2008 Hummer H3 Review

The Alpha SUV

The burly Hummer H3 SUV comes in a more powerful V8-powered Alpha version for 2008.

The Hummer H3 SUV looks just like the larger H2, but gives the automaker an entrant in the crowded but highly profitable midsize SUV segment. Hummer introduced the smaller H3 for the 2006 model year with a lot of marketing about the virtues of being smaller. However, product updates since then appear to be aimed at making the H3 look and feel bigger and stronger. Not the least of these is the H3 Alpha, introduced for 2008. It answers earlier criticisms that the truck lacks power by adding a strong V8 engine to the mix.

In 2007, Hummer added a new version, called the H3 X. It has a customized look, with features like chrome door handles, a gigantic chrome brush guard on the front, chrome rearview mirrors, extra Hummer logos, and an angular, hard-shell spare-tire cover. Even more so than other Hummers, the H3 X is not for shrinking violets.

The standard-issue Hummer H3 is about as long as the typical family sedan. By comparison, the H2 is 17 inches longer, 6.5 inches wider, and half a foot taller. Therefore, in terms of maneuverability, the H3 can run rings around its larger and clumsier sibling. Just as the H2 is derived from the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL, the H3 is based on the same platform and powertrain as the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon midsize pickup truck.

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The base engine remains a rather wimpy 3.7-liter five-cylinder powerplant that the H3 shares with its pickup brethren. The Hummer H3 Alpha, meanwhile, includes the 5.3-liter small-block V8 engine that’s also found in the full-size Chevrolet Silverado pickup. It’s over 45 percent more powerful, which is a breath of fresh air for the power-hungry, though it’s far less fuel efficient than the standard engine.

Notably, the Hummer H3 is the first civilian Hummer to offer a manual transmission — a standard five-speed only available with the five-cylinder engine. Most Americans will likely favor the four-speed automatic that’s optional on the base version and included with the H3 Alpha.

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Full-time, electronically controlled four-wheel drive is standard on the Hummer H3. An optional, upgraded four-wheel-drive system 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.

Off-road enthusiasts will be glad to know the Hummer H3’s maximum uphill angle (also called the approach angle) is 40 degrees and the maximum downhill angle (the departure angle) is 37 degrees. That means the H3 can negotiate 16-inch vertical steps without bottoming out. Hummer says the H3 can ford 16 inches of water at 20 miles per hour or 24 inches at 5 mph. For those who never leave the pavement, these capabilities are little more than bragging rights.

Hummer H3 Vehicle Summary

The Hummer H3’s pickup-derived platform is a sturdy ladder frame, so called because it looks like a ladder, with independent front and leaf-spring rear suspension. Handling is nimble compared to larger Hummers, but there’s no disguising the fact that this is a truck.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes have Dynamic Rear Proportioning, which is a traction control system that works in both on- and off-road driving. The Hummer H3’s standard stability control decreases the throttle and selectively applies the brakes when wheel slippage is detected, such as when taking a turn too quickly. Also included across the line is the StabiliTrak stability control system for added control over a wide range of road conditions.

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In addition to the V8 engine, the Hummer H3 Alpha also includes a number of otherwise optional amenities, including power heated leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Monsoon audio system with CD changer, a Chrome Appearance package, chrome wheels, and a 4.10 rear axle ratio. Side-curtain airbags are standard, as is GM's OnStar communications/safety system; the latter can be equipped with a turn-by-turn navigation feature for an added cost — it's essentially a scaled-down and easier-to-use alternative to a GPS nav system. A rear-view camera to make parking easier and safer is also optional.