Deep Drive: 2008 Hummer H2 and H3

The entire Hummer lineup gets a facelift for 2008. The 2008 H2 and H3 get much-needed upgrades this year. An SUV priced in the mid-fifties shouldn't have an interior dominated by hard plastics, but that was the case with previous H2s. The 2008 H2 quiets that complaint with leather and nicely grained, soft-touch plastics. The H3 looks aggressive, but its 5-cylinder engine provides only adequate power to move a 4700-lb vehicle. As is often the case, a new V8 solved the performance problem.

Big Hummer: A Revamped H2
The old H2 interior's "bug-eye" air vents and exposed screw heads were meant to impart a rugged, military look, but executed in hard plastic, they only looked cheap. The new interior may be too subdued for some Hummer loyalists, but is far more appropriate for its price. The new plastics look and feel softer. Seat leather is of good quality. Everything is better assembled with tighter gap tolerances.

The H2 interior's new plastics look and feel softer. Seat leather is of good quality.

The bulky spare tire has been moved from the cargo floor to an outside location. The freed up interior space is used for more cargo room or an optional third-row that now seats two rather than one. The rear seat has little legroom, but will be fine for children. The third row is accessed only through the rear hatch that is now blocked by the spare tie on a swing-away carriage. Standard curtain side airbags that cover all three rows is another interior upgrade.

The H2 also benefits from more power. A 393-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 replaces a 325-horse 6.0-liter. Torque is a mighty 415 ft/lbs. A new 6-speed automatic transmission replaces the old 4-speed automatic. Sixty-eight more horses and two extra gears lower 0-60 mph time from 10 seconds to eight. Acceleration is brisk rather than neck snapping thanks to a 6614-lb curb weight. Towing capacity rises from 6000 lbs to an impressive 8000. Hummer says the new drivetrain delivers 10 percent better mileage thanks to a taller overdrive ratio. Consumer Guide's test 2007 H2 averaged 11.3 miles per gallon, so don't expect to pass up too many gas stations.

Ride and handling are unchanged from the previous model. The H2 is big and has a large turning radius making it cumbersome in tight places. On the open road, the H2 rides and handles similar to other large SUVs.

Little Hummer: A Restyled H3
The 5-cylinder H3 has adequate power until you put your foot into it and realize there isn't much in reserve. The H3 Alpha's 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 has plenty in reserve. Hummer says 0-60 time is about 8 seconds--the same as H2. Maximum towing is up 33 percent to 6000 lbs. The new V8 power makes H3 more competitive with rivals such as Toyota FJ Cruiser and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 242-horsepower 5-cylinder H3 is still available.

2008 Hummer H3

H3 has good steering feel and is reasonably agile. Ride is comfortable at low speeds, but prone to bobbing at highway speeds.

H3's interior features quality materials and well laid out controls. No major upgrades were made other than moving power window switches to more easily reached positions.

In The Dirt
Off-roading is the reason Hummers are built. I had the chance to drive both the H2 and H3 on an off-road trail in New Mexico called The Rock Garden. Both Hummers climbed over Buick-sized boulders with ease. This was my first time off-roading and I can take little credit for these feats. Beefy tires, antilock brakes, traction control, and a rear differential lock ensure traction up or down steep inclines. Hummer's sturdy frame and high ground clearance are also necessary for good off-road ability.

H2 climbed over boulders with ease.

Hummer provided skillful and patient spotters to guide the journalists over difficult sections of the trail. Sometimes the descent was so steep I could only see the spotter through the sunroof. Hummer had a few demonstration runs with professional drivers up and down near-vertical rocks. Descending the wall, the passenger would hang in his seat belt with arms braced against the dash. The experience was similar to being on a low-speed roller coaster. Off-road prowess is both Hummer's strength and weakness. Off-road abilities, or at least the rugged image by association, sell Hummers. The compromises in packaging, ride, handling, and fuel economy to obtain that ability make Hummers less competitive against more mainstream SUVs.

A "Green" Hummer?
This Hummer press event was based in Durango, CO--a town with a large green lifestyle population. Some of the locals were not pleased to see a fleet of Hummers in town and showed their displeasure by egging them one night. For many, Hummers represents ecological irresponsibility. That image was initiated by the H1--a military vehicle converted for civilian use. The now out-of-production H1 was one of the largest vehicles built for consumer use and regularly topped worst fuel-economy lists.

The H2 is much smaller and has better mileage, but still thirsty. The 5-cylinder H3, with an EPA estimate of 15/20 mpg, is about average for midsize truck-type SUVs. Hummer plans to offer diesel engines capable of running on bio-fuels in a few years, making Hummers much greener. Hummer's biggest image problem is how they are used. Too many are used as commuter vehicles, guzzling too much gas (as do any large truck-type SUVs) instead of for towing or off-road use where they are not only practical, but excel.

2008 Hummer H2 and H3 Pictures

A 393-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 replaces a 325-horse 6.0-liter in the 2008 Hummer H2.

2008 Hummer H3

2008 Hummer H2 SUT

2008 Hummer H3 interior