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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  3 year Owner of H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Chris - October 9 - 11:19 pm

  I purchased my Hummer in August of 2006 and I have ZERO regrets to this day. I have had no mechanical problems or anything that needed major repair. I have enjoyed my H3 and I consider it a great buy. Regardless of what you hear about being a gas guzzler, my H3 gets approximately 14 mgp on a 20 gallon tank.

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  No Regrets - 2008 Hummer H3
  By scout70 - October 8 - 12:12 am

  During the 1970-1980s I owned several International Scout vehicles. They were tough and unstoppable off road. Thereafter no vehicle really took its place. Jeeps just dont cut it and are of the cookie cutter variety. My Hummer is big, tough and safe. Fun to drive and I have been caught in several big snow storms. The H3 can go anywhere and is always reliable. I have no regrets about buying this car. Mine is loaded with all of the options which makes it nice. Dealer support is excellent.

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  Would buy again - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Coordinatorinpink - October 3 - 9:17 am

  I LOVE this vehicle. Yes, it does have a big blind spot but the mirrors make up for it. I love the oversized sunroof and the handling in snow and rain. Roomy enough for three car seats in back seat and love the room in the rear of the vehicle. Sluggish when accelerating and the MPG is low but overall I love it and would buy it again.

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  Why buy any other - 2006 Hummer H3
  By KL - October 1 - 7:10 pm

  The H-3 thus far has been an exceptional vehicle to drive. I recently completed a 1400 mile road trip in my new Hummer and it was fantastic.I just wish it had more cargo room.

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  2008 H3 - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Karen Kraft - September 28 - 1:08 pm

  Bought this for my daughter who is a brand new driver. Wanted a "tank" to protect her - we LOVE IT. It rides great and I feel better knowing she is in a tank. Handles really well - didnt know much about these but since most of the new inventory at the dealerships were low and they werent dealing because of the cash-for- clunkers, we went the used route. Went looking for a truck - buying the hummer h3 was a whim but we are very happy with the vehicle.

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  My Humvee - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Jan - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I am thoroughly enjoying this vehicle. I read 89 reviews at this website and only saw a few unhappy customers. Most of those expected the power of an H2. I havent had mine very long, but it certainly meets all my needs.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Hummer H3
  By ken - September 25 - 2:20 pm

  I have to say that owning this vehicle has been even more fun than I imagined. Good looks, nice interior, a solid build quality and just an overall good value. I have yet to drive a vehicle that I didnt think could use improvements and this one is no exception. I find it a bit difficult to adjust the seat due to the tight placement of the controls. Its a minor annoyance because I rarely adjust the seat. As far as the "power" issue is concerned, this powertrain works well for me. It tows my jet boat without a problem and the pickup (for me) is more than adequate. If an upgraded engine was available I would keep the extra money in my pocket.money.

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  HUMMER H3 - 2009 Hummer H3
  By stevenG - September 23 - 1:12 pm

  I have had my H3 for about 3 weeks, and it is the best. I am getting almost 440 miles per tank. Its really fun to drive. The only after market thing that I have done to it is the H3T wheels that I had put on

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  I Love My H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Gail - September 14 - 2:24 pm

  In the vehicle review it says that a Jeep owner would not trade their "Hemi" for the H3, I did. I love my H3. It is comfortable it handles curves better than my Jeep did. It may not be the fastest at take offs but it isnt a sports car its a sports utility vehicle. After driving the H3 I dont think I will ever go back to Jeep. And I have been a Jeep owner since 1998. I Love It!!

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  best suv that i ever owned - 2006 Hummer H3
  By keith - September 11 - 6:37 pm

  I previously owned 2 jeep grand cherokee. The hummer performance off road and on road is way better than the jeep. I am not looking for speed and the gas mileage is better than the jeep. Comfort off road is excellent much better than the jeep.