Hummer H3 (2006)
for sale
Price: US $9,900.00
Price: US $9,900.00
The Hummer H2 drew
lines in the sand from the beginning. Its fan base brandished its in-your-face
persona, off-road capability, and military-brand DNA. Earth-loving detractors
pointed fingers at its scale-busting weight, high price, and gluttonous thirst
for fuel. Initial sales were strong, but erupting gas prices and a groundswell
of anti-H2 sentiment have now got GM, Hummer, and dealers sweating.
Is it time for something smaller, more economical and affordable, and, for
heaven’s sake, less controversial? When you’ve based your identity on bulk and
power, downsizing is a risky venture. But that’s what Hummer is attempting with
its kinder, gentler, entry-level Hummer H3. Whether any Hummer needs real
off-road prowess or merely the image of it, the H3 appears poised to deliver
both.
The numbers off-roaders quote aren't 0-to-60 mph and
quarter-mile times, they're approach, breakover, and departure angles. Based on
these stats, the H3 should be able to scale any obstacle an H2 can.
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In terms of style, there’s no argument about family resemblance: The familiar hood, flat
windshield, and slab sides give it a direct connection to the original Hummer.
Designers will say they worked long and hard to differentiate this new model, but it still has the same boxy lines, high sills, and shortened windows shared
with the H2. The H3 is compact: three or four inches shorter than the Land
Rover LR3 and Nissan Pathfinder SUVs.
Inside, the
un-GM-like clean and simple center stack and gauge layout are refreshing, especially for a Hummer. Although the hard plastics still aren’t as high
quality as they should be, surface textures may be the best in a GM midsize SUV
to date.
Built on a modified
Colorado/Canyon pickup truck frame (with more crossmembers and more frame
boxing), the H3 shares many major components with its siblings; all three are
built in GM’s Shreveport, Louisiana, plant. The only engine available at launch
of the littlest Hummer will be the Vortec 3500 I-5, rated at 220 horsepower and
225 pound-feet of torque. This may not sound like much power to move 4700
pounds, but combined with low (4.10:1 or 4.56:1) axle gears and a choice of
manual or automatic transmission, there’s quite a bit of oomph off the line.
Our drive
experience was limited to low-speed crawling over the Rubicon Trail in an H3
engineering mule; on-road and test-track evaluations will have to wait until we
get our hands on a production example. Covering a little over 13 miles in a day
and a half–averaging almost two miles an hour–we found that the H3’s suspension
flexibility and overall trail manners make it one of the top students in its
class. It may be even better than the H2.
Consistent with the
H3‘s better-gearing and more-choice strategy, Hummer offers two different
transfer cases that can be ordered with either transmission: one with a
relatively standard 2.64:1 low range, and another with a whopping 4.03:1 low
gear. That translates into a vehicle that can move slower over rocks than
molasses in winter, with a 69:1 crawl ratio for the manual and 56:1 for the automatic.
Combine that with an optional rear electronic locking differential, a
defeatable traction-control system, and the largest tires available on any
vehicle in its class (33 inches), and it’s clear that GM is serious about
keeping this smaller Hummer true to the authentic 4×4 tradition.
The H3’s biggest potential disadvantage? Most of the
competition offers a strong V-6 or even stronger V-8. Unfortunately, the
five-cylinder is all the H3 has to offer so far. The I-5 will be the only
engine choice; we hope a turbo version won’t be far behind. There’s also the
possibility of a five- or six-speed automatic, as four-speeders are becoming
yestertech. Likewise, look for an Alpha (Hummer’s new performance-package
label) model to follow in short order. In addition, GM has superb turbodiesels
in its global parts bin–why not one of them, too? Here’s where we’d expect more
gears from the automatic and turbo
Will the H3
jumpstart Hummer’s sales, now that the honeymoon is over for the bigger H2? GM
is betting on it, hoping to target younger, affluent, and increasingly female
buyers. Susan Docherty, Hummer’s new general manager, says, “There’s a
passionate following for these vehicles, and the H3 will appeal to a broader
range of people with its size, look, and fuel economy.”
With just under two
million midsize SUVs sold each year, Hummer expects the H3 to be the brand’s
best-seller; early sales estimates are hovering around 50, 000 units annually.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but should start around $30, 000, ranging up to
$38, 000 when fully optioned. The appearance of a unique-looking player with
off-road ability in a marketplace full of car-based, look-alike SUVs bodes for
early popularity. But the proof will be in its staying power–or lack thereof.
2006 Hummer H3
Base price
$31, 000 (est)
Vehicle layout
Front engine, 4WD, 5-pass SUV
Engine type
I-5, alum block and head, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl, variable
Displacement, ci/cc
211.1/3460
Max SAE net horsepower
220 @ 5600
Max SAE net torque
225 @ 2800
Transmissions
5-speed manual; 4-speed auto
Curb weight, lb (mfr)
4700
0-60, sec (mfr)
8.9
EPA mpg, city/hwy (mfr est)
16/20
sale in U.S.
April 2005
update: 2015-12-17
Used |
“For Sale 2006 Hummer H3. Runs and drivers great! cold A/C,Great Tires, Black leather, Heated Seats. Fully Maintained. Front suspension bushing replaced!!” |
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | 5GTDN136468110271 | Year: | 2006 |
Number of Cylinders: | 5 | Make: | Hummer |
Transmission: | Automatic | Model: | H3 |
Body Type: | SUV | Trim: | Adventure Sport Utility 4-Door |
Warranty: | Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty | Engine: | 3.5L 3460CC 211Cu. In. l5 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated |
Vehicle Title: | Clear | Drive Type: | AWD |
Options: | Cassette Player, 4-Wheel Drive, Leather Seats | Mileage: | 131,000 |
Safety Features: | Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Side Airbags | Exterior Color: | White |
Power Options: | Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats | Interior Color: | Black |