2006 Hummer H3 Test Drives

Downsizing a Monster

The Hummer H3 looks like a shrunken H2. It handles better and is more fuel efficient than its larger brethren.

Hummers are among the most intimidating vehicles on the road, and now, motorists who might not be able to afford the garish H1 and H2 can opt for the leaner and less expensive Hummer H3 to begin bullying unsuspecting motorists.

This all-new SUV looks just like the larger H2 but gives Hummer an entry in the midsize SUV segment, which at 1.7 million in annual sales is exponentially larger than the H2's sliver of a segment, which totals 160,000 large luxury SUVs per year.

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The H3 is about as long as the typical family sedan, but retains the brand's military-meets-Tonka-toy styling. It's about 17 inches shorter in length, 6.5 inches narrower, and half a foot shorter than an H2. The H3 is more agile and can run rings around its larger and clumsier siblings. Just as the H2 is derived from General Motors' Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL, the H3 is based on the same platform and power train as the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon midsize pickup truck.

The pickups' 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder is the only available engine. It's smooth, but not particularly muscular, rated at 220 horsepower. The upside is that this engine affords decent fuel economy — around 20 miles per gallon on the highway. The other Hummers are notorious gas guzzlers, so the H3, while not even that fuel efficient, may help dispel the brand's politically incorrect stigma.

Notably, the H3 is the first Hummer to offer a manual transmission — a standard five-speed — that should appeal to off-road purists. Americans will likely favor the optional four-speed automatic.