2008 Hummer H3 Alpha
By Casey Williams www.car-data.com
Until Hummer develops a smaller and more fuel-efficient H4, its most frugal vehicle is the H3.With a five-cylinder engine, the H3 achieves 14/18-MPG city/highway – no Toyota Prius, but not badfor a vehicle with its capability and aerodynamics. Performance enthusiasts may want to choosethe H3 Alpha.
You get the same brooding looks as with the bigger country Hummers, but with maneuverabledimensions that can live in town. About the boxiest body in the world is fortified with extendedfender flares, bunker window frames, round headlamps, nearly vertical windshield, and beefybumpers. The underbody is protected with four skidplates to keep rocks and logs from ruining youroff-road adventure. All terrain tires cushion blows to the 16″ cast aluminum wheels while anexposed spare frees up interior space.
As befitting an upscale SUV, the H3′s interior is fitted with some of the best materials andtechnology. Heated seats are not only comfortable, but are also upholstered in soft leather – notthe faux goat hide that inhabits lesser trucks. A thick leather-wrapped steering wheel andmassive shift lever are for tough gals and guys; everybody will soak in the 7-speaker Monsoon audiosystem with amplifier, rear woofer, and available XM Satellite Radio. In dash navigation servesas your personal North Star. Rear passengers sit high on their own leather bench, divided by
dual cupholders and a fold-down armrest. That same bench folds flat to
extend cargo space. A back up camera with a screen that extends from the rearview mirrorenhances safety. Side curtain airbags are standard.
To be honest, the H3 is a bit overweight for the base five-cylinder engine. Entering freewaytraffic takes patience. Alpha-grade models like our test model, however, come with a 5.3-litre V8that generates 300 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. It makes getting on the highway a bitless dramatic and provides for easy cruising on the open Interstate. Of course, it also requiresmore fuel as suggested by economy ratings of 13/16-MPG city/highway.
If you’re thinking about buying an H3 to get your kid to soccer practice or to travel, there areworse choices. There are also better ones because the H3 is designed to tackle very tough off-roadconditions. It rides stiff, but thanks to a wide track, corners well. The V8 engine puts pep inits step. Best of all, its short wheelbase and brief turning circle make joy out of tight downtowngarages and parallel parking zones. If you need a seriously capable off-roader, the H3 is one ofthe best.
Base H3 Alphas start at $39,160, but our loaded test vehicle came to $44,535. That may seemlike a hefty toll, but the equipment, capability, and luxuries meet the mark. And, everybody willknow you skipped the wimpy SUVs to drive the Alpha. Competitors include the Jeep WranglerUnlimited, Land Rover LR2, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
