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 451 through 459 of 459.00-
Very Satisfied - 2006 Hummer H3
By mewtwo - August 3 - 12:13 pmMy H3 has proven to be an awesome car/truck. It carries everything easily - surfboards, dogs, and people. I dont worry about scratching a thing since most of the interior is plastic. Its a fun car to drive and the ride is surprisingly good - quiet, comfortable, and safe. It handles very well and has a great turning radius. Visibility is not as good as an average sedan, but then again, this is not a toyota camry, and Ive adjusted to taking an extra second to look before I change lanes. Ill be curious to see if they come out with a diesel or hybrid version given all the backlash about gas prices. Either way, Im already thinking of buying the next generation of the H3.
-
HMMWV with Comfort & Style - 2006 Hummer H3
By Bruce - July 13 - 3:23 amThe H3 is a great looking vehicle that turns heads. Enough power for what I need it to do, easier on mileage than its big brother and it handles and negotiates as well in parking lot as my wifes Cooper.
-
Our second Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
By Ron Harman - March 30 - 11:00 amWe were impressed with the looks of our 2004 Hummer and liked the ride just as much. Our new 2006 model is even better!
-
H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
By LIVE42D - March 26 - 5:40 amLove it. It is designed strong practical and safe. Fits me like a well made glove. I have a 25 year backgruond in aircraft tech. I know quality when i see it. Thank you hummer. Hewee chopper crew chief army nam era.
-
Very Sharp and Affordable - 2006 Hummer H3
By Kevin - March 12 - 8:26 pmI really enjoy the new Hummer H3. I bought it for my wife but I enjoy driving it too. The upgraded sound with woofer sounds great. Everyone also tells you how nice it looks. Dont they know it was only $38,000. You get heads to turn when the chrome is shinning. Only thing I wish they would of allowed was Chrome Wheels on the added off road package, but I may buy some aftermarket ones this summer. Overall I would recommend a test drive to get you to consider buying one.
-
dont bother - 2006 Hummer H3
By yellow enzo - January 29 - 11:13 pmThis is car is sooo slow trying to drive it around a city you might as well walk or risk being rear ended. The H3 so uncomfortable. its loud, tippy and drives like a milk truck, it had 1,800 miles and looked as if it had 40,000 the interior was already falling apart. Ohter than that the fuel economys not bad and it looks like a baby H2 if you like that sort of thing buy anything else
-
Adventure Package WORTH IT! - 2006 Hummer H3
By Vertical - January 27 - 9:33 pmThis is my first POV Hummer, I have been in the Army/ Reserves for +10Yrs and really like the rugged tough as nails looks of this car, it has functioned thus far flawlessly and I only dilike the fact that the rear headrests dont fold down like the Trailblazer I had before because that would help rear visibility. We have taken it up the High Walls of a local strip mine and many tracks lead up but, few go all the way!!!
-
The Fun H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
By JP Pappas - January 20 - 1:16 pmThis is a comfortable , fun, eye catching Hummer at a surprisingly low price. Its a great value.
-
Love my H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
By Kevin Winslow - January 20 - 12:43 pmI have owned a lot of cars and trucks and my H3 is the best ever. I recommended it to any one. It is a blast to drive and handles great
