The 2009 Hummer H3T is said to be Hummer's first true pickup truck. Shown here is the concept, originally unveiled in 2003.

Consumer Guide’s Impressions of the 2009 Hummer H3T

General Motors has announced it will build the 2009 Hummer H3T at its Shreveport, Louisiana truck plant, and that retail sales will begin by the third quarter of 2008. The H3T is said to be Hummer’s first true pickup.

What We Know About the 2009 Hummer H3T

Hummer showed a concept Hummer H3T in December 2003 at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. The H3T concept had a “regular” two-door cab and many details inspired by Nike footwear. Based on recent photos, the production 2009 Hummer H3T will follow a different direction.

Photos show a crew cab design with four doors, an extended wheelbase, and a traditional separate pick-up bed. GM says the H3T is larger than a midsize pickup truck, but smaller than a full-size pickup. Based on that, we’re guessing the H3T’s size will slot between the Chevrolet Colorado crew cab and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab.

The H3’s chassis was stretched by about two feet for the H3T,and the wheelbase is 134.2 inches. A Colorado crew cab has a 126-inch span, while the Silverado 1500 crew cab’s wheelbase is 143.5 inches.

The H3T’s cargo bed displays a hint of classic “step side” pickup styling, if for no other reason so there was some design continuity with the carryover H3 front fenders. GM says the bed is five feet long. That compares to the 5-foot 1-inch Colorado bed and 5-foot 8-inch Silverado bed.

The interior will be similar to the front and rear seating areas of an H3. With the extended wheelbase moving the rear wheelwells back, the H3T’s rear door openings will be bigger and the back seat might be a little more hospitable than it is in an H3. The H3 won’t have a folding midgate like the H2 SUT has.

The H3’s 242-horsepower 3.7-liter I5 and 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 engines will be available in the H3T. The H3T Alpha model boasts exclusive use of the 5.3-liter V8. The five-cylinder engine can be paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions. The Alpha's V-8 is only available with the automatic.

Following traditional Hummer practice, all H3Ts have standard all-wheel drive and enough off-road ability to get a mountain goat’s attention. The H3’s optional Adventure suspension package will be offered on the H3T as well.

The 2009 Hummer H3T will be a crew cab design, unlike the 2003 concept version shown here.

A Notable Feature of the 2009 Hummer H3T

Many accessories will be available for the 2009 Hummer H3T's pickup bed. Available items include lockable and removable bed-mounted storage boxes, an adjustible bike chuck, and a bed extender.

Buying Advice for the 2009 Hummer H3T

If you want the off-road prowess of a Hummer H3 but need a pickup for hauling cargo, the 2009 Hummer H3T could be the truck you’ve been waiting for.

2009 Hummer H3T Release Date: Expect a rollout in early 2008, at the Chicago Auto Show. General Motors has announced that the 2009 Hummer H3T will go on sale during the third quarter of 2008.

2009 Hummer H3T First Test Drive: Media previews should be set for the first or second quarter of 2008.

2009 Hummer H3T Prices: Prices haven’t been set, but we predict the 2009 Hummer H3T will start a little higher than an H3, but below an H3 Alpha. A 2008 Hummer H3 starts at $30,080, so 2009 Hummer H3T prices may start around $32,000 for a base model with the 5-cylinder engine.

The 2009 Hummer H3T will have standard all-wheel drive. The 2003 concept vehicle is shown here.

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

• C­onsumer Guide New Car Reviews and Prices: Road test results, photos, specifications, and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
• Hummer: Read Consumer Guide's full reports, including ratings, prices, specifications, and fuel economy.
• Compact Pickups: The 2009 Hummer H3T will compete in the compact pickup class. Here's Consumer Guide's roundup of all the compact pickups on sale today.
• 2008 Consumer Guide Best Buy and Recommended Award Winners:
  Check out which cars won our Best Buy and Recommended awards for 2008.
• Future Cars: Step into the automotive showroom of tomorrow with reviews, analysis, pictures, prices, and preliminary specifications on scores of 2009, 2010, and 2011 new cars.