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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  H3 is not like anyother - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Army Whaleship - August 28 - 7:45 pm

  I have ridden Harleys and driven sports cars from Porsche to Datsun 280Z. Have driven Army jeeps and 3/4T trucks. Own a new Honda Pilot. This H3 drives and handles like no other vehicle I have ever driven. Cant explain it unless you have driven it. I am 63" and its a little difficult to see through the entire front windscreen (and the rear- view mirror kind of blocks out a part of that frontal view). I have gotten as much as 15.5 mpg driving in mountainous areas (city driving... Ha!). It turns on a dime. My wife and I love it (I bought it for her)... we always have a smile before and after we take it for a drive. No need to have a destination. Just driving it is fun enough!

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  Best 4X4 Ive ever owned - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Calibrator - August 6 - 8:59 pm

  I bought our 2007 Hummer H3 used from our Hummer dealer with 22,000 miles. Black with Black leather interior with chrome accents. This vehicle turns heads! Great sound system. The interior control knows are nice a big (to match the vehicle) and function great. The sunroof is huge! I mainly bought this as our alternate vehicle for weekend fun and harsh weather. I cant wait for snow! It has an extremely tight turning radius. It is a pleasure to drive. It handles well at highway speeds. Fuel economy is okay but on par with other SUVs and minivans! Ive owned Jeeps amd Yukons and this is by far the best of all! My Jeeps or Yukons never turned heads like this 4X4! Awesome!

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  Luv it but... - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Abbass - August 2 - 4:56 pm

  Love the vehicle. For a mid size SUV, its reasonable on gas and is aesthetically pleasing on the inside and out. A very smooth ride and although powerful on the highway, it lack passing power. It is spacious for the driver and passenger but a bit cramped on the back seats. I live in Toronto and so are winters are pretty brutal but a joke for the H3.

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  LOVE my H3! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By hitman - July 28 - 4:59 pm

  Ive had my H3 for a few yrs now & I love it more & more. I live in Chicago so I have to deal w/horrible winters & the H3 barrels through any obstacles (ice, snow, standing water, etc). I mainly use it for daily commute & while gas mileage isnt that of a Prius, its on par w/Jeeps, etc. that Ive owned in the past. Make sure you get step-tubes b/c the car is pretty hard to get into w/o them. Overall, I love my H3 & definitely recommend it!

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  2006 Green H3 Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By GreenH3 - July 22 - 3:56 am

  The H3 is a blast to drive, especially off-road. Ive driven it through 2 feet of water and mud and it just kept on chugging. The engine could use a little more power but it is adequate for the H3. The turning radius is unbelievable. The interior is fantastic with plenty of room. The drivers view is excellent. The sunroof is extremely large. The H3 can be a little tricky to get in and out of due to its height so a step-up bar may be necessary. Overall, definitely a 10. Hummer has a winner on its hands.

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  close, but not quite - 2007 Hummer H3
  By R. OConnor - July 10 - 4:22 pm

  We wanted something different than the normal SUV and settled on the Hummer H3. It is so close to being a good vehicle but it has some drawbacks that would keep me from buying another one. The engine power is weak, the sideways opening trunk is not practical for towing anything, you cant reach the seat controls on the side unless you open the door, the horn is a joke (youd be better off rolling the window down and yelling "excuse me"), and the rear seats dont fold flat. The monsoon system is awesome though, the height at which you ride is great, it has a surprisingly good turning radius, and the ride is nice. If GMC could fix the issues identified we would have been thrilled.

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  Big and Bold! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By OFiroz - July 5 - 4:02 pm

  Hummer is one of the best vehicle I drove, I had Explorer,Pathfinder,and Mountineer as 4x4 vehicles. HUMMER provided the best comfort and road respect! I fixed xenon lights and some stickers in the side to make it more appealing. I love this vehicle. Had some squeaks in the rear wheels and front right wheel. Only while turning the vehicle. Lack of power is an issue. No! Actually it is a big issue. Giving the consideration to the 5 cylinder Engine it is forgivable. 2009 Alpha would be better with V8, but then it is far too expensive. Strangely I liked the fabric seats better than leather. Almost all American vehicles have this arrogance and haughtiness. Hummer also not an exception!

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  PERFECTION SOOO CLOSE! - 2008 Hummer H3
  By JERRAD - July 1 - 12:11 am

  ive owned 3 hummers my 06h3 was totaled rolled at 45mph no injuries walked away, hummer still running. owneda variety of high end suvs like rangerovers, escalades, etc. alpha by far the best all around vehicle! H3 is safe and a tank, driven from mountains-mud-beach everything in between. V8 is what it needed. lux&adventure without nav. is best way to buy (all stock nav is junk no matter vehicle its in). army reservist h1 is great but H3 is narrow to fit down logging roads, low enough to fit in parking garages, turning radius perfect, incredible ground clearance, i have never gotten stuck pulled out many friends in other vehicles, H3T is the next toy wife will drive my alpha. WOW!!!

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  Bimmer to Hummer - 2009 Hummer H3
  By c burns - June 27 - 11:01 pm

  if you own at least one gun, like to ride four wheelers and have a set of boots than this is the small SUV for you. I love my HUMMER it can go offroad and tow stuff and chicks dig it. it can drive in a flood and dry sandy beaches. offroad? i owned a JEEP on climbing and a Z71 in the mud (then pulled him out) can tow a mastercraft X2 as well as my dirtbikes and quads if you want a dude like SUV that tows the toys and owns Jeeps offroad than get an H3 after all, "it is what it is"

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  It lives up to its name!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By DAVID CORNIER - June 21 - 3:13 am

  The hummer is great , i drove it 2 feet of flooded areas and it never hyrdoplaned, nor did water get in! It has so far passed every test i gave it i am waiting for the snow! My hummer is still fairly new!! But so far so good, the off road suspension is great!