2008 Hummer H3: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Hummer introduced its smallest model, the H3, with a five-cylinder engine in 2006, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Gas prices were rising and among the most volatile on record. Still, everyone knew the truck needed more power. Even though the 2007 model received a small boost from 220 to 242 horsepower, the first real power infusion comes in the 2008 H3 Alpha, a special edition propelled by a 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8. Based on price alone, the H3 competes in the market with the Land Rover LR2, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Lincoln MKX. In terms of offroad chops, it runs with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Nissan Xterra.

Hummer says the smaller, more fuel-efficient H3 is about the same length as a typical midsize sedan — and therefore is able to maneuver through urban traffic. When necessary, however, the H3 can demonstrate Hummer’s famous crawling and climbing abilities just like its larger sibling, the H2. The H3’s ground clearance is 9.1 inches, and it can turn a 37-foot circle.

Exterior
The H3 is easily identifiable as a Hummer due in part to its short overhangs, upright windshield and windows, wide track and immense tires. Flat, chiseled surfaces also make the H3 noticeable. The seven-slot grille is flanked by round headlights within square openings. Front tow hooks are standard. The rear swing gate incorporates fixed glass and a door-mounted full-size spare tire.

Compared with the Hummer H2, which is based on a GM full-size pickup truck platform, the H3 is 16.9 inches shorter overall and 6.5 inches narrower. Its height is 6 inches lower. Two tire types are available: a 32-inch all-terrain Goodyear tire and a 33-inch Bridgestone tire. Six-lug 16-inch aluminum wheels are standard, but chrome 18-inchers are available. A sliding sunroof is optional.

The H3 Alpha is equipped with the otherwise optional Luxury option package and the Chrome Appearance package, which includes chrome 16-inch wheels. The Alpha marking is minimal, to say the least: It’s limited to a badge on the swing gate. Hummer says the Alpha is also eligible for the H3X trim level’s more significant accoutrements, including a chrome fuel-filler door, bright roof-rack cross-members, a body-colored grille and exclusive wheels, tires, spare-tire cover and brush guard.

Interior
The comparatively new H3 never came under the same fire as the H2 for its interior design and materials. Its quality is higher to begin with, and the model’s lower overall price probably keeps expectations lower. The interior is mostly unchanged for 2008, but the H3 Alpha gets Alpha badges on the horn pad and front head restraints.

Sporty bucket seats up front and a 60/40-split folding rear bench accommodate up to five occupants. Cloth upholstery is standard; heated leather seats are optional. The driver faces a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and brightly accented instruments. Brushed, machine-finished trim plates are included, and the door release handles are chrome.

The H3X has leather seats with embroidered H3 logos on the headrests, and a six-CD changer with a Monsoon sound system.

Remote keyless entry and three 12-volt power outlets are standard. GM’s Turn-by-Turn navigation system is available in OnStar-equipped H3s, and there’s also a conventional DVD-based navigation system option.

Under the Hood
The H3 is powered by a Vortec 3.7-liter inline-five-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. Starting with the 2007 model year it develops 242 hp at 5,600 rpm and 242 pounds-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm. The power steering is updated on all H3s for 2008.

This is the first Hummer offered with either a manual or an automatic transmission. Its four-wheel-drive system is augmented by standard traction control and General Motor’s StabiliTrak electronic stability system, which is now standard in all H3 models.

In the H3 Alpha, as important as the V-8’s 300 hp is a jump to 320 pounds-feet of torque from the regular engine’s 242 pounds-feet. Given that Hummer estimates the 0-60 mph time as 8 seconds, shaving only about a second from the regular model, one could argue that this rock-scaling torque is really more important than the power. The towing capacity increases from 4,500 to 6,000 pounds.

Built on a ladder-type frame from the Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup, the H3 has an independent front torsion-bar suspension and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Hummer stiffened the torsion-bar springs and modified the shock absorber rates on the Alpha model to account for the larger, heavier engine.

The two-speed BorgWarner full-time four-wheel-drive system has a 2.64-1 gear reduction for low range in order to yield satisfying control during offroad obstacle climbing. For ultimate climbing capabilities, an optional 4.03-1 ratio is available. A locking rear differential is optional. A Neutral position is included for flat-towing the vehicle.

With the optional 33-inch tires, the maximum breakover angle is 25 degrees. Offroad enthusiasts may also want to know that the H3’s maximum approach angle is 40 degrees and the peak departure angle is 37 degrees. The H3 can ford 16 inches of water at 20 mph or up to 2 feet if it slows to 5 mph. It can also climb 16-inch vertical steps and rocks. The underbody includes four protective skid plates. An Off-Road Adventure Package enhances the vehicle’s offroad capabilities.

Safety
For 2008, H3s now include side curtain airbags, formerly optional. Also standard are four-wheel antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and a tire pressure monitoring system. OnStar comes standard with one year’s worth of safety and security service. After then, a monthly fee is required to maintain service. A rearview camera is available with the GPS navigation system.

Driving Impressions
With its upgraded five-cylinder engine, the H3 with the base engine provides noticeably improved acceleration over its predecessor. That’s not to say it’s quick; highway acceleration remains sluggish, and the four-speed automatic is slow to kick down.

The H3’s cabin is among GM’s best midsize efforts. It’s a welcome change from the low-rent interiors in the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, with which the H3 shares a platform. Unfortunately, the H3 shares those models’ shake and shudder — something the H2’s rigid structure doesn’t exhibit. A small rear window is partially obscured by the tailgate-mounted spare tire, and blind spots remain significant.