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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  Looks Nice - Do Not Buy It - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Ralph - July 13 - 1:06 am

  Just bought the new H3. The new Hummer looks great; nice fit and finish; the engine is absurd. The H3 barely moves. You cannot safely merge into high speed traffic; any incline and you feel it constantly downshift. What was GM thinking? This engine cannot move the H3 safely. Do not buy this vehicle. Shame on General Motors.

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  H3: The new KING of HUMMER - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Elliott - July 11 - 10:16 am

  All in all, Excellent Vehicle. Perfect curves, looks sharp with chrome package (a must), Interior is clean and smooth with nice features and solid, luxury look. The ONLY Con is the power. I beleive Hummer would have done much better with an engine similiar to the V8 in the impala with auto valve shutdown. The 5cyl. was a good idea, but the 4700 pounds of weight stress the engine. A larger engine would have yielded more power and probably better gas value. The cars design, riding performance, and look more than make up for the underpowered engine. I give this car an 8.5 out of 10 rating. I have had the H3 for 2 months and I must say....I LOVE IT!

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  LuvsMyHummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Grabber12 - July 5 - 5:53 am

  Ive had my H3 since August and love it more every day! For those who question the power - This hasnt been an issue at all for me. Ive had no trouble passing vehicles (though I have had a hard time keeping it under 70 mph on the hwy) and wouldnt give up my good gas mileage to go back to my old V8. The styling is great. Looks tough as nails going down the road (or mountain) but with a smooth ride. Love my leather seats & dash design - looks modern. The turning radius is fantastic & the moonroof is huge. Ive had to get use to backing up - limited view, windows are pretty high (my arms have a hard time reaching the drawer at bank drive-through) but I love 98% of it! A head turner!

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  Superior Blue - 2006 Hummer H3
  By 104 cavalry - May 12 - 1:20 am

  I bought it after comparing the the Jeep Commander to the H3. The Commander had so amny more options but the H3 appearance kept me coming back. The exterior looks are great, the interior is very comfortable. With the size to the H3 a little more leg room could have been found for the rear seat area. The stereo is the best I ever had from the factory. The dash is simple and clean. The stereo was mounted slightly crocked but the dealer took care of that. The ride is very good. The engine, no surprise here, could use a few more horses but considering it is a TRUCK and not a sports car it move well at highway speed.

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  HUMMER H3 LEAVES COMPETITION BEHIND - HA - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Alex S - April 23 - 4:23 am

  I bought my HUMMER H3 this last weekend. When I was at the dealership there were literally not enough H3s in stock to have one for everyone who wanted to buy one. Once you drive the H3, you know why: this HUMMER is BY FAR THE BEST car I have ever driven. I traded in my Mercedes C class and consider my H3 a big step up. Its roomy on the inside, just the way I like it, and its styling is a vast improvement over the somewhat random and seemingly cheap-looking interior of the H2 - this one is definitely a lot more refined. The exterior remains as edgy as I think a HUMMER should be. HUMMERS are not for the faint of heart or for people who like to conform - and thats good. GREAT PRODUCT.

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  4 season winner - 2006 Hummer H3
  By gary - March 27 - 8:40 am

  I just got my new H3 and tested it on NHs class six roads and regular highways- Super comfort and had a sure footed feeling all day. Coming out of 2004 4x4 Ford pick-up to this is like nothing I can describe. I give it 2 thumbs up-

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  Love my Hummer - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Bob M. - March 19 - 2:11 am

  This is by far my favorite vehicle that I have owned. Its fun to drive, reliable, and comfortable. Ive had Elmo off road in the snow, ice, Mud and sand and never had an issue. Im constantly looking for a reason to take it off road. Weve had it down the beach in Corolla Outer Banks to see the Mustangs. Up the mountain to go hunting and shooting. I cant say anything bad at all. I wish they would start making them again!

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  Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Kelly - March 11 - 8:43 pm

  200% recommend!!! This has been the best vehicle Ive ever purchased! Has gone through snow like no other vehicle Ive owned! Love it!

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  H3 REVIEW - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Melanz - February 18 - 7:53 pm

  This is the best 4x4 I have. I have 4runner but I enjoyed and feel safe driving this car. MPG is great. Quiet and nice ride too. I like the exterior and the big tire. Interior looks beautiful also.

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  Give me a HUMMER H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Jynelle Sass - January 24 - 5:23 pm

  Our family loves it. Great SUV and the extra accessories/packages are worth adding to the vehicle.