Technical
The engine is a 3.5L 5-cylinder. It develops 220 hp and 225 lb/ft of
torque. All Hummers are of course 4WD vehicles. Transmission choices are between a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Brakes consist of 4-wheel discs. Steering is power assisted rack and pinion and the suspension is independent up front and uses a solid-axle with leaf springs in the rear. The off-road Adventurer package includes a rear limited-slip differential, electronic transfer-case shift, 33" tires and front and rear heavy-duty shocks.
On the road
Well, it looks like a Hummer, sounds like a Hummer and behaves like a Hummer. The 5-cylinder is torquey and adequate, but no more than that. It needs to work fairly hard to carry the 4,700 lb truck around. Off the line, the transmission is geared in such a way as to make the most of the
engine's torque. Passing manoeuvres, especially when loaded, are tedious. The 4-speed automatic transmission is a smooth operator but it is lacking the all-important 5th gear for improved performance and fuel economy. My returned average fuel consumption was of 15L per 100 km.
Off-road, the H3 can tackle just about any obstruction. Its attack and departure angles are steep and the truck can climb a 60% slope. With the 33" tires, ground clearance is of 9.1 inches or 23 cm. The light off-road duty I put the H3 through demonstrated that if the small Hummer is driven wisely, it can travel across any type of terrain.
The truck's size is one of its best attributes as this one can actually be driven on the Plateau for example without taking part of the city block with it when it turns a corner. The brake pedal is solid and response is very good although this same pedal requires a firm maintained amount of pressure for a full stop. Steering for this type of vehicle is good, well assisted and fairly precise.
The H3's ride is quite choppy. This probably has more to do with the off-road package that my tester has, otherwise it is reasonably civilised on a smooth road. When the surface is broken up, the onboard passengers do get shaken to a certain extent.
Comparison
One of the H3's principal off-roading competitors is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both of these trucks have very impressive rock climbing and mud-slinging abilities. Both Jeep and Hummer offer optional off-road packages for the diehard enthusiasts. Pricing is very similar but where the Grand Cherokee really differs is in the choice of three engines, one of which is the HEMI. Ground clearance is comparable but the H3 has taller approach and departure angles and both have competent 4WD systems. It is a tough call. Certainly, if you purchase an H3, you are bound to get noticed whereas in the Grand Cherokee, no one will look twice in your direction.
The engine is a 3.5L 5-cylinder. It develops 220 hp and 225 lb/ft of
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On the road
Well, it looks like a Hummer, sounds like a Hummer and behaves like a Hummer. The 5-cylinder is torquey and adequate, but no more than that. It needs to work fairly hard to carry the 4,700 lb truck around. Off the line, the transmission is geared in such a way as to make the most of the
 |
Off-road, the H3 can tackle just about any obstruction. Its attack and departure angles are steep and the truck can climb a 60% slope. With the 33" tires, ground clearance is of 9.1 inches or 23 cm. The light off-road duty I put the H3 through demonstrated that if the small Hummer is driven wisely, it can travel across any type of terrain.
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The H3's ride is quite choppy. This probably has more to do with the off-road package that my tester has, otherwise it is reasonably civilised on a smooth road. When the surface is broken up, the onboard passengers do get shaken to a certain extent.
Comparison
 |
One of the H3's principal off-roading competitors is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both of these trucks have very impressive rock climbing and mud-slinging abilities. Both Jeep and Hummer offer optional off-road packages for the diehard enthusiasts. Pricing is very similar but where the Grand Cherokee really differs is in the choice of three engines, one of which is the HEMI. Ground clearance is comparable but the H3 has taller approach and departure angles and both have competent 4WD systems. It is a tough call. Certainly, if you purchase an H3, you are bound to get noticed whereas in the Grand Cherokee, no one will look twice in your direction.