2006-2008 Hummer H3: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2006 Hummer H3
2008 Hummer H3
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2006-2008 Hummer H3 ▼

  • Price Range:  $16,700 - $26,500
CG Rating

49

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2006-2008 Hummer H3 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Control layout and materials
  • Cargo room

Cons

  • Rear-seat comfort
  • Acceleration (highway)
  • Fuel economy
  • Steering/handling

Vehicle Highlights

General Motors-owned Hummer fielded its first midsize sport-utility vehicle for 2006, ready to compete against the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota 4Runner. Seating five passengers, the H3 shared a powertrain and truck-type body-on-frame architecture with GM's midsize Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks. Compared to Hummer's H2, the H3 was 11 inches shorter in wheelbase, 3.3 inches shorter overall, 6.5 inches wider--and 1700 pounds lighter. Sole engine was a Vortec 220-horsepower inline five-cylinder, mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. This was the first Hummer to offer a choice of transmissions. Each H3 came with all-wheel drive that included low-range gearing. An H3 could ford 16 inches of water at 20 mph, according to Hummer; 24 inches if slowed to 5 mph. Ground clearance was 9.1 inches, and the H3 could climb 16-inch vertical steps and rocks. An available Adventure Off-Road Suspension Package included special suspension tuning, ultra-low transfer-case gearing, and a locking rear axle. All H3s had antilock four-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, and StabiliTrak traction/antiskid control. Available but not standard were head-protecting curtain side airbags with rollover deployment. All H3s also had split folding rear seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, underbody shielding, and a swing-open rear cargo door with fixed glass and outside-mounted spare tire. Also standard was GM's OnStar assistance. Options included a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and satellite radio.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Hummer H3 w/auto. Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 49
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2006-2008 Hummer H3. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2006-2008 Hummer H3.

Year to Year Changes


2007 Hummer H3: Output from the H3's five-cylinder engine grew from 220 to 242 horsepower for 2007. A new H3x trim package included chrome styling add-ons, leather upholstery, and 18-inch wheels.
2008 Hummer H3: The 2008 Hummer H3 got a top-line Alpha model that brought V8 power to this midsize SUV lineup. The new Alpha sported a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8 borrowed from General Motors' large pickups.

Our road test for the 2006-2008 Hummer H3 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006-2008 Hummer H3 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006-2008 Hummer H3 is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Hummer H3 w/auto. Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 49

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Hummer H3 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Hummer H3 .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Coolant leak: Coolant leaks from the reservoir when vehicle driven at increased angles such as off-road requiring replacement with revised component. (2006)

Electrical problem: The trailer wiring harness can contact the muffler and melt rendering the circuits inoperative. (2006)

None: There was a campaign to replace the jack with a more durable on for some early model year vehicles. (2006)

Tail/brake lights: The taillight housing may come loose requiring a redesigned retainer. (2006)

Water pump: There was a campaign to replace the rear window washer pump. (2006)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $510
Alternator $640
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,950
Brakes $600
Constant Velocity Joints $1,325
Exhaust System $375
Radiator $425
Shocks and/or Struts $1,105
Timing Chain or Belt $650
Our price chart for this generation Hummer H3 details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
H3 $23,000-25,500 $21,200-23,500 $15,000-16,600
H3 Alpha $26,000-28,500 $24,200-26,500 $17,200-18,800
2007
H3 $20,500-22,500 $18,900-20,700 $13,300-14,600
2006
H3 $18,200-19,700 $16,700-18,100 $11,600-12,600
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Hummer H3 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 111.9
Overall Length, in. 186.7
Overall Width, in. 85.5
Overall Height, in. 74.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 4700
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 55.7
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 23.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.9
Rear Head Room, in. 39.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

In its first season, the H3's 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine developed 220 horsepower. Output grew to 242 hp for 2007, as the five-cylinder was enlarged to 3.7 liters. Both engines drove either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. All-wheel drive included low-range gearing. A new-for-2008 Alpha model got a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I5 3.5 / 211 220 225 5-speed manual: 16/20
4-speed automatic: 16/19		 5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
dohc I5 3.7 / 223 242 242 5-speed manual: 15/20
4-speed automatic: 15/19		 5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --
ohv V8 5.3 / 325 300 320 4-speed automatic: 13/16 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Hummer H3 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2006 H3
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2006-2008 Hummer H3 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2006 H3: Tire and loading information labels may contain inaccurate vehicle capacity weight.
2006 H3 w/aftermarket leather seats: Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction. If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. GM will purchase these vehicles for the full price paid for it (not exceeding the fair market value at the time it was bought), including taxes and fees, if the vehicle is returned to GM's possession by January 31, 2007. Through January 31, 2007, GM will also pay for the removal of any aftermarket accessories that may have been installed and return them to the customer.

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