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 81 through 90 of 459.00-
Happy - 2009 Hummer H3
By Happy - June 16 - 1:44 pmGlad I bought the H3 had a 4runner it was ok but I enjoy my Hummer gas mileage to me is similar to the Toyota sound system is awesome Edmunds review is a lil severe wish I cound buy another for my teenage daughter
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Get a Hummer - 2007 Hummer H3
By Hummerlover - June 12 - 2:24 amI bought my H3 used with the luxury and adventure packages. It is black on black with no chrome.. I have always liked the Hummers and when the H3 came out I had to get one. I have a problem spending $42,000 for one so I waited and bought one used. I use my Hummer for my daily driver and my off road adventures. It is fun to drive in town but really comes alive off road! This truck offeres the best of both worlds, luxury for the refined and ruggedness for the adventurous! My H3 is stock and with the adventure package and rear locker, it can go places other stock 4x4s cant.
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Best in Class - 2006 Hummer H3
By Glenn - June 9 - 7:33 pmThe H3 is a homerun for GM
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I love my Hummer! - 2007 Hummer H3
By Mtnlvr - May 31 - 7:22 pmEver since I purchased my Hummer, I feel like I want to live in it! It feels safe, it does have a five star crash rating! It is comfortable to drive, classy and just plain awesome! Even with the bad economy looming over my head, I couldnt resist and purchased the chromed luxury model after one test drive! I drove a Toyota Camry LE as a rental for a week, and believe me that car was horrible. I missed my Hummer really really bad! I could get better gas mileage if I had smaller tires, but I need the clearance.
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Hummer Fan - 2008 Hummer H3
By Mark - May 31 - 7:18 pmThis suv is awesome it handles great. The turning radius is amazing I have driven a lot of suvs and none are as comfortable or respond like this . I definitely recommend driving before buying any other suv.
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Hummers dont come cheap - 2009 Hummer H3
By HummerReady - May 14 - 12:56 amI love my H3. Before this little tank I drove an Xterra with no stability or power. I was not looking for speed but definitely endurance with class. With the H3, I have found a women a lot like myself, reliable, easy, fun and definitely classy. In a heart beat I would purchase another one....
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H3 for Me - 2008 Hummer H3
By Desert Rat - April 24 - 12:38 pmI read consumer reports before I bought my H3 and was a little concerned. I am so happy I didnt depend on any review to make my decision. The H3 is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I tried 4 new vehicles in the last three years and have finally got a keeper. I keep trying to use my wifes car when we go for a ride to keep my miles down but she wont hear it. She loves riding in the H3 no matter what mileage it gets. Too many people want to change it with fluff and make it something its not. I bought it because it is what it is sharp lookin, fun to drive and easy to maintain.
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Hummin a Little Tune - 2006 Hummer H3
By West Palm Beach - April 9 - 11:00 pmThis is the best Factory offroad vehicle in production next to the Jeep Rubicon. I have the Lux package with the OffRoad option. The aftermartket is sure to jump on the upgrades and everybody can personalize to there own likes. I am 61" tall and have no trouble with leg room. The back seat is roomy enough with the drivers seat all the way back for a 58" passenger to sit with their knees just touching the back of the seat. GM/Hummer will sell alot of these great Midsized offroad SUVs. The ride is very comfortable on the street and you feel very safe in this vehicle.
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So far, so very good... - 2007 Hummer H3
By BostonBlackie - April 8 - 9:02 pmAlways wanted a Hummer, so the H3 was hard to ignore. Bought my H3 in its limited "Tactical" edition which is a base model that features all-black accessories [i.e., brushguard, roof rack, rigid spare tire cover, powder-coated wheel covers, hood grill, sidebars/steps] with no chrome. The interior is a light charcoal. Fortunately, my vehicle came with a factory-installed power sunroof. When washed, this bad boy shines like a black pearl. Reliability has been great: no recalls to date. Maintenance has been minimal. The ride and sense of safety are "like no other." Highway mileage has been better that the 2004 Xterra I traded in.
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H3 Hummer is great! - 2006 Hummer H3
By Kristina Slayton - March 19 - 7:40 pmThe Hummer H3 is a great suv rides and handles very good.The only thing that could have been better was it really needs a bigger engine.
