|  The Hummer H3 is an all-new, mid-sized, five-passenger sport utility vehicle that carries the military-inspired design cues and amazing off-road capabilities of the Hummer H1 and H2, but puts them in a smaller, more affordable package.
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 heavily modified Colorado/Canyon pickup truck frame (most major parts are functionally similar, but only a few brackets are actually shared), the H3 shares many driveline and ancillary components with its siblings. The H3 is powered by the GM 3.5-liter inline five that delivers 220 horsepower. Since the H3 weighs 4700 pounds soaking wet, the 220 horses aren’t enough to make it a performance vehicle. Our tester was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, which worked well to extract maximum performance out of the engine. In general, I kept the gearbox in fourth, rather than fifth, gear for most longer runs. This gave me the opportunity to accelerate without downshifting (most of the time). I liked the gearbox; it had precise gating and linkages that made shifting fun.. H3 packs uncompromising HUMMER style and capability into its midsize dimensions. Compared to the H2, the H3 is 16.9 inches shorter in length, 6 inches shorter in height and 6.5 inches narrower. Roughly the same length as a midsize family sedan, H3 comfortably navigates city traffic and delivers HUMMER's trademark incredible crawling and climbing capability.
Powered by the Vortec 3500 engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing, the H3 features a combination of power and greatly improved fuel economy. H3 is projected to reach peak fuel economy of up to 20 miles per gallon. H3 will be the first HUMMER to offer the choice of a manual or an automatic transmission, as many off-road enthusiasts value the ultimate control of a manual.
The H3 was engineered for off-road leadership among midsize SUVs. The heart of the truck's capability is its electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. That system is augmented with features such as a fully locking rear differential, traction control, underbody shielding and GM's StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system. H3 offers two tire packages, a Goodyear 32-inch all-terrain tire and Bridgestone 33-inch, both larger than any other midsize SUV. Hummer H3 nicely equipped in standard form, the H3 includes cloth upholstery, leather wrapping the steering wheel and gearshift, interior trim with a brushed and machined appearance, and chrome accents. Those familiar with the interior of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will recognize the Hummer H3's dashboard - it's a lightly modified version of the one in the pickup trucks. Power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power side mirrors, and an electrochromic rearview mirror with a compass and exterior temperature display are standard. The rear seat folds in a 60/40 split to create more cargo space, and a 12-volt outlet is provided in the rear. Key options include heated leather seats, an oversized power sunroof with express open and close, a DVD-based navigation radio with touch screen, and XM satellite radio.
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