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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  Best Hummer Yet - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Ben Chambers - January 18 - 9:43 pm

  Ive always wanted a Hummer ever since the H1s came out. I got my H3 as a gift and just love it. The ride is great, smooth, and very un truck-like. The inside was very carefully thought out and it shows. Everything about it is great, except the gas mileage, but its what you would expect with a Hummer. Something else great about it, the price will not kill you. Its a great vehicle.

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  Love my H3! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By ch - January 13 - 1:26 am

  I love the H3 styling inside and out. Also the great ride/handling. I am amazed by all the Auto journalists bashing the H3 as underpowered -- arent these the same journalists who screamed about the terrible mileage of the H2?!? So Hummer makes a mid-size model that gets decent mileage for the segment, and now its underpowered? The H3 has adequate power - not too much, not too little. And decent mileage, especially considering its capabilities. In the real world, that is your tradeoff. It is very maneuverable and gives a commanding view and feel for the road. One of the most fun-to-drive vehicles I have ever owned. Im actually looking forward to Winter now.

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  H3 Rocks - 2006 Hummer H3
  By kevin - January 12 - 7:13 pm

  I absolutely love my H3. When I first started doing research on it the first thing that caught my eye was the horsepower. I must say it does just fine with the advertised 220. Its not fast off the line but once moving it can pass with ease. Bottom line its a hummer, its not made to go fast. The interior is spacious and well laid out. The seat controls are a little hard to get to but thats okay. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. If your thinking about it you need to go to the dealership and test drive one. Youll be surprised..

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  The H3 is the Best SUV Ever - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Terrance Toomey - December 31 - 8:33 pm

  Despite the complaints about the small engion, the gearing on the thing is brilliant. Living in Colorado I need the power for the mountains, and it has no trouble delivering. It handles like sports car, and rides like the living room couch.

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  Fun Ride - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Big Dog - December 9 - 8:06 am

  This is a go anywhere, over anything, fun ride. 20 mpg on the road. Heads turn when you roll down the road. Get one you will love it!

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  GM got it just right - 2006 Hummer H3
  By DWPC - November 19 - 1:53 pm

  Weve had our H3 (automatic with Offroad Pkg) almost six months, so a review is in order. Main use is local short-haul commuting. We occasionally go offroad. Considering the H3 is a true offroad capable rig, its in-town manners are great. It maneuvers better than many sedans. The street ride is kind of truck-like, but the freeway ride is great and amazingly quiet. Visibility issues are overblown; no worse than many popular cars. Engine power is adequate but more would be nice. Doesnt do well on grades at 70. Offroad the H3 is superb but thats a write-up in itself. We get about 13mpg in town (rarely above 40mph), 18+ on trips. Regular. One warranty item; sticky window switch. We love our H3!

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  Fabulous Drive - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Bob - October 26 - 8:20 am

  Fabulous drive. I have never had a vehicle that let me feel so much control just by its handling capabilities. Would highly recomend the adventure package and the monsoon stereo system.

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  Ten jeeps later - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Jimmy C Jones - October 23 - 10:03 pm

  After owning 5 new Jeep GrandS The new 2006 just looked to much like a van sorry I wanted a four wheel dive not a van! I looked at all of the big names, but they all looked the a same van van ect. last but not least the H3 True love at first drive! Why! ride fit and looks. Point it were you want to go and you will be there! Down side? Backing takes about the day or a week to get use to, Driver side controls a litte hard to find but no big deal. The ride says I CAN DO IT! An the H3 is the one to do it! My first trip was 800 miles, 19 miles to gal. Looks to many to be true! If you do not want to be seen do not buy! Onstar is great , for the real thing at great price just drive a new H3

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  H3 is for some not for all - 2006 Hummer H3
  By HMG - October 3 - 11:03 pm

  I knew what I was getting with this Hummer and so I love it! The H3 is unique vehicle for a the rugged SUV lover. If you want a SUV that rides like a car - the H3 is not for you. The H3 is fun to drive in its own right as the feeling of empowerment comes as stadard equipment. It is underpowered but with recent gas prices Ill take the fuel savings as a benefit of not having a V8.

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  Price is right, everything else is not - 2006 Hummer H3
  By jersey_emt - August 24 - 5:00 am

  Many Sport Utility Vechicles have neither sportiness nor utility. Luckily, the H3 at least has utility. Like the other Hummers, it performs admirably on unpaved roads and dirt trails. But there is definitely no sportiness to this SUV. It handles horribly. The ride quality is extremely rough. Visibility is extremely poor. It is still too big to comfortably fit in a standard-sized parking space. Forgot about parallel parking this thing. The engine is sorely underpowered for the weight of this vehicle. An 11-12 second 0-60 time is unacceptable and extremely unsafe. I do not recommend this SUV.