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 fan - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Uzi - August 6 - 5:17 am

  Ive wanted an H3 ever since I first rented one in Jackson Hole a number of years ago. I searched and searched until I found just the one I wanted. Overall, they have an awesome look, and are a serious 4X4. I have owned a number of four wheel drives over the years, yet this has been one of my favorites. I get around 13 to 14 MPG. No, they dont get great fuel economy, and I knew that going in. If you want good fuel mileage buy a Prius or some other econo box. And yes, they are also very underpowered unless you have the V8 engine. Those are two issues that an H3 owner just has to deal with, but dont let these two minor issues dissuade you from owning an H3 if you have your heart set on one. There are also loads of cool aftermarket parts avaliabe to pimp out your H3, if your so inclined to make it a personalized money pit. My H3 is fire engine red and completely loaded with cool accessories including a Warn winch. I love my H3! I live in Northern Idaho, and spend my winters on the ski slopes and summers exploring off-road. I plan on keeping this ride until I cant find parts for it any longer.

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  Hummer fan - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummerfan - October 27 - 7:56 am

  Purchased new almost 9.5 years ago and have put on 148,000 miles. It has been a GREAT vehicle with no problems. Have only replaces tires, battery, water pump and brakes. Really a fun and luxurious vehicle. Still commands looks!

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  my h3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By clyde reed - October 17 - 3:55 pm

  i love this car had it 2 years. the one problum is the check engine light comes on alot. always shows as a miss in the engine. first it was a coil. then fuel injectors. then cant figure it out.

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  Love the hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By jdicataldo - August 5 - 1:13 pm

  I owned a hummer h3 2006 for over 6 years. I drove over 150k miles on it. When I reached the 100k I took it to the mechanic asking to check it for any maintenance since the mileage of the car and basically just replaced the spark plugs. Nothing else. I change my first set of pads (brake pads, no rotors} on 110k miles on the front wheels, and on 130k miles on the rear wheels. Just had to believe but true. Sold it on 2013 with over 170k miles and running perfect. I missed it so much that I just bought my second h3 a month ago same year with just over 100k miles. Took it to the dealer to do whatever needed to have the peace of mind and runs incredible smooth (even better that my last one since I put four new Michelin on this one). Super smooth ride and very happy with it. I m just buying all the option that I used to have on my first one. I recommend this suv to anyone. The look is great, the comfort, the driving position, everything. Some complaint for poor visibility but with big rear mirrors as it has and back up camera that I added I feel very confident parking or anything. Not very powerful acceleration but small engine gives you better MPG so something has to give up. Anyway is enough power for everyday needs.

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  Love our Hummer - 2007 Hummer H3
  By WayneTonette McCoy - March 4 - 12:40 am

  Bought ours a month ago. Its deep maroon and fully loaded. Like the chrome package and stereo system. Day after we got it drove 3200 miles to Florida and back. Our backs and bottoms didnt hurt at all. It drove and handled great. We stopped to eat and a guy came in asking who owned the hummer. Thought oh no-he backed into it. He wanted to tell me how awesome it looked and if he could look in the windows. Took him out and showed it to him. Two others came over to look at it. At drive up window here the young man said, sir love your hummer. Makes you proud to drive. Great ride.

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  Best SUV Ive Owned - 2006 Hummer H3
  By jusncsu - January 28 - 12:15 pm

  I own a 2006 H3 w/ adventure package. I bought the vehicle used in 2009 with approximately 30K miles and an existing factory warranty. Hands down this is the best SUV Ive ever owned. Its extremely comfortable, performs as needed and has been nothing but reliable. Ive never had anything other than routine maintenance performed (knock on wood). My only complaint (if I had to give one) is that it doesnt have a ton of cargo space. My wife and I didnt have any children when we bought the car. However, we recently had our second child, and with double strollers, etc. are in need of a bigger SUV. However, I am not going to trade or sell the H3 Ill be keeping it forever!

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  Hummer time - 2006 Hummer H3
  By prodigy1 - October 10 - 1:19 pm

  I bought a 06 h3 adventure package with 80k miles on it and was surprised at how well it rode and performed with the mileage it had. Every one gave me hell about having a hummer but I loved it. Driving it makes you feel like a kid driving a tonka toy. The Mpgs where average for its class 18-22 mixed driving. It was comfortable on short and long drives. It never gave me any issues and it never got me stuck off road. If your debating between an h3 or a wrangler, get a h3. You get more for the money and insurance is less. You get better Mpgs and a nice comfy ride when youre not plowing through the woods or mountains. Its a solid ride.

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  Love it! But lots of mechanical expenses - 2007 Hummer H3
  By shoragirl - August 13 - 10:55 pm

  I bought my 2007 hummer h3 2 years ago and I honestly love it, however I have spent $4,000 for a transmission rebuild..shocks..2 radiators..water pump..etc. (its an automatic) It is paid for and Im keeping it because I really love the style and its a classy off road SUV!! I just wish it was more reliable!!

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  Blast to drive - 2007 Hummer H3
  By nocho1972 - May 2 - 5:40 pm

  I bought my 2007 in 2010 after me and my girlfriend broke up! Nice consolation! This has been a fantastic truck, its rugged stylish and just an American bad ass truck! Ive had a few minor problems, mostly electrical. Drivers window control failed, radiator had to be replaced, all under extended warranty. Over all Great vehicle, will probably be buried in it lol.

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  2006 Adventure Package - Love this Car!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By jusncsu - December 5 - 1:11 pm

  Ive owned it for a few years now (did a great deal of research to ensure that I wasnt purchasing a lemon) and I love this car more and more the longer I own it. One of the commenters on here had a great point. Get it serviced at your Cadillac or GM dealership, and keep up the maintenance!! Ive heard a few comments regarding the lack of power/acceleration due to the size of the engine. This thing isnt a sports car! As others have said, it will easily get up to over 100mph. However, you shouldnt expect to get there in 6 seconds - who buys an SUV with that in mind?? Great car, Im keeping mine forever!!