2008 HUMMER H3 Review

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GM introduced the Hummer H3 in 2006 as an entry-level Hummer for the masses. It features styling that is strikingly similar to its older brother, the H2. If it weren't for the H3's broader fender flares the casual spotter might have a tough time telling them apart.

The 2008 H3 also shares the H2's off-road prowess. Short overhangs, aggressive approach and departure angles and nine inches of ground clearance help navigate rough terrain. The standard rear axle is a tall 4.56 ratio, and the standard push-button transfer case has a 2.64 crawl ratio. Customers may also opt for an even taller 4:1 transfer case and a full-locking rear axle for extra-slow rock crawling.

The H3 is built on GM's Canyon/Colorado platform, but with a sturdier frame and specially tuned... see more

GM introduced the Hummer H3 in 2006 as an entry-level Hummer for the masses. It features styling that is strikingly similar to its older brother, the H2. If it weren't for the H3's broader fender flares the casual spotter might have a tough time telling them apart.

The 2008 H3 also shares the H2's off-road prowess. Short overhangs, aggressive approach and departure angles and nine inches of ground clearance help navigate rough terrain. The standard rear axle is a tall 4.56 ratio, and the standard push-button transfer case has a 2.64 crawl ratio. Customers may also opt for an even taller 4:1 transfer case and a full-locking rear axle for extra-slow rock crawling.

The H3 is built on GM's Canyon/Colorado platform, but with a sturdier frame and specially tuned shocks. The H3 also features a two-speed transfer case and electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system with traction control. The H3 also has the option of riding on enormous LT285/75R16 tires, the largest available on any midsize SUV.

The 2008 Hummer shares its 3.7L inline five-cylinder engine with its pickup siblings, and it generates 242 horsepower and 242 ft-lbs of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, but Hummer does offer an electronic four-speed automatic transmission.

The standard suspension setup, the Z85 Handling/Trailering system, should be sufficient for most users. Those looking to test their H3s in the field will be interested in the ZM6 Off-Road Adventure suspension. This option includes a full-locking rear differential, the steeper 4:1 ratio transfer case and special off-road shocks.

A number of optional packages can dress up the 2008 H3. the H3X option adds all manner of interior and exterior visual enhancements, while the H3 Alpha option adds a 300-horsepower 5.3L V8, a 4.10 rear axle ratio, and a larger alternator. An Uplevel D�cor option upgrades the front seats to heated power leather.

The H3 comes with an array of options including a six-disc CD changer, an audio system with navigation, chromed aluminum wheels, rearview camera system, and a power sunroof.
Available for the 2008 Hummer H3 is the more powerful 5.3L V8 powertrain with 300 horsepower. This engine is exclusive to Alpha Edition, which also comes with a Monsoon audio system, oversized floor mats, oversized cargo mat, and eight-way power seats. With the Alpha Edition maximum towing is increased to 6,000 pounds. see less

Trims	City MPG	Hwy MPG	MSRP	Invoice	Displacement	Engine
4WD 4dr SUV	13	18	$30,995	$28,670.38	3.7L/223	Gas 5
4WD 4dr SUV Adventure	13	18	$30,995	$28,670.38	3.7L/223	Gas 5
4WD 4dr SUV Alpha	13	18	$39,560	$36,593	5.3L/325	Gas V8
4WD 4dr SUV H3X	13	18	$39,290	$36,343.25	3.7L/223	Gas 5
4WD 4dr SUV Luxury	13	18	$30,995	$28,670.38	3.7L/223	Gas 5

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Â 2008 HUMMER H3 STYLING | [8 out of 10]

Edmunds: "The H3's rather plain interior doesn't quite match its macho exterior"
MyRide.com: "Visually, the 2008 model is a carryover from 2007"
Cars.com: "Structure lacks rigidity"
ConsumerGuide: "Simple white-on-black gauges are easy to read"

The 2008 HUMMER H3's styling is tough and ready to rumble off-road, according to reviews from across the Web and the resident HUMMER experts at TheCarConnection.com.

Smaller than the H2, the 2008 HUMMER H3 is "hard to discern" from its big brother, Edmunds points out. The HUMMER H3 has all the regular styling elements such as "the industrial grille, the massive wheel flares, [and] the armored car-style windows," but at half the cost and size of the much larger H2, hence the attraction. "The H3 exudes toughness to the point of being almost ridiculous," Cars.com observes, "what with its bulging fenders, short side windows and massive tires." Automobile says, "You can easily imagine the design stamped across the chest of some caped character with disproportionately large biceps," though Motor Trend notes that "the baby Hummer offers a design consistent with the larger H2--so much so that it tends to be invisible when driving around town and not get nearly as many gawks the H2 once did." Alpha versions, Cars.com adds, get "chrome door handles and mirrors, as well as 16-inch chrome wheels and a badge on the swing gate."

(see full review)

2008 HUMMER H3

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