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Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | Hummer
The notion of a 'smaller, gentler Hummer' seems like an oxymoron, but here it is. The latest vehicle from Arnold Schwarzenegger's favorite brand downsizes the burly paramilitary look even further, creating a more affordable and easier-to-drive variant.
Hummer's first mid-size SUV retains the brand's larger-than-life look and extreme off-road ability, but it's got a more realistic size, the better to adapt to life in the 'burbs, right?
Well, sort of. Since it's based on the Chevrolet Colorado, sharing a platform and powerplant with that pickup, it's easy to assume that the H3 is intended to be a mass-market family-hauler. Like the rest of the Hummer lineup, though, the H3 is part highly specialized off-roading tool and part boutique vehicle.
There's no mistaking the H3's Hummer DNA. It doesn't matter that it's smaller; college-town types are still going to hate you for driving it thanks to the high stance, 32-inch tires (33s are available) and military-coup silhouette. The familiar styling cues are scaled (slightly) down, but they're all there. In fact between the massive fender flares, vertical windshield and fortress-like window set, the H3 almost seems to have too much styling going on. On the road it's not unlike driving a small fortress and will certainly bolster the confidence of timid drivers, at least until they have to back up. The externally-mounted spare tire doesn't block the view that much; it's just that the H3's rear window is that small. Trailer towers should be aware that the big fender flares stick out just enough to block the mirrors, too. Small trailers will have to be towed by feel, because they're barely visible from the driver's seat.
The H3's visual size contributes to a general feeling of bulk. Big brother H2 is even more massive of course, but that truck has a 6.0 liter V8 to get it moving. The H3 makes do with a 3.5 liter five-cylinder, and it's enough to get this 4700-pound vehicle moving as long as you don't insist that this be done too quickly. The H3's torquey powerplant makes 220 horsepower, and goes about its business relatively quietly. A choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions is offered (incidentally, the first time such a choice has been available in a Hummer). We drove the automatic and found it to be, not surprisingly, just as smooth as that found in the Chevy Colorado.
Four-wheel drive is standard of course. We didn't get a chance to get our H3 dirty, but suspect that the generous ground clearance and short overhangs will work in its favor, while the visibility-challenged cabin will work against it when setting out on the trails. Still, the H3 is definitely loaded for bear. Skid plates and an intake system designed to ford up to 16" of water keep the delicate components safe, while traction control and an available locking rear differential keep traction close at hand. 9.1 inches of ground clearance and a phenomenal approach angle allow the H3 to surmount a variety of off-road obstacles. GM's Stabilitrak stability control system is offered on automatic-equipped H3s. The suspension is similar to a pickup's, with an independent short-long arm torsion bar setup in the front and multi-leaves in the rear, and around town it's actually comfortable, for an SUV. Hummer claims a turning circle on par with that of a small car, but after having to make a 100-point turnaround in the crowded parking lot of a pizza parlor we have to conclude that it's no good being able to turn on a dime if you can't see the corner.
H3 drivers will never forget that they're in a truck. The windshield is upright and very far away, the A-pillars almost vertical. The interior has been upsized, with a massively fat steering wheel and chunky controls. Small-framed drivers will also find the H3 difficult to use; the spare tire hanging off of the tailgate makes it resistant to opening and closing. The high load floor cuts into cargo space as well as being difficult for short drivers to load or unload. Then again, it's also pretty easy to argue that the H3 isn't about performing mundane suburban tasks like carrying groceries anyway. That doesn't mean it can't be equipped like a luxury ride, of course. Hummer will let you load your H3 up with a DVD navigation system, leather seats and one of the biggest sunroofs we've seen in a sport-ute, should you choose.
It's true that overachievers like the noisy little Jeep Liberty CRD will do just about anything an H3 will, as well as beating it on fuel economy and driveability, but no Jeep ever had the curb draw of a Hummer. The H3 starts at $28,935, which is on par with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner with whom it's intended to compete, but our test truck was easily optioned up to $35,225 and at that price point we weren't sure if the financial compromise was worth all of the attendant usability compromises. In the end, it all depends on where your priorities lie, and how bad you expect your roads to be.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 Hummer H3, which we tested.
Length: 186.7 in.
Width: 74.7 in.
Height: 74.5 in.
Wheelbase: 111.9 in.
Curb weight: 4700 lb.
Cargo space: 29.5 cu.ft (all seats up); 55.7 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Towing capacity: 4500 lb.
Base price: $28,935
Price as tested: $35,225
Engine: 3.5 liter inline five-cylinder
Drivetrain: four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 220 @ 5600
Torque: 225 @ 2800
Fuel capacity: 23 gal.
Est. mileage: 16/19
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