Hummer H3

The smallest Hummer

The H3 brought the Hummer image to a smaller, more affordable vehicle. Compared with the H2 it is lower and narrower, has less chrome and a spare wheel on the side-hinged rear door, which frees boot space, but it keeps the vertical-slot grille, round headlights and upright, slab-sided body. The brand's story is told in the history of Hummer, and its models are in the Hummer catalogue.

Hummer H3 model years

Sales peaked early: 33,140 H3s found buyers in 2005 and 54,052 in 2006, but demand then fell to 20,681 in 2008 and 5,487 in 2009. In total, Hummer sold 159,529 H3 and H3T models.

Five-cylinder and V8 engines

The H3 was never fast or economical. EPA figures are 15 mpg US combined (about 15.7 L/100 km) for the five-cylinder and 14 mpg (about 16.8 L/100 km) for the V8; in real use owners reported 12–18 L/100 km. Towing capacity is 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) with the manual five-cylinder, 2,040 kg (4,500 lb) with the automatic and 2,720 kg (6,000 lb) with the V8.

Four-wheel drive and off-road ability

All H3s have an electronically controlled two-speed full-time four-wheel-drive system. Options included an electronic locking rear differential and, on later models, a locking front differential. The Adventure (Off Road) package added 33-inch tyres, off-road dampers, the lockers and a 4:1 low-range ratio. Traction control works by braking individual wheels, and StabiliTrak stability control and ABS are standard.

The chassis is a steel ladder frame with independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung rear axle, which makes the ride firm on road. With 31-inch tyres, the H3 offers:

H3 and H3T dimensions

H3 cabin and options

The H3 seats five. Its cabin is simple and practical, with a straightforward dashboard, four round main dials, soft-touch plastics and metal-look trim, and an audio unit above the climate controls. The 2008 update brought a revised interior and new options such as a reversing camera and rear-seat entertainment. Options over the years included heated leather seats, a power sunroof and DVD navigation. The H3X of 2007 added a luxury package with 18-inch chrome wheels and exclusive colours. Owners criticised the limited rear visibility, high noise levels, average interior quality and awkward manoeuvring in town.

H3 crash tests

The IIHS rated the H3 "Acceptable" in the frontal offset and side tests (with side airbags) and "Poor" for rear-impact protection and head restraints. Side curtain airbags were optional until they became standard in 2008. The airbag system detects child passengers and deactivates the front passenger airbag when necessary, and a rollover sensor triggers the curtain airbags.

H3T pickup and the end of Hummer

The H3T crew-cab pickup, previewed as a concept in 2003 and launched for 2009, shared the H3's front end but had a 567 mm longer wheelbase and a 5-foot bed. It was offered in standard, Adventure, Luxury and Alpha versions; Motor Trend found it capable off-road but criticised its wide turning circle. Sales fell sharply after 2007, from 54,052 in 2006 to 7,533 in 2009. GM announced the end of the Hummer brand in February 2010, and the last H3T left the Shreveport line on 24 May 2010.

Rivals: how the H3 compares

The H3 competed with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Toyota FJ Cruiser and 4Runner, Nissan Xterra and the Nissan Patrol. It was highly capable off-road but thirsty, slow and less comfortable on tarmac than most of them. More off-roaders are listed among 4x4 vehicles and American cars.