2006-2008 Hummer H3: Road Test

Acceleration is more than adequate--actually good--around town. The automatic transmission kicks down promptly for more power, but highway passing or merging requires foot-to-the-floor effort. So, it ranks only as adequate. Fuel economy is nothing to boast about, but certainly better than the Hummer H2. A test automatic-transmission H3 with the 3.5-liter engine averaged 15 mpg in mostly city driving. Hummer recommends regular-grade fuel. Ride comfort could be better. Base suspensions absorb low-speed bumps well, but the H3 is prone to bobbing and abrupt vertical motions at high speed. Unwanted motion seems less pronounced with 18-inch tires. Reasonably agile, the H3 suffers no excess body lean in turns. Responsive steering has a hefty feel, and the relatively tight turning circle translates to good low-speed maneuverability. Stopping power is good, too, though some testers have complained of mushy pedal action. Tire noise is surprisingly well muffled with standard treads. Generally, there's little wind rush, though headwinds generate considerable roar. The H3 engine is obtrusive in rapid acceleration, but otherwise muted. Hummer's H3 represents a notable improvement in material quality and general design over the H2. Simple, white-on-black gauges are easy to read in any lighting condition. Most controls fall readily to hand. Power-window switches are set too far back on the armrest, requiring awkward contortions to manipulate. Some testers have said cupholders interfered with best access to the automatic-transmission lever. Hummer's navigation system does not absorb audio controls, but operates using tiny, fussy controls. Front occupants get good head, leg, and shoulder room. Getting in demands a high step-up, but handgrips and available running boards help. Rearward visibility is compromised by thick roof pillars and narrow glass openings, and the spare tire blocks much of the rear window. High step-up into the rear and awkwardly shaped door opening complicate entry/exit. There's plenty of rear head clearance, but legroom is limited for taller passengers. Sub par comfort is due to a low, poorly shaped seat cushion. Cargo space is ample, but the side-opening, single-piece rear hatch is large and heavy--a disadvantage in confined quarters. A waist-high load floor makes a chore of loading heavier objects. The large rubber-floored cargo area is usefully shaped, and suffers little wheel arch intrusion. Interior storage is limited to a glovebox, tiny door pockets, and small center console.

Value for the Money
Hummer's smallest offering is also its most sensible SUV--but that's faint praise indeed. H3 combines comfortable accommodations and decent on-pavement dynamics with the promise of real off-road proficiency. Still, shoppers looking for more power and passenger room are better served by the similarly capable Jeep Grand Cherokee. A host of like-priced rivals are quieter and offer six- or eight-cylinder engines, while matching the H3's assets. Even so, for adventure seekers who are comfortable with Hummer styling, the H3 is worth a look.