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:

• 

  Hummer Alpha 5.3 V8 - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Great - December 1 - 2:59 pm

  4runner owner before ... great to have a V8 powered vehicle ! much more power for towing. Instrumentation is well layed out ... but could use more convenient features on the steering wheel like the H2. Memory front seats would be a nice feature. Ipod and USB ports for the stero system is missing.

• 

  Hummer Alpha 5.3liter V8 - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Lee - December 1 - 2:39 pm

  Vehicle is very comfortable for long rides, visibility for the driver is limited but you get use to it. The V8 engine is great for passing and climbing up hills. There is some wind noise but to be expected from a Hummer. Suggest to use BF Goodrich TA tires ... better traction than the Goodyear all terrain tires. Door side pockets could be bigger to hold more stuff.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2009 Hummer H3
  By Goerge - November 27 - 8:56 am

  After searching for a reasonable off- road performer with some form of business class, I select the H3. I was drawn primarily by the look. I am very pleased with my purchase. The dealer was great and I highly recommend them. I had one minor problem, which was immediately addressed, great follow-up by the dealer and great service. The more I drive it the more I like it. Three misnomers that need to be overcome by Hummer: Their pricing is competitive The H3 does get competitive fuel economy Hummer is not representative of a mid- life crisis – it’s a great family vehicle

• 

  the new generation suv - 2006 Hummer H3
  By hummer-man - November 19 - 6:33 pm

  Great car, greats looks, it has enough power to take me where I need to go, and back in a fun way. Very easy to maneuver, park, and move around.

• 

  Worth it! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By tt - November 15 - 5:57 pm

  Ive owned several 4wds and I must say none are like the Hummer.Looking forward to the snow. Comfortable,quiet, 20mpg, fun and what an eye catcher. Is it ugly? Is it cute? Who cares its a Hummer!

• 

  So far, I love this vehicle! - 2009 Hummer H3
  By Bayrat - November 9 - 8:25 pm

  This vehicle is quiet and comfortable. With the V8, it performs well and returns a mixed driving average around 18 MPG. Visibility is not as good as some vehicles but better than others, you decide. I always back with my mirrors, so the rear window thing does not bother me. In fact, it nicely blocks the headlights of idiots that tailgate and blind you. I would like to see Hummer make the footwell a bit more user friendly i.e. indenting the transmission tunnel a bit more where you need to rest your right foot. The left foot has a nice rest. The base stereo is quite sufficient. This vehicle is a beast and although its only been mine for a month, I anticipate that it will hold up well.

• 

  Windshield - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Kurt Watson - November 6 - 11:51 am

  This is my first Hummer and I am impressed with everything. The only complaint I have with my Hummer is the windshield. I am on number three in less than two years. The design of a flat glass gives Hummer that "look" but it is a sacrifice to rock chips and easy breaks in the hot Texas sun. A nice option would be high impact or bullet proof glass.

• 

  H3 Heaven - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Heck - November 6 - 12:53 am

  This is one fine Hummer. Everything anyone could want and more. Great ride, great milage and go anywhere. This Hummer has everyone turning their heads and saying ,what was that!

• 

  not so great H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By kris karpinsky - October 30 - 11:53 am

  Engine is way too weak for a truck this size 3.5 l. 5cyl its a JOKE!!! This truck is clearly made for women driving to and from grocery stores Every single friend of mine who was driving my H3 is saying same thing great handling more like a car not truck, quiet and comfy inside, good looking interior but engine is so weak !!! beige leather got dirty after two weeks of driving ( Im driving to work 22.5 miles one way) probably because my black leather belt and jeans believe me Im using AC and Im not over weighted & 200lb. (by the way enough space inside to get in and out)

• 

  Cramped. - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Rsimon859 - October 12 - 7:18 pm

  For starters, I am 60", and 185LBS. The driver area is not suitable for taller, more built people. I feel cramped when I drive it. (I didnt choose this car, my parents did.) The windows are too small, the seats are hard to adjust, and the area is not spacious what so ever. The tiny 3.5 inline-5 doesnt perform to my expectations. Its slow, bulky, and when I go in the mud, it covers it in mud, (The mud flaps are a must). The CD player doesnt play homemade CDs, which really irritates me, so I must spend $300 on a new iPod. I am very disappointed with Hummer and GM for making this car so small. Really, you notice more Priuses when you drive it. I probably wont buy another Hummer again.