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2006 Hummer H3 Road Test
Date Published: 9/12/08
Also in the 2006 Hummer H3 Review:

Our road test for the 2006 Hummer H3 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Hummer H3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Hummer H3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Hummer H3 help you decide if a 2006 Hummer H3 is right for you.
2006 Hummer H3 Road Test
Pros Cons
Control layout Fuel economy
Cargo room Rear-seat room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Base, auto. Class Average
4 5

With automatic transmission, H3 more than adequate around town, but highway passing or merging requires foot-to-the-floor effort. No opportunity to test with manual transmission.
Fuel Economy

Base, auto. Class Average
3 3.8

Test automatic-transmission H3s averaged 14.7-15.0 mpg. H3 uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

Base, auto. Class Average
5 5.4

Base suspension absorbs low-speed bumps well, but H3 prone to bobbing, abrupt vertical motions at high speed. No opportunity to test with off-road suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, auto. Class Average
4 4.1

Reasonably agile. No excessive body lean in turns. Responsive steering has hefty feel. Relatively tight turning circle means good low-speed maneuverability. Good stopping power, though some testers complain of mushy pedal action.
Quietness

Base, auto. Class Average
5 5.2

Tire noise surprisingly well-muffled with standard treads. Generally little wind rush, though headwinds generate considerable roar. Engine obtrusive in rapid acceleration, otherwise muted.
Controls

Base, auto. Class Average
7 6.3

An improvement in material quality and general design over H2. Simple, white-on-black gauges easy to read in any lighting condition. Most controls fall readily to hand. Power-window switches set too far back on armrest, require awkward contortion to manipulate. Some testers say cupholders interfere with automatic-transmission lever.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, auto. Class Average
6 6.7

High step-in, but handgrips, available running boards help. Good head, leg, and shoulder room. Aft visibility compromised by thick roof pillars, narrow glass openings. Spare tire blocks much of rear window.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, auto. Class Average
4 6.2

High step-in and awkwardly shaped door opening complicate entry/exit. Lots of head clearance. Leg room limited for taller passengers. Subpar comfort on low, poorly shaped seat cushion.
Cargo Room

Base, auto. Class Average
7 8.3

Side-opening single-piece rear gate is large and heavy--a disadvantage in confined quarters. Waist-high cargo floor makes a chore of loading heavier objects. Cargo area usefully shaped, suffers little wheel-arch intrusion. Interior storage limited to glovebox, tiny door pockets, small center console.
Value within Class

Base, auto. Class Average
4 5.7

Hummer's smallest offering is also its most sensible SUV, but that's not high praise. H3 combines comfortable accommodations and decent on-pavement dynamics with the promise of off-road proficiency. Many like-priced rivals match those assets, however, and are faster and quieter.
Total Score

Base, auto. Class Average
49 56.7
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
43
Average Score
56
High Score
66
Also in the 2006 Hummer H3 Review:

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