Video: 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha

So, I'm going to talk about some of the features that make it better in those settings. One of the Hummer H series' negative aspects is that it doesn't have really great rear visibility, because it has these short side windows. But buyers can choose an optional rear view camera system that has a pretty slick implementation, and that's helps improve rear visibility when backing up. When you put the gear selector into reverse, a small display motors out of the side of the rear view mirror, so they can help you judge how far you are away from something when you're backing up. It helps when parking and moving out of a parking space, as well. And when you're done, the screen motors back into the side when you put it in park or drive. One of the H3's nice convenience features is its optional power sunroof. It costs $950. And we like it so much, because for a front sunroof, it's really large. It has good coverage over the passenger and driver. And like most sunroofs, it opens at the touch of a button. Now the big change for the 2008 model year is that the H3 can now come with a 5.3 liter V8 engine. And it teams with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Hummer says this combination can move the H3 from zero to 60 in about eight seconds, which may not seem very fast, but this vehicle weighs about 5,000 pounds. The engine's a lot stronger, acceleration in town, as well as on the highway. But it is pretty loud for an engine. There's a lot of engine noise in the cabin. Now with the H3, it's important to remember that you're getting a true SUV with real truck capabilities, and that doesn't always translate very well to suburban and urban driving. But with the features talked about today, it can make the H3 a more enjoyable vehicle for those types of situations. For additional information on this car or any other, go to Cars.com and our blog, Kicking Tires.