2009 HUMMER H3 Review | New HUMMER H3

MSRP: $32,345.00 - $42,085.00
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2009 HUMMER H3 Overview

Talk about a real-world illustration of a car’s safety.

Just as soon as my co-pilot and I drove the Hummer H3 through the back lot of the dealership, we spotted another Hummer that had been in a major crash. The windows were shattered, the bumpers hanging, the sides ravaged -- yet the inside was almost unmarred. Yes, the dashboard was pushed back just a bit and there was dust everywhere but the important parts were in tact.

Say what you will about Hummers’ off-road capability, its incredible cargo capacity, and its distinctive style. The bottom line is that the H3, like all its siblings, is one tough customer. That is toughness that will likely save your life and those of your passengers if you’re in a major collision. It’s one thing to hear about the five-star safety ratings the driver and passenger sides have received from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; it’s another to see it in action.

Of course the distinctive styling of the Hummer also keeps everyone watching it regularly. The H3 is a bit smaller than its siblings – it’s ranked as a mid-size SUV – but it’s got the same hard-core macho exterior of its bigger brethren. The seven-slot louvered grille, rectangular windows, and 16-inch alloy wheels are all there as is the one-piece rear swing gate with the spare tire on the back. And yes, the distinctive halogen headlamps and fog lights are standard. The H3 is available in either automatic or standard which is different from its siblings.

Of course, the Hummer is all about options and whether you want the “Adventure” package with such extras as off-road suspension and 33-inch off-road tires or the “Luxury” package that has such cushy extras as leather upholstery and power heated front seats, you’re in for a good solid ride. Whether you’re interest is color, audio, or extra luggage carriers, you can get them with the H3.

The interior of the H3 is roomy as you’d expect but don’t expect lots of luxury in the basic model. Again, there are options aplenty but the basic H3 used for this test drive felt more “truck” than SUV. That means the seats aren’t as comfortable as you’d likely want for a long drive. That might not be important to young men but the moms that Hummer dealers tend to target for this SUV to might want to consider the upgrade that gives better lumbar support. That’s not to say its stripped down. The H3 has power, power everywhere – in its dual-zone air-conditioning, six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control, and power-controlled windows, mirrors, and locks. As far as storage, there’s ample room cargo space and some nice door holders plus a 60/40 split for the back seats.

The H3 is a four-wheel drive and the ride is smooth and turning smooth and stable. The sturdy suspension seems to absorb the bumps long before they get to its occupants. Although some complain about blind spots due to the small windows, that wasn’t an issue on this test drive. The standard H3 is rated at 14-mpg city and 18 mpg highway, but dealers report it’s not unusual for it to average 20 mpg. As you’d expect, the H3 boasts plenty of safety features including antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, OnStar and more, which helped earn it the top, crash rating noted above.

Standard safety equipment includes: