The H3 is the third iteration of the original Hummer and each new model is more compact and cheaper. When GM took over the Hummer brand name they wanted to keep the style of the Hummer and still make it affordable to more people, so the smaller they go the cheaper it becomes. This Hummer is build on the standard GM midsized truck chassis and does offer some fairly powerful off-road options.
The big problem for the H3 is its excessive weight. The initial release of the H3 was very heavy and underpowered; this led to the release of the H3 Alpha that added a bigger V-8 engine to power the H3 much more competently. The H3 does not get good mileage and with the larger engine it even looses more MPG on the road. However, this vehicle was never intended to be a daily driver it was intended to be a dirt eating machine and it does that very well. This is the smallest in the lineup of Hummers from GM and is also the most affordable to date.
The Range
Bodystyles: SUV, truck
Engines: 3.7L I-5, 5.3L V-8
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Models: Base, Adventure, Luxury, Alpha
What's New
Like the H2, very few if any H3s were produced in 2010 but for 2009 the Hummer H3 got hill start off assist and Bluetooth connectivity standard. There is also an H3X chrome appearance package for the H3 Alpha. The 2009 model year also saw the introduction of the H3T pickup to go along with the H2T.
Exterior
The 2009 Hummer H3 looks almost identical to the H2, just in a more compact size. It's as if someone took a wet H2, tossed it in the dryer on high and out came with a Hummer H3.
Interior
A power driver's seat is standard across the range, as is air conditioning, cruise control and an AM/FM/Satellite radio with CD player and MP3 connectivity. The trunk is large, with a capacity of 15.1 cubic-feet.
Performance & Handling
The standard Hummer H3 is powered by a 3.7-liter I-5 with 239 horsepower and 241 pound-feet of torque mated to a five speed manual transmission standard, with an optional four-speed automatic. All Hummers come with full time four-wheel drive, two-speed transfer case and front and rear locking differentials. The H3 Alpha comes with a 5.3-liter V-8 with 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque backed by a four-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
The H3 features four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual front airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, four-wheel drive, hill start off assist traction control, and StabiliTrak stability control and OnStar all come standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
Base, Adventure, Luxury, Crew: 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway
Alpha: 13 mpg city/16 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Distinctive styling
- Good off-road ability
You Won't Like
- Five cylinder engine
- Poor fuel economy
- Limited interior space
- Outdated transmissions
Sum Up
Won't be missed
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi Q5
- Land Rover LR2
- Mercedes-Benz GLK