Do you want a big, honkin’ 4x4 that can crawl up rocks, down mountains and across swamps? Need to haul yourself and your buddies to the cottage in style with your favourite weekend power-toys in tow? Looking to make a bit of an automotive fashion statement in the process?
Few machines in recent history combine real-world 4x4 capability and stand-out styling like models from GM’s now ‘wound-down’ Hummer line. The original, military-grade Hummer ‘H1’ typically pops into the minds of the masses when the brand is brought up—though GM successfully marketed a pair of civilian-grade models called the H2 and H3 in recent years.
The H3 was the smaller of the modern-era Hummers. Available from model years 2006 through 2010, the H3 rode the automakers small truck (Colorado/Canyon) platform and came originally with a 3.5 and then a 3.7 litre five-cylinder engine with 220 or 242 horsepower. Later in the H3’s life, GM’s 5.3 litre smallblock V8 was available optionally—packing 300 all-American ponies.
All H3s were four-wheel drive with an automatic or manual transmission available—depending on the model selected. On the options front, look for power seats, leather, tinted glass, premium ‘Monsoon’ audio, remote keyless, a sunroof, a driver computer, Bluetooth, OnStar, and plenty more.
Owner likes and dislikes as stated in online forums reveal no surprises. Capability, styling, status and a tough-guy driving experience were all key factors in attracting shoppers to the H3. A smooth and comfortable ride can be expected, and many owners rave about a small turning circle and easy manoeuvrability, too.
Owners of V8-powered models typically love the available performance, though most owners of five-cylinder H3’s wish for a bit more jam. The availability of a manual transmission on certain models was a big plus for some owners, too.
Gripes typically centre around a cramped rear seat, a smallish cargo hold and limited at-hand storage up front. Poorly-positioned controls on the doors were also mentioned. Many owners simply wish their H3’s were a little bigger and more intelligently laid out inside.
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| 2006 Hummer H3 (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
Few machines in recent history combine real-world 4x4 capability and stand-out styling like models from GM’s now ‘wound-down’ Hummer line. The original, military-grade Hummer ‘H1’ typically pops into the minds of the masses when the brand is brought up—though GM successfully marketed a pair of civilian-grade models called the H2 and H3 in recent years.
The H3 was the smaller of the modern-era Hummers. Available from model years 2006 through 2010, the H3 rode the automakers small truck (Colorado/Canyon) platform and came originally with a 3.5 and then a 3.7 litre five-cylinder engine with 220 or 242 horsepower. Later in the H3’s life, GM’s 5.3 litre smallblock V8 was available optionally—packing 300 all-American ponies.
All H3s were four-wheel drive with an automatic or manual transmission available—depending on the model selected. On the options front, look for power seats, leather, tinted glass, premium ‘Monsoon’ audio, remote keyless, a sunroof, a driver computer, Bluetooth, OnStar, and plenty more.
Owner likes and dislikes as stated in online forums reveal no surprises. Capability, styling, status and a tough-guy driving experience were all key factors in attracting shoppers to the H3. A smooth and comfortable ride can be expected, and many owners rave about a small turning circle and easy manoeuvrability, too.
Owners of V8-powered models typically love the available performance, though most owners of five-cylinder H3’s wish for a bit more jam. The availability of a manual transmission on certain models was a big plus for some owners, too.
Gripes typically centre around a cramped rear seat, a smallish cargo hold and limited at-hand storage up front. Poorly-positioned controls on the doors were also mentioned. Many owners simply wish their H3’s were a little bigger and more intelligently laid out inside.
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| 2006 Hummer H3 (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |