2006 HUMMER H3 SUV New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 HUMMER H3 SUV?
Hummer's H3 – a kinder, gentler iteration of the take-no-prisoners sport/utility – joins the ranks this year, and with a starting price of about $30,000 it's gunning for BMW's X3, Nissan's Xterra, and Toyota's 4Runner. While the venerable H1 and H2 see a majority of male buyers, Hummer has women squarely in its sights with the H3. Based upon the rugged ladder-frame architecture of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups, the H3 shares the same visual cues as its H2 big brother: signature grille, chiseled surfaces and short overhangs. Shorter and narrower than its brethren, the Hummer H3 comfortably navigates city traffic, yet retains Hummer's trademark crawling and climbing capability. Inside, cloth-trimmed front sport buckets and a 60/40 split rear bench are standard fare with leather surfaces as an option. Upscale touches include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, machine-finished trim plates and liquid crystal displays. A large power sunroof with express opening and closing is an option, and four audio systems are offered – all compatible with OnStar and optional XM radio. An available DVD-based navigation system will either get you to your destination or show you the way back to the camp ground. The business end of the H3 mates a 220-horse/225 lb.-ft. of torque, 3.5-liter inline five with a five-speed manual (a Hummer first) or optional four-speed automatic transmission. A two-speed transfer case (with standard 2.64:1 or optional 4.03:1 ratio) and front- and rear-locking differentials make rock crawling a no-brainer. Four shields protect the H3's underbelly, while rock rails are optionally available. Safety-wise, the H3 includes four-wheel ABS-assisted disc brakes with dynamic rear proportioning, stability control and traction control. Front dual-stage airbags are standard, as is a tire pressure monitoring system. A side-curtain airbag system for front and rear occupants is optional.

Advantages of the 2006 HUMMER H3 SUV:

• Punchy inline five powertrain
• Perfect for the urban jungle and pimp-my-ride upgrades
• Impressive safety features

Objections to the 2006 HUMMER H3 SUV:

• Compared to the original H1, the H3 is a sheep in wolf’s clothing
• Slab-flat sides make parallel parking a challenge
• No onboard tire inflation/deflation system available

Editor's Advice:
For those who've always wanted a Hummer, but were put off by its size, cost or fuel consumption, the H3 effectively squelches those concerns as a kinder, gentler Hummer. Just as capable as its brethren, the H3 is easier to maneuver in tight parking spaces and can handle almost any terrain placed in front of it. Dyed-in-the-wool Hummerites will see the H3 as a poseur, lacking such H1 options as an in-cabin tire inflation/deflation system, a diesel engine offering and a wimpy Adventure Package that doesn't even include a winch. However, at its sub-$30,000 base price, the H3 is a Hummer that nearly anyone can afford.