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.

Serious Off-Roader

There are two full-time electrically controlled four-wheel drive systems available — one standard, one optional. The latter has more aggressive low-range gearing to tackle the toughest off-road obstacles. It allows the driver to lock the rear differential in low-range mode so it can climb boulders and crawl over other rugged terrain.

Some specs that are important only to off-road enthusiasts are the H3's maximum uphill angle of 40 degrees (also called the approach angle) and maximum downhill angle of 37 degrees (also called the departure angle), enabling it to climb 16-inch vertical steps. Hummer says the H3 can ford 16 inches of water at 20 mph or 24 inches at 5 mph. For the rest of us who never leave the pavement, these capabilities are little more than bragging rights.

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Both four-wheel drive systems provide a choice of operating modes: high-range open, for top performance on pavement under a variety of conditions; high-range locked, which allows power to be transferred to the front or rear wheels as needed (such as when climbing a steep gravel driveway); and low-range locked, for serious off-road use.

The H3's GM pickup platform is sturdy (called a ladder frame, because it looks like a ladder) with an independent front suspension and a leaf-spring rear suspension. Handling is nimble compared to the larger Hummers, but there's no disguising the fact that this is a truck — meaning it lacks the tautness of a car.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes have Dynamic Rear Proportioning, which is a traction control system that works in both on- and off-road drive modes. The H3's standard stability control decreases throttle and selectively applies the brakes when wheel slippage is detected, such as when taking a turn too quickly.

Check back later for a full review.