2006 HUMMER H3
The smallest Hummer shares its platform and mechanical components with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. It’s powered by a 3.5 litre five- cylinder engine. In terms of size, the Hummer is most comparable to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder.
Interior and trunk
Because of its height—and optional running boards that are dirt magnets and more cumbersome than they are useful—getting into the vehicle can be a difficult, dirty endeavour. The front seats are very comfortable thanks to the adjustable-tilt seat cushion. The driving position is good, but there isn’t a lot of footroom for the driver or the front passenger.
Getting into the back is even harder than the front because the doors don’t open very wide and expose part of the often dirty rear tires, which are easy to brush against. The rear seat is comfortable for two adults. Headroom and legroom are good. The rear seatback splits 60/40.
Trunk capacity is not very impressive, and worse than all the competition. Even with the rear seat folded, cargo space is lacking. The door opens wide and in the right direction, i.e., to the left. There is space for a container for wiper fluid on each side of the trunk.
Convenience and safety
The passenger compartment is very well finished with good quality materials. Soundproofing could be better against wind noise. There are a number of storage spaces, including a spacious central console.
Photo: Hummer One of the major irritants with the Hummer is its propensity to collect dirt everywhere. All surfaces of the outside door handles get dirty very quickly. Since the tires are big and stick out past the chassis, the entire vehicle exterior gets dirty faster than you can say “wet road.”
The instruments and controls are well placed, except for the wiper control which is on the turn signal lever. Aside from the glove box and side view mirror controls, everything is lit at night. The heating system is effective and we appreciate the fact that it offers a range of intermediate heat settings.
In terms of safety, the Hummer boasts two front airbags, good headlights, Onstar (free for one year), traction control (with the automatic), and four head restraints that don’t go high enough for taller people in the front and are too low in the rear for passengers of average height and up. Visibility is atrocious in all directions but straight ahead due to the small windows, the rearview mirror’s diagonal blind spot on the passenger side, and the too-wide roof A-pillars. The H3’s high beltline makes it hard to see people or things on either side. What’s more, the head restraints and small rear window create blind spots to the rear corners. Needless to say, backing up is a perilous operation due to the very poor visibility in this direction.
In U.S. government tests, the H3 earned five out of five stars for driver protection in head-on collisions and four stars for the front passenger. It was awarded five stars for all occupants in side collisions and three out of five stars for rollover resistance.
Engine and transmission
The 3.5 litre inline five cylinder generates 220 horsepower and 225 pounds of torque, which struggles a bit to move this 2,132 kg mammoth. Despite the good torque, you have to play with the shifter to maintain the right rhythm. The engine is noisy and grumbly under heavy acceleration. The lack of power and heft of the H3 contribute to its relatively poor 16 L/100 km fuel efficiency.
The five-speed manual transmission is precise and easy to manipulate. The gears are well spaced, while clutch engagement is firm and gradual. There are a number of transfer case options: 4X4 HIGH-range open, 4X4 HIGH- range locked, 4X4 LOW-range locked, N, 4X4 LOW, and rear differential locked. In the open mode, torque is distributed 40% to the front and 60% to the rear. All modes work very well and allow the H3 to venture just about anywhere.
On the road
Despite the stiff suspension settings, the H3 generally delivers a comfortable ride. However, the vehicle can get a bit bouncy over uneven surfaces. Road handling is honest for this type of vehicle more apt to shine off the beaten path than on winding roads. Beneath the rear differential, ground clearance is nearly 23 cm (9″), which means the H3 isn’t intimidated by obstacles. You have the feeling of driving a very sturdy vehicle.
The power steering is well calibrated and relatively fast. It’s imprecise at centre, but is fairly precise after. It does not transfer road feel and has a relatively short turn radius. The four disc brakes are powerful and do not fade after repeated high speed emergency stops. However, you have to get used to their abruptness.
Our inspection at a CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre showed that the H3’s underbody is very robust and equipped with a number of good skid plates. Unfortunately, there is no rustproofing. The camshafts are chain driven.
Conclusion
Without its undeniable off-road capabilities, it would be hard to make a case for the H3. Its disappointing interior space, atrocious visibility, high fuel consumption, wimpy engine, and propensity to attract dirt—which then tends to rub off onto anyone trying to get into the H3—are enough to encourage buyers to look elsewhere for a more versatile vehicle. There are only two Hummer dealers in Quebec and only 15 across Canada.
PROS: Comfortable front seats, robust construction, powerful brakes, off- road capabilities, nice finish, full 4X4 system
CONS: Difficult to get into, atrocious visibility, attracts dirt, weak engine, disappointing interior space, steering imprecise at centre
2006 HUMMER H3
Engine: 5 cylinders, 3.5 litres, 20 valves Horsepower: 220 hp at 5,600 rpm Torque: 225 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm Transmission: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic Suspension: Independent/rigid axle Brakes: Disc/disc
Length: 474.2 cm Width: 187.2 cm (without mirrors) Height: 189.2 cm Wheelbase: 284.2 cm Weight: 2,132 kg Tires: P265/75R16; P285/75R16 Towing capacity: 2,041 kg Airbags: Standard
Fuel consumption (manual transmission) Transport Canada rating: City, 15.6 L/100 km (18 mpg) Highway, 10.9 L/100 km (26 mpg) Test result: 16 L/100 km (18 mpg) Test temperature: –18° C to –3° C
Fuel tank capacity: 87 litres
Fuel requirement: Regular
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 11 seconds 60–100 km/h: 8 seconds
Competitors: Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner
Warranty: Full basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km Powertrain: 4 years/80,000 km Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 km Perforation damage: 6 years/unlimited kilometrage Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km on catalytic converter and electronic control module
Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $622 Front brake disc: $262 Brake pads: $293 Muffler: $761 Front fender: $408
Average insurance premium: (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $1,183 to $2,283
Price according to trim line: $39,995
Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,920 Chrome running boards: $1,050 Option packages: $1,230 to $4,715 Sunroof: $1,160
Price as tested: $41,145
Freight and preparation: $1,100
Dealers: Quebec: 2 Canada: 15
© January 2006. All rights reserved, CAA-Québec