Performance - What the Auto Press Says:
The 2009 H3 is a tough, off-road-ready vehicle -- but its talents end when it gets on solid pavement. Compared to its more refined crossover competition, the H3's performance simply can't keep up.
Acceleration and Power:
The Hummer H3 base model comes with a 3.7-liter 242-horsepower V6 engine that most writers feel is fine for off-road driving but less so for breezing down paved roads. For more power, they recommend the Alpha trim's 5.3-liter V8, which delivers 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. According to the EPA, the base engine achieves 14/18 mpg city/highway, while the V8 achieves 13/16 mpg.
Handling and Braking:
When not kicking up dust or fording streams, critics say that the Hummer H3 has fairly good handling -- considering that it's a truck.
Off-Roading:
Hummers excel at off-road driving and the 2009 Hummer H3, smaller if not gentler than the H1 and H2 models, is no exception. The best off-road results come with the optional Adventure package, which adds larger tires, a 4:1 transfer case, and heavy-duty shock absorbers.
U.S.News Scores
Overall: 7.4
Performance: 7.7
Exterior: 8.2
Interior: 7.4
Safety: 9.2
Reliability: 4.0
