2008 Hummer H3: Road Test
2008 Hummer H3 ▼
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- MSRP: $30,995 - $39,560
- Invoice: $28,670 - $36,593
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Our road test for the 2008 Hummer H3 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Hummer H3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Hummer H3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Hummer H3 help you decide if a 2008 Hummer H3 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 5.5 |
Base models offer good acceleration around town with automatic transmission, but highway passing and merging reserves only adequate. Alpha V8 is stronger in all situations; Hummer estimates a 0-60 mph time of 8 seconds.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.6 |
A base model with automatic transmission averaged 17.1 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Test Alpha averaged 13.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Both engines use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.4 |
Base and off-road suspensions absorb low-speed bumps well, but H3 is prone to bobbing at high speed. Unwanted motions are less pronounced with the 18-inch tires included in the H3X package.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
H3 is reasonably agile with no excessive body lean in turns. Responsive steering has hefty feel. A relatively tight turning circle aids low-speed maneuverability. Stopping control good, though some testers complain of mushy brake pedal action.
QUIETNESS
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Tire noise surprisingly well-muffled on models tested. Generally little highway wind noise.
CONTROLS
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Simple white-on-black gauges are easy to read in any lighting condition. Most controls fall readily to hand. The navigation system does not absorb audio controls but has tiny, fussy buttons.
DETAILS
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Cabin materials are of good quality with many soft-touch surfaces. Assembly of test models has been very good.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
High step-in complicates entry, but hand grips and available running boards help. Good headroom, legroom, and shoulder space. Aft visibility is compromised by thick roof pillars and narrow glass openings. Outside hatch-mounted spare tire blocks much of rear window. An optional rearview camera helps.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
High step-up and awkwardly shaped door opening complicate access. Lots of head clearance. Legroom is limited for taller passengers.
CARGO ROOM
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.6 |
Side-opening single-piece rear hatch is large and heavy; a disadvantage in confined quarters. Waist-high load floor makes a chore of loading heavier objects. The large rubber-floored cargo area is usefully shaped. Interior storage limited to the glovebox, tiny door pockets, and small center console.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 5 | 5.7 |
H3 combines comfortable accommodations and decent on-pavement dynamics with impressive off-road proficiency. The V8-powered Alpha adds good performance and towing capability. The H3 offers most of the Hummer H2 attributes in a more sensibly sized package. However, sacrifices are made for off-road capability and extroverted styling. For shoppers without true wanderlust, most other midsize SUVs make more sense.
Total Score
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 57 | 58 | 63.7 |
Total Score: 57
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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