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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  So far, SO great!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Paul Pelliccio - October 30 - 10:40 am

  Great to drive, good gas mileage. Not as much power as Id like but aside from that, AWESOME!

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  Buyer Beware - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummer problems - September 3 - 8:06 am

  I have a H3 that has been in the shop for 37 of the 65 days I have owned it and still counting. They are replacing the rear trans axle for the 3rd time. I also have had the rear sub replaced. They are now trying to find some strange noise that is in the engine compartment. They have 2 techs working on it and 2 engineers from GM. The catalytic converter had something wrong with it and was robbing power. I am trying to get them to buy it back as we speak. Its not that I want to drive something else I just dont want this one. If you start hearing a whinning noise at about 35 mph you have the same problem.

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  So cool, so different - 2006 Hummer H3
  By KBROUSSA - August 29 - 7:20 am

  Being totally tired of cookie cutter designs, settled on the h3 as the antidote for boredom in my everyday drive. For a little more than a comparably equipped trailblazer one gets a unique tank-like suv with cool fator way up there.

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  L-o-v-e it! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Blk Hoss - August 23 - 6:46 am

  Took delivery on our H3 10 days ago, OMG,I love it.Oh did I say that in the title?Its a head turner and Ive had dozens of people,mostly men,stop me to compliment and look it over closely. All interior components are easy access and user friendly. The monsoon stereo is like driving in a concert hall. Plenty of room for my stuff and my dog too! The exterior is,well,its a Hummer,need I say more? It handles like a dream, great turning radius and good acceleration. The power was our biggest concern but not anymore. I drive two canyons to get to my home and it breezes right up in the fast lane.If Id wanted a muscle car I wouldnt have looked at any SUV.Finally a Hummer I can own!

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  Its great! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Matt - August 20 - 12:50 pm

  I have had my eye on the new H3 ever since I heard Hummer was going to make one about one year ago. This vehicle lives up to the hype. Its all the tank that the H1 and H2 are, but more economical. It gets great gas mileage, and fits in my garage. It turning radius and its torque are what impress me most. This is an exceptional off road vehicle....

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  2006 Hummer H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Thollinsead - August 16 - 6:20 am

  Handles beautifully in city and freeway driving. Off road its a dream car. Its a wonderful car to take fishing, hunting or rock hunting. Even with automatic transmission, I get 19 miles per gallon on the freeway.

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  Im in love with Harriet my Hummer3! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Cindy - August 14 - 4:33 pm

  I was hesitant about buying an H3. Wasnt sure if I liked the look of it. But, when I actually saw it pull in my driveway, then took it for a cruise, I was IN LOVE. This is an awesome SUV. Cannot imagine driving anything else! And here I thought I wanted a BMW lol

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  Excellent - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Bert - July 26 - 5:06 pm

  Great SUV. Absolutely superb off road capabilities! If you want this to drive to the store, then dont get it, but if you are an off roader, you will be very much satisfied!

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2006 Hummer H3
  By fred - July 23 - 1:46 pm

  this car is great to have yet it doesnt have great gas mileage it fun to drive and drives wonderful.

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  Too Bad - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Ralph - July 22 - 5:00 pm

  Bought the H3 with lots of anticipation. The vehicle looks great and rides very nicely. Fun to be seen with. BUT, at this point I would not recommend it. I do not need a rocket ship, but this H3 is so under powered that it is simply not acceptable. The engine is not up to the car. Slow is an understatement. Had GM had any sense they would have put a Chevy V8 in the H3 and then you would have had something wonderful. As it is, the H3 is just terrible only because of the weak engine. Would not tell anyone to buy it.