2008 Hummer H3 Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 56 H3 reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Hummer H3 receives very good scores in front and side crash tests conducted by the federal government.
The H3 receives a top five-star rating in frontal crash tests for the driver and four out of five stars for the passenger. The H3 receives five out of five stars for front seat and rear seat safety in side impact crashes. However, it doesn't fare as well in testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2008 H3 gets ratings of "Average" in front offset and side impact crash tests, and the lowest rating of "Poor" for rear crash protection.
Accident Avoidance
If your interest is safety," says Essence, "especially in treacherous weather, the H3 is a smart option." For 2008, the H3 gets several more standard accident avoidance features, including StabiliTrak stability control and traction control. Previous features include antilock brakes (ABS) with Dynamic Rear Proportioning and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Some reviewers are concerned about the H3's rear visibility and suggest the optional rearview monitor as a remedy. It slides out from the right side of the rearview mirror when the vehicle is in reverse. Though MSN finds the tool helpful, the Orlando Sentinel calls it "the oddest option," noting, "[R]ather than show the image from the rear camera in the navigation system screen, it's shown in a little TV screen that pops out from the right of the rear-view mirror, and pops back when you shift into a forward gear. All that popping in and out is a little loud and startling, and while it works well enough, it looks a little cheesy."
Crash Protection
Standard crash protection features include dual front air bags with a passenger sensing system, which turns air bags off for unoccupied seats or a seat occupied by a smaller passenger, and a reinforced passenger compartment safety cage to protect occupants. Though side air bag curtains were previously optional, they come standard on all H3s for 2008. A rollover protection system is optional.
