Hummer H3

Hummer H3 in Nigeria

The 2006 Hummer H3 is quite friendly when compared to the bad-boy H1 and H2. It's a midsize SUV based on the Colorado/Canyon pickup truck platform. Not only can you tackle two-track off-road tracks without worrying about fitting around the next turn in the H3, but you also won't have to worry about flattening mailboxes while backing out of driveways.

Only 10 to 15% of the H3 vehicle's components are shared with Colorado, including its 220-hp, 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine. The engine is carrying roughly 700 pounds more in this application, albeit being noticeably smoother. Acceleration is good in town, but interstate passing moves require some forethought. When you add in some elevation changes, the H3 feels underpowered. This immediately puts the new Hummer SUV at a disadvantage when compared to speedier, popular SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner, both of which offer available V8 engines.

Specification of this model

Pros and cons of this vehicle

Pros

• Rugged enough to take on the tough off-road trails.
• Smooth highway ride.
• Stable handling.
• Quality interior with simple controls.
• Comfortable seats.

Cons

• Underpowered five-cylinder engine.
• Low tow rating.
• Lousy visibility for shorter drivers.
• Below-average cargo space.

Performance & mpg

The Hummer H3 is only available with a 3.5-liter inline-five engine. It produces 220 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque and sends power to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. Because the H3 is over 2.5 tons, acceleration can be sluggish. It took 11.0 seconds for an automatic-equipped H3 to reach 60 mph in our test. The automatic's towing capability is rated at 4,500 pounds, and the EPA ratings for city and highway fuel efficiency are 16 and 19 respectively.

Driving

Acceleration is excellent in town, but interstate passing maneuvers, especially with the automatic, require strategy. When you add in some elevation changes, this Hummer SUV starts to seem underpowered. However, the ride is smooth and comfortable, and the H3 feels steady when turning. At highway speeds, the steering is reassuringly solid without being obnoxious in the parking lot. The tiniest Hummer is practically unstoppable off the beaten path.

The 2006 H3 by Hummer has 9.1 inches of ground clearance, plenty of wheel travel, aggressive approach and departure angles, huge all-terrain tires, and standard skid plates, so it can go pretty much anywhere without getting damaged. If the H3 had class-leading off-road performance, it wouldn't be worth much if it was a poor driver on the road. While the 4,700-pound curb weight isn't hidden in the bends, the car feels surprisingly stable, with a predictable body roll and a well-controlled back end.

Interior

The interior of the H3 car is one of the cleanest we've ever seen in a General Motors vehicle. A two-tone interior, contrasting piping on the available leather seats, and smooth metallic trim add a touch of class. The base cloth upholstery looks excellent and seems like it could withstand a battering, and the quality of the materials is far superior to the Colorado's low-rent trim. The seats are comfortable, but the high cowl and small glass area prevent you from getting a good perspective of the road unless you're tall. There's enough leg and foot room in the back for an average-sized adult to be comfortable.

Do you want to get yours?

The unique 2006 Hummer H3 is primarily let down by its lack of power, despite having a promising blend of off-road performance and everyday comfort. If you wanna get one, you should head on to Cars45 and select from the trims available for sale.