- 2010
2009 Hummer H3
- Used Hummer H3
Hummer H3 - What the Auto Press Says
The H3 boasts great off-road capability -- but only mediocre highway performance and comfort -- in a distinctive, rugged package. If you can live without the brawny styling, consider the Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota FJ Cruiser, which both offer off-road abilities and better fuel economy in more affordable packages.
"If you're drawn to the 2009 Hummer H3's Tonka-truck buff appearance and can make use of its segment-topping off-road capabilities, there's a lot to like here," says Edmunds. "But its poor fuel economy, significant lack of utility and unrefined nature make it difficult to recommend." Though the H3 is the least expensive of the Hummers, its sticker price still commands a premium compared to the rest of the class.
Gneneral Motors, Hummer's parent company, recently emerged from bankruptcy and announced that it had finalized a deal to sell the Hummer brand. The brand will go to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, a Chinese company. While it is unclear what Chinese ownership will mean for Hummer's born-in-the-USA image, it appears that, for the time being, the military-inspired SUVs will soldier on.
For 2009, the H3 gets new standard features and additions to its optional Off-Road Adventure package. The H3 is available as a base model, the H3x or the performance-minded Alpha. For 2009, there's also a new pickup model, the H3T, which is reviewed separately.
- "The 2009 HUMMER H3 adds standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation, hill-start assist and the display for the available rear-view camera is incorporated into the inside rear-view mirror." -- MSN
- "The H3 offers most of the Hummer H2 attributes in a more sensibly sized package. However, sacrifices are made for off-road capability and extroverted styling. For shoppers without true wanderlust, most other midsize SUVs make more sense." -- Consumer Guide
- "Plenty of room for the family and your stuff, a great off-road pedigree, and improved on-road performance comfort." -- RockCrawler.com
- "The H3 Alpha is smooth, quiet and comfortable. It's also an ego machine that guzzles gas and is about the size of Liechtenstein. If you can afford the constant fuel bills and have a large parking space, it's the best Hummer yet." -- New York Times
H3 Performance - 7.8 (Good)
The 2009 Hummer H3 is ideal for off-road driving. "Off-road, where gradual and precise throttle response is usually far more important than power (particularly when a low crawl ratio is included), the H3 is just right," says Car and Driver. However, the downside is that the H3 is much less impressive on normal terrain. Its base engine can be sluggish and its fuel economy is rather dismal. Read More
H3 Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)
Although smaller than other Hummer SUVs, the H3 keeps the appealing military-transport appearance. "Even avowed SUV haters took time to eyeball this one," says the Washington Post. "One of them grudgingly acknowledged that GM has a ‘winner' in this model." Read More
H3 Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The 2009 H3's well-received cabin emphasizes functionality over luxury. Consumer Guide calls it "One of GM's better interiors. Cabin materials are of good quality with many soft-touch surfaces. Assembly of test models has been very good." Still, the interior can't compete with the H3's more refined rivals. Reviewers aren't impressed with the H3's seating positions or cargo space. Read More
H3 Safety - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Hummer H3 receives very good scores in front and side crash tests conducted by the federal government. Due to the H3's rear visibility issues, you may want to opt for the rearview monitor. Read More
H3 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Hummer H3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Hummer offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
