Used 2007 HUMMER H3

Desperately desire to own a Hummer, but the aging hippy inside says "No way, man!?" Well, lucky for you there’s a way to enjoy the well-known Hummer appearance and off-road ability without needing to purchase a vehicle that looks like it’s capable of carrying a small platoon or needs a gun mount on the roof. It’s the H3, an H2 look-alike built from the sensible foundation that spawned the Chevrolet Colorado pickup. The H3 is reasonably sized, rather roomy inside and quite good off-road. The addition of a more powerful in-line five-cylinder engine this year should silence critics of the slow-moving 2006 model. Best of all, despite the added ponies, the H3 suffers no measurable loss in fuel economy.

With a suspension that’s surprisingly springy and reacts quickly to bumps, the H3 delivers an impressively easygoing ride. Cruising with the optional XM radio playing, you can even forget you’re inside a Hummer. This Hummer also handles more adeptly than its bigger brothers. Still, pavement irregularities can threaten to send the tires instantly off-course. Acceleration with the automatic isn’t bad from a standstill, and the new 3.7-liter engine provides a marked improvement in passing power. Unfortunately, low-speed downshifts can produce a confused, nasty jolt, and passing and merging yields more blare than action. Quiet on the highway, the H3 emits only a little driveline drone at low speeds.

Five passengers enjoy reasonably abundant space, though getting there requires a substantial upward climb. Side steps may help less-agile riders with that chore. Optional leather upholstery adds a dash of richness to the Hummer experience. Bright-accented instruments are small but easy enough to read. Side bolstering and support are modest, but the front seats are comfortable. Despite a slight knees-up position and so-so headroom, outboard rear-seat occupants should be satisfied. The center spot is simply awful, though – high and hard with scant head space. Visibility isn’t as impaired as the squat windows might suggest, and is helped by no-nonsense rectangular mirrors.

Dimensions are more moderate than its brothers in arms, but the H3 exhibits the unabashedly boxy profile that Hummer fans praise and critics love to denounce. Built on a 111.9-inch wheelbase, with a wide track and short overhangs, the H3 rolls on huge tires and looks taller than its actual height. Like its larger mates, the H3 promises impressive rock-climbing prowess, with the ability to clamber into and out of deep holes. Round headlamps set within square openings flank the H3’s "signature" seven-slot louvered grille. Towing capacity is 4,500 pounds, and ground clearance is 9.1 inches. A full-size spare is rear-mounted on the swing-out tailgate.

External Spare Tire
Not only does the gate-mounted spare look tough, it releases substantial space behind the back seat for additional cargo. The gate swings out easily, too, revealing a sizable luggage area.

Dead-Square, Upright Profile
An H3 might be smaller and gentler, but it still doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: A capable, traditional Sport Utility Vehicle that looks the part of a serious off-road machine.

GM’s OnStar communications system is standard, along with cruise control, remote keyless entry, traction control, a heavy-duty trailering/suspension package, 16-inch wheels, and cloth upholstery. Either 32-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires or Bridgestone 33-inch off-road rubber may be installed.

Popular H3 options include the Adventure Option Package, which features a limited-slip rear differential, off-road suspension and LT285/75R16 on/off-road tires. Stand-alone options include XM Satellite Radio, power moonroof, Monsoon stereo, chrome wheels and leather upholstery. Heated leather seats, a rear locking differential, DVD navigation and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags are also optionally available. Dealers can install a wraparound brush guard and side steps in a choice of three styles.

The new 3.7-liter in-line five-cylinder engine provides a much-needed boost in low-end torque, albeit at a higher rpm than before. Unlike the old 3.5-liter engine, this powerplant is well suited to the needs of most H3 owners, providing improved towing ability, better acceleration and power to pass without dramatically increasing fuel consumption. Get the five-speed manual and the H3 can be quite spirited.

3.7-liter in-line 5
242 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
242 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 (manual), 15/19 (automatic)