Hummer H3: The Baby Hamper

Produce

Produced by General Motors, the Hummer H3 is an SUV whose tenure was relatively short-lived from 2006 to 2010. The Hummer H3 is nicknamed the Baby Hammer because of its smallest size in the Hummer range. Unlike its larger models, H1 and H2, the H3 was not on the production line being produced by AM General. It was built on the modified GMT355 platform, the same as the Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon. But the H3 was better than its predecessors in efficiency, economy, convenience, and cross-country abilities.

Package

The Hummer H3 claims excellent off-roading capability in a typical, rocky package. Delivering mediocre highway performance, the H3 can also be hard to maneuver because of its large size and bulky weight. Safety scores could be more satisfactory, and low fuel economy places the H3 very low in its class. The Hummer H3 was offered as a 5-door SUV or 4-door pickup, and the H3 had four trims- the H3 base with an average paid price of $14,900, Adventure, and luxury having a five-cylinder engine and the H3 Alpha having a monstrous V-8, with an average paid fee of $16,295. Though being smaller and lighter greatly impacted its fuel efficiency, the hefty V-8 again had a big appetite. The cost of this model was also more affordable than the bigger models, H1 and H2, keeping the fuel consumption in perspective.

Under the Hood

All the H3 models have full-time four-wheel drive as it’s a demand of an off-roader. The base Hummer H3 is given a 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder that produces 239 horsepower and 327 Nm of torque, paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission making it reach the 0-60 mph mark in 10.1 seconds. The adventure and luxury trims also have the same engines, but the luxury trim has a bit more, a 4-speed automatic transmission. Due to its 2.5-ton weight, the acceleration is dull, and the maximum towing capacity is rated at 4,500 pounds which is relatively modest. The Alpha trim of the Hummer H3 is equipped with a mighty 5.3-liter V8 asserting out 300 horses and pretty quick, 434 Nm of mass-moving torque in combination with a 4-speed automatic transmission helping this trim to get from 0 to 60 mph in a much faster 8.8 seconds than the base versions. Overall the performance of this trim is noticeably enhanced, and the maximum towing capacity reaches up to 6,000 pounds because of the massive engine

How’s the drive?

The standard five-cylinder is doing fine while surrounded by traffic when driving around town. Still, the Hummer H3‘s bulky, near-5,000-pound mass causes it a bit of trouble while facing steeper inclines, and high-speed overtaking and maneuvering is also quite impossible because of its large size. The Hummer H3 Alpha’s big V8 is also a treat to its enthusiasts, accompanied by a beefy exhaust note and enhanced throttle response at any speed.

Off the road, the Hummer H3 comes into its zone and can blaze over any terrain it is introduced to. The 9-inch ground clearance, plenty of wheel travel, standard skid plates, and impressive approach and departure angles give the H3 godly off-road abilities. Moreover, The Hummer H3 performs admirably well on roads, with more than average stability at speed. The ride of the H3 is shockingly smooth and contradicts its challenging nature. Hummer H3s have two offered suspension packages for different terrain necessities. The standard Z85 heavy-duty handling and trailering suspension having 32-inch all-terrain tires and different rear-axle gearing, provides more balanced performance, be it on or off the road. The optional Off-Road Adventure package having taller 33-inch tires, a cast-iron front differential case, specially tuned shock absorbers, locking front and rear differentials, and shorter transfer-case gearing for maximum power output and control in hill climbs and descents, is designed for more aggressive off-roading capabilities.

The Interior

The Hummer H3′s cabin is plain, simple yet handsome, and utilitarian, but somewhat opposite to its bold and eye-catchy exterior design. The leather seating enlivens the cabin with a two-tone color scheme and complementary piping. The build quality of the H3’s interior is satisfactory, though most rival models have some finer build in every aspect. The stereo and climate interfaces are interactive and easy to use compared to those in other GM vehicles

The seats are comfortable, with outward visibility highly compromised for drivers on the shorter side because of the Hummer H3‘s high beltline and small, low-profile window design. Rear-seat door opening is small, so passengers might find it difficult to climb inside, but there is enough room to stretch once inside. Headroom for taller passengers may be somewhat tight. Cargo capacity is 1784 liters with the seats folded, which is behind in numbers compared to other rivals

Generation Analysis  

Unfortunately, there is only one generation of the Hummer H3 as its production period is minimal, starting in 2005 and ending in 2010. Due to this, hummer enthusiasts could not see variations or changes in the respective model. As the downfall of the Brand was at its peak, there was no chance of the H3 being revived.

Cons

Despite some positive changes from the previous models, the Hummer H3 couldn’t be a success story. Its short span tells it couldn’t be carried in the market with its rivals offering better appointments. The H3 had its cons. First, the poor fuel economy of the base model with 15mpg combined and the Alpha with 14mpg combined was not what someone could afford daily. Secondly, its underpowered base engine, terrible safety scores, and tight rear seat access and headroom did not make the Hummer H3 a practical vehicle, with its rival SUVs getting more and more flourished.         

Conclusion

Suppose you’re finding a 2010 midsize SUV with the wow factor on the road or in the parking lot. In that case, the Hummer H3 is an inordinate choice, as long as its lousy fuel economy and astonishingly low safety ratings don’t bother you. Like the rivals of that time, the 2010 Jeep Wrangler and 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser, the Hummer H3 didn’t let go of its roots and remained an all-purpose off-roader, although many owners chose to use it as a family SUV. Enthusiasts admired the H3’s distinguishing looks, optional V8 engine with a powerful sound note, and off-road performance. Nevertheless, since the H3’s vigorous nature off the road, reviewers recommended SUVs that can be far better than the H3 on-road with better fuel economy and indeed those that offered a proper third row of seats, which was a major missing in the H3