2006 Hummer H3 Published 10/13/2005

No auto manufacturer evokes more controversy than Hummer. To many, it's the icon for indulgent excess, selfish disrespect of the environment and a blatant disregard of limited natural resources. Yet for the Hummer owner, the experience is a communion with nature and a celebration of freedom and individualism. In truth Hummer has been a very small niche manufacturer and any effect on the environment is symbolic rather than real. For out of the 17 million vehicles produced each year in the United States, the H1 accounts for only about 500 units and the H2 25,000 vehicles.

However, there is a new kid on the block. The 2006 Hummer H3 is lighter, smaller and more affordable than the H1 or H2. You can expect the production volume to be at least double the H2's numbers.

Since the days of John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt, we have debated how to use and protect our natural wilderness resources. Some believe that man and machines are inherently incompatible with nature and that off road vehicles are evil. While others see four-wheel drive vehicles as a way to enjoy areas inaccessible to most humans. Hummer products are squarely positioned for those who leave traffic and pavement behind to commune with the wilderness.

This past week I had the privilege to drive the all-new 2006 Hummer H3 on city streets and suburban highways. But my experience concluded with a spectacular off road experience near the banks of the Missouri River near St. Louis.

Lynch Hummer in Chesterfield, Missouri has been the world's largest Hummer dealer for seven years. Their new facility includes 65 acres of Missouri woods, complete with trails demonstrating extreme off road capabilities. Scenery varies from open fields to deep woods and trails that over look the Missouri River.

So, after a week driving a variety of streets, roads, eight hours of I-70, and an off-road experience, what is my judgment? The 2006 Hummer H3 is an unqualified winner.

In every respect, Hummer hit the target. Scaled back to a manageable size, the H3 is easy to drive in traffic. Shorter than a Chevy Malibu and with a tight 37 ft. turning circle it's easy to park and maneuver. While the H3 shares engineering architecture and Shreveport, Louisiana production facilities with the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, the Hummer H3 shares only about 10% of the same parts.

The exterior styling is unmistakably Hummer with square short overhangs, upright windshield and very high beltline. It may not be as extreme as the Military Humvee but the DNA is evident. Everywhere we drove we overheard positive comments.

The interior is very pleasant and refined. I believe they should have continued the rugged masculine look of the exterior throughout the inside but designers "wimped out" failing to understand that the interior could be strong and masculine while tender and luxurious as well. However, interior fit and finish is very acceptable and features are adequate for this level of vehicle.

Power is provided by the new 3.5 liter inline 5 cylinder engine complete with DOHC and VVT. Rated at 16/20 MPG for the manual and 16/19 for the automatic, this is an economical choice for a brand not noted for sipping gasoline. At highway speeds the 200 horsepower was always adequate and the 225 lb. ft. of torque provide all of the hill climbing torque necessary.

The real surprise for the 2006 Hummer H3 is the price. Almost every person we asked to guess the price placed it thousands above MSRP. If you want a vehicle that looks much more expensive than what it is, this is for you. Base price for the H3 is under $30,000 and you can't pay more than $45,000 unless you accessorize it yourself. My original test vehicle was a very well equipped model for $36,000 and I ended up driving a base model back from St. Louis. I was even impressed with the manual transmission and very pleased with the standard equipment of the base model.

I'm not a fan of sport utility vehicles simply to commute from a suburban subdivision to the city job. But if you want an affordable yet incredibly prestigious ride that has extreme off-road capabilities, the Hummer H3 may be just for you.

2006 Hummer H3

4 Wheel Drive Sport Utility

3.5 Liter 5 cylinder engine
200 hp. 225 lb. ft. torque

$30,764 MSRP as tested

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