Hummer H3, 2006

 

 

• Hummer H3, 2006

The Hummer H3 is a vehicle from General Motors' Hummer division, introduced in 2005. The H3 is the smallest of the three Hummer models, and though the H3 concept car was a pickup truck, the final vehicle is a conventional SUV. Its GMT345 platform is based on the GMT355 which underpins the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks. 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.

The H3 is built at GM's Shreveport, Louisiana factory. Export versions will also be produced at the General Motors South Africa facility in Struandale, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

In the American market, the H3 is priced from $29,500 to just under $40,000. Sales have been strong, with the 33,140 sold in 2005 making up 58% of Hummer's total sales for the year. For the first two months of 2006, 8,071 H3s were sold, 74% of all Hummer sales.

Specifications
The H3 uses the 3.5 L (3464 cc) Atlas straight-5 engine.The same engine that is used in the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup trucks. This 20-valve DOHC unit produces 220 hp (164 kW) at 5600 rpm and 225 ft·lbf (305 N·m) at 2800 rpm. It is available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission that includes GM's Stabilitrak vehicle stability control. Its 111.9 in wheelbase is 1.1 in shorter than the GMT360 SUVs. It includes an electronically-controlled dual-speed transfer case and electronic locking differential.

Since it is rated at less than 8500 lb (GVWR), Hummer is required to provide official fuel economy ratings. It is rated at 16 mpg in the city cycle with both transmissions and 19 mpg with the automatic or 20 mpg with the manual on the highway. While the Hummer H2 will ford 20 inches of water, the H3 will handle 24 inches of water (it has been tested in depths up to 31 inches). The H3 is the only vehicle in its class to have a 2-speed transfer case standard.