HUMMER H3 Review

2008 HUMMER H3 Alpha SUV Shown

In the past, Hummer ownership seemed a lot like inviting 50 Cent to your house to perform at your wife's birthday party -- complete overkill, massively expensive and maybe just a bit silly, but surely a great way to impress the heck out of the neighbors. Now, however, there's the Hummer H3. Within the Hummer triumvirate of SUVs, it's designed to be the "real world" version, less 50 Cent and more your buddy's local alt-rock band.

This isn't to say that the company's engineers stopped their testosterone I.V. drip. The H3's styling still loudly says that it's a card-carrying member of the Hummer guild, and the truck's got more off-road capability than just about every other midsize SUV when the pavement ends.

For everyday urban use, however, the smallest of Hummers still isn't the best choice. Unless you're driving the "Alpha" version which boasts V8 power, the H3 can be painfully slow in certain situations. It's also let down by other traditional Hummer faults such as poor outward visibility and an interior that isn't as voluminous as its exterior styling suggests. If you're keen on the H3's looks and style, or if you plan on plenty of recreational use, the H3 should be a good purchase. Otherwise, our editors feel that the majority of buyers will be better served by other available midsize SUVs.

Current Hummer H3

The Hummer H3 is a midsize SUV that comes standard with a 220-horsepower, 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive. This inline-5 is the same engine found in General Motors' midsize pickups. While it's adequate for the pickups and general use around town, it is often overwhelmed by this SUV's nearly 2.5 tons of curb weight. In our Hummer H3 road test, we recorded a 0-60-mph time of 11 seconds. Fuel economy isn't all that great either. For 2008, the Alpha version of the H3 debuted, sporting a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8 that provided more respectable performance. With the Alpha, the 0-60 dash was reduced to 8.8 seconds.

More impressive than the powertrain is the vehicle's ability to handle off-road terrain. Allowed to play in the dirt, the smallest Hummer is basically unstoppable. With 9.1 inches of ground clearance, loads of wheel travel, oversized all-terrain tires and standard skid plates, the H3 can pretty much go wherever you want without taking damage. For optimum performance, add the optional Off-Road Suspension Package to get a shorter-geared transfer case for better hill climbing and descending, a locking rear differential, 33-inch off-road tires and firmer suspension tuning.

Inside, the H3 boasts a cockpit design that's more stylish than those of its pickup relatives. Most of the controls are also easy to use. The 60/40-split rear seat can be lowered to increase cargo capacity, though this vehicle's maximum capacity of 56 cubic feet is smaller than that of many other compact and midsize SUVs. Outward visibility is hampered by the gun-slit-style windows and tailgate-mounted spare tire.

Selecting a Hummer H3 is pretty straightforward, as there are only two styles: base and Alpha. Standard equipment highlights on the base H3 include dual-zone air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and locks. The aforementioned off-road package, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, side curtain airbags and an MP3-compatible stereo are optional. The Alpha adds the V8 engine as well as leather seating, upgraded audio, heated seats and more chrome trim, including the wheels.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.