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:
Showing 401 through 410 of 459.00-
H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
By Yellow H3 - September 24 - 2:30 amPurchased Yellow Sport with cloth interior. Getting average of 17mpg. Motor could be tougher, but ok for city driving. Positives: Great stereo, turning radius, fits in garage, tough & durable, great off road, cool interior styling...nice fabric colors/textures..rubberized rear cargo surface is AWESOME..easy to clean, nice dash look & easy to reach. Negatives: Motor power, little tight for second row seating, window controls on arm rest hard to reach, lack of air vents & controls in center & rear of vehicle. Overall enjoying the vehicle..is fun to drive, feels sturdy & safe.
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Hummer lost its tingle - 2006 Hummer H3
By bigdadybry - September 22 - 5:53 amIf you have driven a large SUV equipped with a V8 engine, youll be VERY disappointed. The vehicle screams Hummer until you step on the gas. I went in to trade my Durango Limited (Hemi, AWD) and got to try out the Hummer for almost a week. I wish I could put the Dodge drivetrain in this vehicle, it would be perfect. GM could throw in a 350-400hp LS1 engine and they wouldnt lose much mpg. If you dont have anything to compare it to, you may not be disappointed. There should be another engine option.
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The Best off-road veh. GM has ever made - 2006 Hummer H3
By Jim Stamper - September 12 - 6:46 pmThis Hummer is fun to drive. Turning is a breeze on and off-road. I also love the interior - clean & simple. I also think GM has produced the best 4x4 in its entire history with this one...
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A Great Ride - 2006 Hummer H3
By Jo Brewer - September 2 - 5:13 amYou wont regret purchasing this. Plenty of room. The pickup speed is not the greatest but what do you expect from a 5 cylinder. Have owned a year with no mechanical probs whatsoever. The fuel economy is great for its size. Use it for on or off road. Thats what it is made for.
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H3.. first impressions - 2006 Hummer H3
By ccz - August 24 - 3:00 amWant a HUMMER but the cost of ownership preventing you from buying one? The H3 is a dream come true as it will provide you that genuine "HUMMER" experience at a reasonable price and it wont break the bank at the gas station either. I have owned my H3 for 6 weeks and logged about 2200 miles. I am very impressed with the H3 in every aspect except for the under powered I-5 engine but I see this as a trade off for the good gas mileage. the fit and finish of the H3 is exceptional the interior is very comfortable and roomy. the H3 has a very solid but "refined" feel on the road but off road is where the H3 truly excels as its probably one of the best "factory" stock off road vehicles ever made
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Ok - 2006 Hummer H3
By Hummer1 - August 15 - 2:33 pmThis hummer is one of the smaller ones and when i got it i dont think that the outside or inside is that good as the other hummers. I think if they do a H4 they should do an EXACT replaca of the H1 but just as small as the H3.
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My Review - 2006 Hummer H3
By valpo66 - August 8 - 1:10 amI have had this car since July...I used to drive a convertible...this is by far the most fun vehicle I have ever owned and now I can fit my family. I LOVE MY HUMMER! Its sleek cool and a blast!!!
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The Best - 2006 Hummer H3
By Bob - July 23 - 2:10 pmI have owned alot of vehicles and this is by far the best. Never have I driven anything that gives me the feeling of control on the road. The monsoon stereo is the bomb. Its definitely an attention getter everywhere I go.
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What A Sensational SUV!! - 2006 Hummer H3
By The Galangs - July 2 - 6:03 pmGoing from a BMW to an SUV, our expectations were very high. However, H3 showed me a different side that I have not experienced....the ride, style, features, safety, and yes its truly a "head turner". We have definitely gotten more compliments with our H3 than our other vehicles. Great Job GM!!
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A HUMMER for everyone - 2006 Hummer H3
By MHadden - June 9 - 3:30 amIve had the chance to drive an H1 alpha and the H2, and the H3 feels just as confident as its older and larger siblings. Since it has that HUMMER name you know it is capable of treking off road without worries. While driving the H3, it was noticeably quiet, even on MI roads. I have a manual transmission, and that transmission tunnel interferes with the gas pedal with my skis I call size 12 feet. Good thing was that the engine produced enough torque where it didnt need gas to start off, just let the clutch out and it goes! Definitely feel comfortable with the higher cut doors and the slit windows, although these hinder the view beside and behind.
