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2008 Hummer H3 Full Review
Date Published: 7/15/08
Also in the 2008 Hummer H3 Review:
5.
6.
Hummer H3 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Hummer H3 Review
The 2008 Hummer H3 gets available V8 power. Base versions of this smallest Hummer offering retain a 242-hp 3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine. Optional on the base and standard on the top-line Alpha trim is a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8 borrowed from General Motors' large pickups. Standard on 5-cylinder base models is a 5-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is optional for the 5-cylinder and included with the V8. Maximum towing capacity is 4500 lb with the 5-cylinder, 6000 lb with the V8. All 2008 Hummer H3s come with all-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing for off-road use. An available Off-Road Adventure Suspension Package includes ultra-low gearing and a locking rear axle for severe off-road forays. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. An available H3X model has the 5-cylinder engine and includes copious chrome add-ons, leather upholstery, and larger wheels. The same features are available as part of an H3X Package on the Alpha.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
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2008 Hummer H3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Control layout | Fuel economy |
| Cargo room | Rear-seat room |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 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.
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.5 |
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
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.
| 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
Tire noise surprisingly well-muffled on models tested. Generally little highway wind noise.
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Tire noise surprisingly well-muffled on models tested. Generally little highway wind noise.
Controls
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.
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
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
Cabin materials are of good quality with many soft-touch surfaces. Assembly of test models has been very good.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
High step-up and awkwardly shaped door opening complicate access. Lots of head clearance. Legroom is limited for taller passengers.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| Base, automatic | H3X, automatic | Alpha w/off-road suspension | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 5 | 5.8 |
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 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 Hummer H3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/05/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| Base 4-door wagon | $30,995 | $28,670 | $745 |
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| H3X 4-door wagon | $39,290 | $36,343 | $745 |
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| Alpha 4-door wagon | $39,560 | $36,593 | $745 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
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| H3 | Up to $7000 cash back or 0%-6.9% financing. | Customer | 07/31/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, OnStar assistance system, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, skid plates, outside-mounted full-size spare tire, P265/75R16 tires, alloy wheels.
H3X adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Unique exterior trim, roof rack, side steps, 265/65R18 on/off-road tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Alpha adds to Base:
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,220
|
$1,909
|
|
Off-Road Adventure Suspension Pkg. plus Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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|
Luxury Preferred Equipment Group 1SC
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Base
|
$3,280
|
$2,821
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, cargo cover, rubber cargo mat, oversized floormats.
|
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H3X Preferred Equipment Group 1SD
|
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Alpha
|
$4,470
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$3,844
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|
Chrome brush guard, chrome side steps, chrome fuel-filler door, roof rack, unique exterior trim, P265/65R18 on/off-road tires.
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Championship Edition
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Base
|
$4,795
|
$4,124
|
|
Off-Road Adventure Suspension Pkg. plus 5.3-liter V8 engines, 4-speed automatic transmission, unique exterior trim, brush guard.
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Off-Road Adventure Suspension Pkg.
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Alpha, Base
|
$1,375
|
$1,183
|
|
Locking rear differential, low-ratio transfer case, off-road suspension, LT285/75R16C on/off-road tires. Base requires Luxury Preferred Equipment Group 1SC. NA Base w/chrome alloy wheels. NA H3X. NA Alpha w/H3X Preferred Equipment Group.
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Chrome Appearance Pkg.
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Base
|
$450
|
$387
|
|
Chrome door handles and mirror caps. Std. HX3, Alpha.
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Chrome Essentials Pkg.
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Base, Alpha
|
$1,425
|
$1,183
|
|
Chrome fuel door, mud guards, roof rack, side steps.
|
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|
Black Essentials Pkg.
|
||
|
Base, Alpha
|
$999
|
$829
|
|
Black fuel door, mud guards, roof rack, side steps.
|
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Trailering Equipment
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||
|
Alpha, Base, H3X
|
$390
|
$335
|
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Trailer hitch, wiring harness.
|
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|
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Powertrain |
||
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4-speed automatic transmission
|
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Base, H3X
|
$1,695
|
$1,458
|
|
Special axle ratio
|
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|
Alpha, Base, H3X
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Alpha, Base, H3X
|
$1,720
|
$1,479
|
|
Base requires Luxury Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
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Rearview camera
|
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Alpha, Base, H3X
|
$850
|
$731
|
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Requires Trailering Equipment.
|
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Power sunroof
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Alpha, Base, H3X
|
$950
|
$817
|
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8-way power driver seat
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Base
|
$250
|
$215
|
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DVD entertainment system
|
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Alpha, Base, H3X
|
$1,928
|
$1,600
|
|
Monsoon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
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Base
|
$845
|
$727
|
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Universal garage door opener
|
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Base, H3X
|
$175
|
$151
|
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Includes illuminated visor mirrors.
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Cargo cover
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Base
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$50
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$43
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Color-keyed grille
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Alpha, Base
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$400
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$344
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Std. H3X.
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Special paint
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Alpha, Base, H3X
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$295
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$254
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Engine-block heater
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Alpha, Base, H3X
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$75
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$65
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Base
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$900
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$774
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Hummer H3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Hummer H3 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. | 1150 |
| 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.
Engines
| dohc I5 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.7 /223 | 5.3 /325 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 242 @ 5600 | 300 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 242 @ 4600 | 320 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 5-speed manual | 13/18 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 14/18 | 13/16 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
 Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Hummer H3 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 3 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Hummer H3 Review:
5.
6.
Hummer H3 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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