Entered CNET Catalog: 04/29/2005
SKU: 100512301
Manufacturer: Hummer
Product summary
The good: Big-dog swagger; well-executed interior; serious off-road equipment.
The bad: Engine missing a cylinder or three; compromised visibility; minimal tech offerings.
The bottom line: The Hummer H3 makes up for a lack of power and gadgets with serious off-road capability and a comfortable cabin.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 07/25/2005
Civilian seating
The interior really separates the newest Hummer from the larger models, both in terms of aesthetics and the driving experience. Our test H3 was optioned with the Luxury Package ($3,125), which includes heated and power-adjustable leather front seats; leather rear seats; an MP3-capable, in-dash six-CD changer with a seven-speaker Monsoon system; and special floor mats with piping that matches the seats. Combined with the imitation metallic faces surrounding the gauges and center-console controls, the use of leather on the seats, the meaty steering wheel, and the gear selector imparts a civility to the interior.
Major controls are simple and well laid out; however, part of the simplicity is due to the Hummer's relative lack of available interior gadgetry. HomeLink garage-remote programmability is part of the Luxury Package, and our vehicle was optioned with XM satellite radio ($325 including a three-month subscription), but further tech additions from the factory are limited. A DVD navigation system is available, but it doesn't come with a display screen, which is something most of its competitors offer with their setups. Given the attention required to pilot even a midsize Hummer and its ability to take itself well off the beaten path, we consider a GPS system with a display screen a key accessory. Three extra 12-volt power outlets--two on the dash, one in the cargo area--are usefully placed. Alas, the same can't be said for the seat controls, which require forcing your arm down between the seat cushion and the protruding door armrest.
A display screen could also be used for a rearview camera, as even with outsize side mirrors, seeing what's behind the H3 is largely guesswork. For such a tall vehicle, overall outward visibility is compromised in all directions. The short greenhouse is to blame, not helped by the outside spare wheel's spot in the rearward field of vision. In fairness, there aren't many places to mount a spare tire that's 33 inches tall.
Headroom inside is generous, and five adults fit comfortably, although the rear bench seems low relative to the floor. Finding a comfortable driving position is aided by a tilt wheel, but the lack of a dead pedal makes the left foot hunt for a rest spot (while the parking brake pedal acquaints itself with your shin). Once underway, the H3 drives reasonably nimbly--its turning circle is in line with other midsize SUV offerings, at 37 feet--but you never forget you're driving a 4,700-pound truck with all of 220 horsepower to drag it around.
Off-road chops
Some carlike niceties have been incorporated into the 2006 Hummer H3 to make it a volume seller, but predictably, unibody construction is not one of them. As with the Chevy and GMC pickups that share its assembly line, the H3's body is attached to a ladder frame, and the three trucks also share GM's 3.5-liter, in-line five-cylinder engine. This power plant is overtaxed in this application, which is a shortcoming that Hummer should address in future iterations. Forced air induction via turbocharging seems the likely route for a power boost, since the chassis would evidently require substantial modification to accommodate a larger motor. Acceleration from rest is leisurely, helped only by all 225 pound-feet of the engine's torque being available at 2,800rpm.
Highway cruising is surprisingly quiet, at a measured 68 decibels, given our test car's all-terrain tires and their aforementioned tall sidewalls. Passing is another matter, because the H3's heft, shape, and lack of grunt require advance planning. We found that its third range on the automatic gave it a lot more get-up-and-go than the Drive range. Passing might also get expensive: The H3's EPA mileage ratings are understandably low, at 16mpg in the city and 19mpg on the highway, although a large 23-gallon tank provides good cruising range. With the automatic transmission, the H3 is rated to tow 4,500 pounds.
That's all well and good, but speed and agility aren't this truck's reasons for being. Although the H3 did not venture far off-road in our hands and is certainly like most Hummers in that regard, there's little doubt that it would acquit itself very admirably should owners suddenly decide that pavement bores them. The off-road suspension package for our H3 included LT285/75R16 Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires, an electronic full-locking rear differential, recalibrated shocks, and, noteworthy in this class of vehicle, a four-to-one two-speed transfer case, all of which should make creeping down even the most daunting road of boulders at least feasible. Ground clearance, approach and departure angles, fording ability, and slope-climbing ratings are all at or near the top of the midsize SUV class. Only serious off-roaders will likely outfit their H3s with the optional suspension, while urbanites will save around $1,000 and probably get slightly better on-road behavior from the standard shocks and rubber.
Bulky protection
Sheer bulk might be said to represent the 2006 Hummer H3's best safety attribute, but it does offer a little technology in the form of Stabilitrak, GM's electronic stability-control system. This system can brake individual wheels selectively should a deviation from the vehicle's intended path occur. Similarly, a traction-control system applies brakes and cuts engine power if slippage is detected. A tire-pressure monitoring system is especially useful, considering the H3's capabilities, although the H1's onboard air compressor is not offered.
Front driver and passenger air bags are standard, with side-curtain air bags available as a standalone option. GM's OnStar system is standard and includes a year's subscription to the Safe & Sound Plan, which offers services such as roadside assistance, remote unlocking, stolen-vehicle tracking, voice-operated personal calling (requires prepaid minutes), and assistance with what to do following an accident. An air-bag deployment triggers a call to OnStar emergency personnel with vehicle-location information. Hummer offers a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, with corrosion protection for equal periods. Rust-through protection is for six years with unlimited mileage.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23out of 23 user reviews
Best Buy I ever made. Purchased new in 2006.
Pros: Bought it with the Adventure kit. H3 is very reliable. Live in Iowa snows heavy in the winter. Fun going over curbs thru peoples yards to get around all the others that are stuck, including a Range Rover. Boy did he give me a funny look.
Cons: Nothing negative about this vehicle.
out of 23 user reviews
Electrical problems when it rains
Pros: Nice, study vehicle
Cons: My doors won't lock or unlock when it rains. I've replaced 2 door things and the problem continues. But it not only affects the locks, my alarm has went off, my windows won't roll up- it always screws up something else after a day of raining.
out of 23 user reviews
After 8K miles, I like it!
Pros: Awesome, smooth ride; plenty of power for freeway driving; solid
Cons: Minor design flaws
The H3 is far better than I expected. It has a great ride, super smooth. It is suprisingly nimble and has an amzingly tight turning radius.
It gets a lot of respect on the road (without even trying).
Downsides (I really had to reach for these)-The controls for the pwer locks/windows are set too far back in the door panel such that your wrist is bent at an extremem angle to access them. I thought it was because of my size (well, I'm only only 5'11), but a friend got in who was only 5-5 and he immediately noticed the same thing. I have heard many people say the 5 cylinder engine is too small, but I have no issues with it at all. In normal driving conditions it feels no different than my ex-girlfriend f150 with a V8. Cruises very well at 80-85 MPH...Also, it has a really tight turning circle.
out of 23 user reviews
Worse purchase ever made for my hard earned money
Pros: Gets attention
Cons: bounces and vibrates you to death
out of 23 user reviews
GM Got this one right !!
Pros: rugged, powerful, great features
Cons: visibility, you need to buy front mud flaps, uneducated people will fault you for buying it
we traded in or 2004 trailblazer- the differnce is like night and day.
the 5 cylinder motor and correct gearing gives it plent of pep and it is fun to drive...touch screen navigation and factory xm radio make it fun as a dailydriver and fun to take on trips.
Excellent leather interior and HUGE sunroof along with spacious interior make it feel as big inside as is does looking at it from the outside. There is also a tire pressure monitoring system in each tire- although you cannot inflate the tires like in the military hum v's- at least it will tell you if there is a problem.
Nice full size spare on the tailgate leaves plenty of room inside!
people love to stare at you driving and ask questions when you get out.
I average 16 mpg ( no real highway driving ) but this is on 45-50 mph roads being really nice when i drive.
Factory optional 33 inch tires and electric locking read differential means these suvs could do well off road ( even though ours will never be abused in that way )
i miss the digital temp contol many gm vehicles have, but i love the MOONSOON stereo
it even sound better in my opinion than the factory bose we had in the trailblazer.
quiet ride, and it seems to be built very well- cargo area has a hose- able rubber mat enclosing the entire cargo area if you wish to remove the large carpet mat( takes seconds- just like a floor mat )
the door hinges are the most rugged i have seen on ANY gm product.
this rig needs front mud flaps- otherwise the rear fenders will be damaged from day to day driving from splatter from thr front wheels.
sticker on ours was just over 40,000 but loaded to the gills- GMAC has zero percent financing at tht moment as well..
lots of fun things you can do to dress the h3 up as well!
we love them ( both )
out of 23 user reviews
Sexy SUV ~ BUT no luxuary features!!! 48hr test drive proved
Pros: Sexy Looks, Height, Ride, Comfort, 2 poweroutlets Front & 1 rear.
Cons: Very Poor storage in front seats, No radio ctrls on stearing, no metrix on driver pannel (miles remaining, driven, miles per gallon, avg speed), limited visability rear, cup holders too close.
out of 23 user reviews
Couldn't Be Happier
Pros: Eye-candy; goes anywhere; reasonably priced
Cons: Ignition key, window controls could be better placed
I've had it a month now and couldn't be happier (OK, I could be happier if I could see the ignition without craning my neck around the steering wheel and if the window controls were about 8" forward. Boy, are they cheesy cons, or what?).
Don't buy one if you're in the witness protection program. It gets lots of admiring looks and comments.
out of 23 user reviews
Words from a Hummer Engineer
Pros: Safety, Style, Price, and Upgrade Options
Cons: Power performance
The H3 has the lack of power Vortec 5 engine, which most people does not know, it won the best SUV engine of the year a few years back when it was lauched. But the reason it was designed the way it is, is because of all of the complains on the gas milleage. Although it still gives you the same torque, on half of the RPM comparing to other SUVs in the same size and price range. What else can you ask for on an exotic SUV starting under $30k?
I worked on the brakes and the axles on this car, anyone who test drove it knows that it is one of the most sensative braking system among all SUVs in its class, even compare to higher end products.
out of 23 user reviews
What do the reviewers think they are reviewing?
Pros: Great price, it is a mini Hummer
Cons: lack of optional V8 engine to please the reviewers
out of 23 user reviews
Hummers RULE, cars drool?
Pros: Its a truck with good looks. Not as bulky as the H2 or H1. Very roomy inside!
Cons: As you all have probably seen in other reviews, the visibility kinda sucks. Gas mileage although fair could be better.
I am picking up an Adventure Package H3 (Black ext, ebony int) in two days because it is not only affordable but really attractive. Then again, I have been a truck guy most of my life with having lived in Colorado and all.
out of 23 user reviews
A Colorado with pretensions
Pros: 4WD, Not an H2
Cons: Barely adequate power, Could be more efficient
out of 23 user reviews
Hummin in the City
Pros: Style, interior/exterior finish level; competent execution.
Cons: The back seat passengers complain about visibility - they can't be seen there...
As I look out of my office window and see all the other SUV's in the parking lot, mine is certainly the easiest to spot. That is probably my favorite aspect - the unique style that says I am NOT a soccer Dad, I do NOT live in suburbia, it is MY world, and I am going to enjoy it.
The H3 is technically competent in all it's aspirations. It is a highly rated 4x4; it is civilized - yet spartan - on the interior. The exterior screams "I am not you", but it plays their game well. All interior controls respond well – though placement such as power window and seat controls is awkward. Visibility is fine once you get used to it – be aware of your surroundings, and there will be no problem (and hey, if that idiot that parked right on your tail was dumb enough to be there, so what if I back into him when I leave…)
My H3 is fun to drive - my corvette has been ignored for the last several months because this toy demands my attention. If the H3 style appeals to you, the interior accomplishes what you need a vehicle to be, and you have a thick enough skin to stand up to the Hummer prejudice (even by other Hummer owners), then understand that the negative about this vehicle is easily overcome by the fact that the package works, and works very, very well.
out of 23 user reviews
An expensive novelty, OR a great offroader!!!
Pros: Certainly feel (are) safe, drivers give you a lot of room even though you are still a midsize SUV, lots of interior room, great mid-long range visibility. And, ... .... wait for it... ITS A HUMMER!
Cons: TERRIBLE short range visibility. This vehicle needs a rear cam like the Nissan Murano. Not so great of a ride for day to day city driving.
In short, if you are buying the H3 for day to day city driving... it may become an expensive novelty that soon wears off. If you are buying for offroad capability but will also be driving around the city, I think you're gonna be a happy customer (just don't take it into any parkades or use it for Christmas shopping at the local shopping mall until Hummer installs a rear camera). Was very fun to drive, but not for me. Afterall, I'm a cityslicker who has little interest in fording rivers and climbinb boulders.
out of 23 user reviews
Let's be fair: Great perfomance and value
Pros: Safety, Off-road capability, great looks, good mileage, small turning radius, very smooth in the city and on the highway
Cons: Could be more powerful
out of 23 user reviews
Just what I was looking for
Pros: Looks, comfort, versatility, value
Cons: Some blind spots, seat controls could be placed better
I see no sense in comparing it to the H1, H2, Corvette, or anything else it isn't. The blind spots and the placement of the seat controls are minor annoyances and ones that I can live with. I value the "look" of a vehicle and don't understand the sales of (to me) borrrrrrringggggg vehicles. One other mention... I did not find the H3 to be lacking in power however, an optional higher output engine would be a nice compliment to the vehicle. And finally, while there may be some, I have yet to read a poor review of this vehicle from someone that actually owns one. I don't know if that says more about the vehicle or the people that don't own them.
out of 23 user reviews
Actual Review From an ACTUAL Owner(Tired of Anti Hummer Attitude)
Pros: Offroad Capability, Rugged Appearance Performance.
Cons: Engine use some more pep, blindspots.
out of 23 user reviews
Fun + Attitude + Performance
Pros: Styling, Cost, MPG, Performance, Cargo Area
Cons: Underpowered if automatic trans
out of 23 user reviews
I just picked up my H3 last night and I LOVE IT! If you have to own one SUV, this is the one to own.
Pros: Best in-the-city and offroad capabilites of any SUV I've driven, and I've tried em' all. Great gas mileage and hands down the best offroader of ANY SUV out there, except H1.
Cons: They're tough to find, the dealers are selling out of them pretty quick. I had to fly to Arizona for mine - Legends Hummer had the best prices.
out of 23 user reviews
Great package and ability for the price.
Pros: Full time all wheel drive, locking 4x4, GREAT interior for the price, 20 MPG highway for a real full time 4x4, good looks and options. On-Star standard.
Cons: Somewhat weaker power, but than that's what fuel economy can do in a SUV. Doesn't currently have NAV as an option.
The H3 is what you have read, a bold step by Hummer to break into the world of reality. 20 MPG, full time 4x4, real off-road SUV ability, comforts and style, and does it for starting at $28k base. It's offroad abilities are on one car review site, on par with the Range Rover - and of course it's not at the crazy prices those SUV's demand. I was so damn bored of the current designs and option pricing on a lot of SUV's, that I just had to break and be brave against all the strange hate about "Hummers" and get into this. I can see why people might not like H2's, but some posts of pro-Iraq war and Republicans tied in by some here just boggles the mind. Ovbviously they aren't into "facts".
out of 23 user reviews
Identify crisis
Pros: What pro? I guess it does have a hummer badge.
Cons: Don't know what it wants to be?
Just some comments about the arm-chair comment and so forth.
First of all, I spent several month inside a HumVee testing comm. equipment for the Army, so I'd say I know a thing or two about the H1.
And I went to a GM autoshow and drove both H2 and H3 in immediate succession and can tell you H2 is far superior than H3 in both armenity and engine power, but both fails miserable at the original role of the H1. As I stated, Hummber were designed from ground up to be a low-grunting, off-roading, stream fording utility vehicle, that's with the amenic engine and the reduced off-road capabilities, why even name these "Hummers" anymore while there's little true spirit left in the shell.
You won't by a Porshe with a 2 stroke lawn mawner engine, would you?
out of 23 user reviews
Mini Hummer Rox
Pros: Hummer looks, Price, Miles Per Gallon, Fits in parking garages
Cons: Needs More Accesories
out of 23 user reviews
Rounds out the Hummer line
Pros: Good looks, tough off road capabilities
Cons: Needs more powerful motor, limited shoulder room in front seat
out of 23 user reviews
Massive urban assalt vehicle that takes no prisoners
Pros: Motoring arrogance is easily displayed
Cons: Bullet proof glass is extra, takes a long time to fuel
