2008 HUMMER H3
The 2008 Hummer H3 ranks 23 out of 26 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Hummer H3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The H3 demonstrates terrific off-road prowess in a distinctive, rugged package, but can't match the on-road performance or comfort of many competitors. Consequently, it ranks in the bottom half of its class.
The 2008 Hummer H3 boasts great off-road capability, but mediocre highway performance means it ranks in the bottom half of its competitive class. The H3 "may be the baby bear of its clan," says Motor Week, "but it has all the DNA of the original. Indeed, we think it is just right." New for 2008 is the Alpha trim level, which comes with a V8 engine and the H3's luxury package. The H3 line also gets more standard safety equipment, including head-curtain side air bags and electronic stability control. Though the H3 is the least expensive of the Hummers, its sticker price still commands a premium. Plus, the new Alpha costs about $8,500 more than the base H3. Though it may be worth the price for serious off-road driving enthusiasts, the H3 only ranks in the bottom half of its class when compared to other off-road SUVs.
In addition to the new performance-minded Alpha, the Hummer H3 is available as a base model (with the optional Adventure and Luxury packages) or as the H3x.
* "Plenty of room for the family and your stuff, a great off-road pedigree, and improved on-road performance comfort make the 2008 H3 Alpha one to definitely consider." -- RockCrawler.com
* "Going off-road? The H3 is a buy." -- Washington Post
* "The H3 Alpha is smooth, quiet and comfortable. It's also an ego machine that guzzles gas and is about the size of Liechtenstein. If you can afford the constant fuel bills and have a large parking space, it's the best Hummer yet." -- New York Times
H3 Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The 2008 Hummer H3 is more than adequate -- even ideal -- for off-road driving. According to Car and Driver, "Off-road, where gradual and precise throttle response is usually far more important than power (particularly when a low crawl ratio is included), the H3 is just right." However, the H3 is less impressive on normal terrain, which is why its performance ranks in the bottom half of the class. For 2008, the H3 adds a new trim level, the Alpha, with a more powerful V8. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn whether or not the Alpha's performance upgrades are worth the extra bucks.
H3 Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
Although smaller than other Hummer SUVs, the 2008 H3 still has an appealing military-transport appearance that ranks in the middle of its class. The Washington Post says the H3 has a high "head-turning quotient," later writing: "Even avowed SUV haters took time to eyeball this one." Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn how the H3's exterior trims differ, or check out our Photo Gallery to see it for yourself.
H3 Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The 2008 Hummer H3's well-received cabin has a modern appeal as opposed to a luxurious one. "The interior design is just about the best on a GM truck in a long time," says Motor Trend. "The simple center stack and superior materials on knobs and flush surfaces set a new standard for Hummer." Still, the interior can't compete with the H3's more refined rivals and ranks in the bottom half of the class. Continue with our Interior Review to learn why reviewers aren't impressed with the H3's seating positions or cargo space, or check out our interior photos.
H3 Safety - 7.3 (Good)
The 2008 Hummer H3 receives very good scores in front and side crash tests conducted by the federal government, but doesn't fare as well in insurance industry testing. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the H3's rear visibility issues and why you may want to opt for the rearview monitor.
H3 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Hummer H3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Hummer offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full H3 Reliability Review to learn about the H3's powertrain warranty.
The 2008 Hummer H3 ranks 23 out of 26 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Hummer H3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The H3 demonstrates terrific off-road prowess in a distinctive, rugged package, but can't match the on-road performance or comfort of many competitors. Consequently, it ranks in the bottom half of its class.
The 2008 Hummer H3 boasts great off-road capability, but mediocre highway performance means it ranks in the bottom half of its competitive class. The H3 "may be the baby bear of its clan," says Motor Week, "but it has all the DNA of the original. Indeed, we think it is just right." New for 2008 is the Alpha trim level, which comes with a V8 engine and the H3's luxury package. The H3 line also gets more standard safety equipment, including head-curtain side air bags and electronic stability control. Though the H3 is the least expensive of the Hummers, its sticker price still commands a premium. Plus, the new Alpha costs about $8,500 more than the base H3. Though it may be worth the price for serious off-road driving enthusiasts, the H3 only ranks in the bottom half of its class when compared to other off-road SUVs.
In addition to the new performance-minded Alpha, the Hummer H3 is available as a base model (with the optional Adventure and Luxury packages) or as the H3x.
* "Plenty of room for the family and your stuff, a great off-road pedigree, and improved on-road performance comfort make the 2008 H3 Alpha one to definitely consider." -- RockCrawler.com
* "Going off-road? The H3 is a buy." -- Washington Post
* "The H3 Alpha is smooth, quiet and comfortable. It's also an ego machine that guzzles gas and is about the size of Liechtenstein. If you can afford the constant fuel bills and have a large parking space, it's the best Hummer yet." -- New York Times
H3 Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The 2008 Hummer H3 is more than adequate -- even ideal -- for off-road driving. According to Car and Driver, "Off-road, where gradual and precise throttle response is usually far more important than power (particularly when a low crawl ratio is included), the H3 is just right." However, the H3 is less impressive on normal terrain, which is why its performance ranks in the bottom half of the class. For 2008, the H3 adds a new trim level, the Alpha, with a more powerful V8. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn whether or not the Alpha's performance upgrades are worth the extra bucks.
H3 Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
Although smaller than other Hummer SUVs, the 2008 H3 still has an appealing military-transport appearance that ranks in the middle of its class. The Washington Post says the H3 has a high "head-turning quotient," later writing: "Even avowed SUV haters took time to eyeball this one." Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn how the H3's exterior trims differ, or check out our Photo Gallery to see it for yourself.
H3 Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The 2008 Hummer H3's well-received cabin has a modern appeal as opposed to a luxurious one. "The interior design is just about the best on a GM truck in a long time," says Motor Trend. "The simple center stack and superior materials on knobs and flush surfaces set a new standard for Hummer." Still, the interior can't compete with the H3's more refined rivals and ranks in the bottom half of the class. Continue with our Interior Review to learn why reviewers aren't impressed with the H3's seating positions or cargo space, or check out our interior photos.
H3 Safety - 7.3 (Good)
The 2008 Hummer H3 receives very good scores in front and side crash tests conducted by the federal government, but doesn't fare as well in insurance industry testing. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the H3's rear visibility issues and why you may want to opt for the rearview monitor.
H3 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Hummer H3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Hummer offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full H3 Reliability Review to learn about the H3's powertrain warranty.
