 corvette. Both are quality automobiles. Not bad for an old mopar lover, huh ?

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  6 Months under 130 Degrees Fahrenheit - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummer 924 Qatar - September 24 - 10:13 am

  No mech. problems so far but the engine temp reaches the redline at noon especially when accelerating. A/C works fine if the car had been shaded. Otherwise, it wont! people sitting in the back? tough luck. Limited rear seating and no rear A/C. I can live with the weak engine, you know, its a HUMMER statement. Go for Tahoe or TrailBlazer if u want power n speed. H3 Handling and cornering is unbelievably good. Visibility is hard at traffic lights but good when the sun is baking ur head at 45 d angle. Poor finishing, the buttons started to peal off, but the black enterior I got is satisfying my needs. comfortable ride even with the leather but too noisy on highways. Monster on sand n ramps.