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2006 HUMMER H3 Test Drive and Review

From Jason Fogelson, for About.com

4 of 5

On the Road in the 2006 H3

2006 HUMMER H3 SUV

(c) Jason Fogelson
The 3.5 Liter inline 5-cylinder engine in the HUMMER H3 surprised me with its power and smoothness. My test vehicle had a manual five-speed transmission, so I was able to keep the engine in its powerband and make the most of its 220 hp and 225 lb/ft of torque. The H3 is no lightweight – it weighs in at 4700 lbs – but the engine is sufficient for most driving around town and on the freeway. I didn't try towing anything with the H3, but it's rated to tow up to 4500 lbs. I think you'd feel the limitations of the engine if you tried to tow your boat up a grade.

The H3 handles like a truck, but like a good-handling truck. It has a tight turning radius and very little body roll. With great ground clearance (9.1 inches) it still manages to feel like it has a low center of gravity. The thick-rimmed steering wheel amplifies the truck feeling.

My beef with the HUMMER H3 is visibility. Those stylish Army guy windows compromise your ability to see the road to the sides and behind you. Backing up is an act of faith. The H3 is such a kid magnet that you'd better have a spotter behind you every time you back out of the driveway. If ever an SUV needed an aftermarket rear view camera, this is it. I picked parking spaces where I wouldn't have to reverse to leave.

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