Comments on: 2008 Hummer H3 review

By: Rorzalot

Rorzalot — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:52:37 +0000

It’s easy to be a skeptic not so easy to be an owner. I’ve owned an H3 adventure for 18 months now and are very impressed buy it. Before we bought it I did a lot of research including seeing a couple of freinds who own the “real thing” .No doubt the H1 is an incredible piece of engineering for the purpose it was designed, but totaly impractical for an every day car. Interestingly the owners of the H1 dismissed the H2 as being an overgrown suburban , which is factually what it is.True the H3 is based on a Nissan platforn but that’s where it ends.
As for build quality I worked in a car assembly plant for a few years where we built Landrovers thru to Hondas so have an idear how a car should go together,this was a big consideration as I have always found US build quality a bit tacky.
Maybe the fact it was built in South Africa might have something to do with it,anyway the finish is as good as I’ve seen for a 4×4 not an SUV.As far as bang for your buck show me another capable 4×4 with it’s features standard for $65000 on road.Yes it dosn’t alot of the gimmics others have ,it has exactly what you need.
Most of the off road I have done so far has been on the sand at Stockton beach Newcastle in standard dress it would probably chalange most other 4×4s it’s size,through experementation the best tyre presure seems around 12 psi thats the only change to go from road to off road. Leave the 4×4 locks etc alone let the traction control do it’s thing you WILL be amazed.
I’m planning more serious off road in the near future and have total faith in the H3,my partner uses it as an everyday drive , sure it’s not going to “save the planet” but it’s no worse than any other 4×4 or large V8 and loves E10.
The main faults I’ve found ,get some reverse sensors,probably fit a set of Rancho adjustable shockabsorbers,better tyres (athough this is from previous reviews).
We’ve done a few long haul road trips including towing a jag on a tandem trailer for 1000kms (max towable load for a auto)and found it to be very comfortable and well manered.
So if you want one car that you can take to the flashest hotel/resturant in SYD or the most remote place in Australia try the H3.

By: ho fo show

ho fo show — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:53:08 +0000

James, proud American….

word.

i feel ya dawg. i too sense that negativeness around Aussies… not only in non aussie cars but even in overseas movies…The usual rant…Americans always make movies that save the whole world…and im like….Well make an Aussie movie then that out does everything americans do! Mind you, they still spend their mulah to watch american movies and whinge about it…tsk anyways back to the car…
I dont own a Hummer, but lives next to an owner…and as soon as my neighbor drove it in his drive way he was kind enough to let me ogle at his new toy. My opion, it looks really tough and “badass”. It really gives a statement…kinda like “im here, no autographs pls”…cool car to have. I want one too..lol

the only thing that puts me off is the fuel consumption. yes im a cheap bast@rd when it comes to petrol but i love the looks of this hummer… one more thing its good to own one of these badass vehicle as long as you dont go any where near ignorant/haters/hypocrites who vandalizes cars like these… Is it possible? i guess not which is one of the reasons why it deters me to grab one.

EJ (Asian living in Australia)

By: lovescars

lovescars — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:08:10 +0000

UGLY….OVER PRICED….and very CHEAP build and finished!
Come on…bring the real Hummer to Australia.

Who ever bought this and they think is a nice car….you may aswell buy a JEEP Wrangler.

By: Iceman

Iceman — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:05:14 +0000

I heard that the V8 H3 would be released in Australia soon. Does anyone know when this might be?

Cheers,
Ice

By: face head

face head — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:09:58 +0000

ps for all those that bag it out being a usa vehicle and just for bling etc, did you know it is built in south africa at the land rover plant and my land rover pals have actually advised that they built a second test track as the old test track was not a challenge for teh hummmer range even though some LR series vehicles really struggled o get around it!!

By: face head

face head — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:06:55 +0000

i own a h3 adventure and challenge any critic with a stock 4wd to put their money where there mouth is, my h3 has been able to go where others could not, in fact i have had to pull a few up a track so we could keep going as a TEAM and I didnt even carfeully choose my drive lines….we are all entitled to our own opinion but I am happy to demostrate the cars off road capablity to anyone interested who lives in or near sydney

By: CuRiOuS

CuRiOuS — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 07:56:46 +0000

Thanks for that, but itll be good to hear from someone who actually owns one and has taken it on the sand before thanks, not info on one thats on the other side of the world which weighs probably 5 tonne more lol. dont mean to be rude.
I saw two on the xmas holidays. One towing mazda bt50 out. but thats not telling to much. k cheers.

By: Wheelnut

Wheelnut — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 07:23:19 +0000

Curious – all I can say is that when the US military invaded the middle east after 9/11 – theh had their usual gun-ho attitude yet there was one incident where the Australian Britush and Canadian SAS troops were called out on a rescue mission.
It turned out they had to rescue a US Squadron in a fleet of Hummers which had become bogged in the sand or stuck on the top of a dune.
Hopefully this gives you an Idea as to the Hummers “Go Anywhere” Capabilities

By: CuRiOuS

CuRiOuS — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:51:03 +0000

I wanna buy a hummer h3, plan on taking it on the sand alot on North stradbroke and fraser island queensland, can anyone who takes theres on the sand tell me how it would go please, worried a bit about the weight and power of the H3. cheers

By: Iceman

Iceman — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:07:59 +0000

Hi There,

WoW, I have just spent a good hour reading the reviews and comments on the H3 Hummer. Most of the negative reviews were not about the vehicle itself, but about its origins. The other observation is that the majority of those with the negative comments have not actually driven or even seen one in person. Today, I test drove the luxury model and was really pleased with the way it handled. Looking at the Hummer in photos does not do it justice, you need to see it in person, feel it, drive it, to truly understand what the fuss is all about. So, for those making negative comments some advice: 1. focus on the vehicle not its origins; 2. go and test drive one, it’s free.

The only concern I have is that it doesn’t tow very well. One of the reasons I’m looking for a 4×4 is to tow a 21ft boat. How would the Hummer handle such a task? Has anyone used it for this purpose?

Cheers,
Iceman.

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:22:41 +0000

Now my comment about my friendly Australians leaving positive comments about our Hummer, thank you for the positive feedback.

I can see the overall attitude about Americans to be pretty good the more I read online, it’s always those few bad apples, but they have the right to voice there opinions too…

We here in the states have been working very hard at building the best quality we can into things that bare the American name, Yes we have a lot of room to grow, but I think we can get there.

Also I will say that I can’t say enough good things about my colleagues in your country as they have all been exemplary to work with.

Kind Regards,

Jim

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:08:19 +0000

Hello from America and I can see a diverse group here commenting on our cars. Always good to be looked at from an arrogant lense, damn yanks are just so arrogant aren’t they..

Last time I talked about the Australians that I work with here at GM, it was in a good light, and actually I think pretty highly of these people involved in design and development in the automotive sector over there at Holden.

And forgive me, what I thought for some time that the majority of Australians considered us friends. I guesss we all have to realize things sooner or later, maybe I’m a bit slow but really didn’t think people in different countries had such a hostile view of us other than the middle east…

Comments like, Yanks need to grow up, arrogant, they make crap really amazes me to read this. Now that I see how some of you feel about us I’ll be more well adjusted.

Regarding product coming out of Australia, the G8 and the Monaro in days past is a good example of a fine auto and has always received accolades from me and my friends. They haven’t sold too well, but pack a serious punch and the fit and finish has greatly improved since we first have seen them on the market..

Oh well, as an American, we see people burning our flag all the time, were used to the attitude. We just say, pass us a beer and get a load of this.. I guess it’s good to not let it get to you…

My grandfather once told me that after WWII, he realized that the world really didn’t want us around anymore and he would tell me someday the honeymoon will be over…

Word to the wise, most Americans can’t stand Hollywood and the general attitude that permeates from California. There are 49 other states other than that one and most of us enjoy the outdoors, like to drink beer of all kinds (including your beer and wine)… We have families and children and in general are pretty humble. I say I apoligize for those blokes that said they were American and were embarrasing ASSes, yes I’ve been around them too, but really that isn’t representative of most of us…

As an American, I wish all the best to you and yours in Australia and will continue to thank you for buying our exports. We have some room to grow, but let me just leave with this this last question:

When was the last time you heard a Japanese or German admit they weren’t the best, maybe a little self deprecating and show a little respect for people from other countries? Been around many and you would be hard pressed to get this level of honesty from them..

Good Day!

James

A proud American

By: craig

craig — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:03:35 +0000

I had the pleasure to drive a H3 for 3 days. Lots of things going for it. Economy 62 liters for 485 km traveled. Not too bad and only slightly more than than a v6 calais. Quiet cabin at 100kmh. Great stereo. Turns on a dime. Steers and handles like a modern car. And it gets lots of stares even after being on the market for 18 months. A few down points are, no cruise control, and not as big as it should be on the inside. Myself and my 2 daughters sat in the back seat and we were jammed in. Its really only a 4 seater which really shocked me being such a large looking truck! Also any speed over 90kmh and the power dies in the ass. Not real good for overtaking. However taking off at the lights is a different story with ample power on hand. I believe a v8 is on the way, this being a straight 5, 3.7L yes 5 cyl. Overall the H3 does the job and most opinions of those who have not driven are totally wrong.

By: Micksta

Micksta — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:58:38 +0000

It amazes me people that have never driven one or experienced what they can do will post negative comments. How can you comment on something that you clearly know nothing about???
But I guess it makes people driving 1980’s corollas feel important behind the keyboard. I think most peoplke posting negative and insulting comments could probably never dream of affording to own one of these amazing vehicles.
I have booked my test drive, and will be buying one when if it does what I want it to do. Then the only problem will be prising the keys out of my wifes hands. It will be a nice addition to our garage, and will be bought as a daily driver, and it will be parked along our FPV BF GT Falcon, and will be replacing our XR8….tree huggers eat your heart out, I will be doing my best to burn as much fuel as I can as I have driven V8’s for over 20 years now, life it too short to be driving corollas, toyotas etc etc.

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:24:53 +0000

I have an H3 Luxury model – black with all the chrome trimmings and Alloy Wheels.

I love it.

It is my every day car and people have egged it before. BUT I have to say that other than the angry Lesbians that hurl abuse at the car regularly (I live in Newtown, Sydney), most people seem to love it. If I am in a cafe or something and the car is parked on the street and I can see it, I enjoy watching people walk past, make comments, some even take pictures. Usually it is appreciation.

I take it off road quite often, although I am beginning to get the paintwork scratched (but what can ya do?!?). It performs amazingly. At first I was a little afraid because hardcore 4WD groupies think it as a “fake”.

But I was driving through the Barrington Tops National Park over the weekend through some really really rough terrain. It had rained and the track was very muddy in a lot of places. I passed several bogged vehicles (Landcruiser, Patrol) yet mine did not even hint at becoming bogged. It just drove along fine. It climed the steep rocky tracks with no worries at all (the 4WD low gears are amazing).

I did however get a flat tyre (something sharp in one of the mud pits) and changing it in the mud and the rain was a total pain in the ass and i was swearing a lot, but it only took 20 minutes to chahge so that is pretty good I guess.

The worst part of the experience is paying $60 to have it cleaned the next day because boy was it dirty.

Hummer gets my thumbs up, and everyone I know, even the haters, after they have actually been in it, fall in total love.

By: Evan

Evan — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:07:33 +0000

If I get a hummer, I’m going to modify it to be hydrogen boosted just to ruin the stereotype.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:02:31 +0000

I just bought the hummer H3 yesterday with all the chrome trim. It is black and it is stunning. I drove one for a few hours and fell in love with it. I have owned just about every kind of 4WD and while I liked the Jeep Overlander the best, I can’t wait to get out of my current Lexus 350RX to get into the hummer. I thought this review was terrific. Thank you.

By: Gibbo

Gibbo — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 23:46:02 +0000

Plastic piece of junk. Its not even American, its made in South Africa. I dont know what all those hippies are complaining about, it doesn’t even have 6 cylinders. Leaf sprung rear end and a tiny, shotty plastic cabin. If GM are going to make a car look the part then they should alteast back its capabilities up, lets see a V8 or decent diesel under the hood and coils at the back for better off road capabilities.

By: tommy

tommy — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 04:29:04 +0000

i got a idea guys! if ya dont wanna spend so much for this hummer, get a suzuki jimny! and pimp it up with some chrome parts and some 20″ chromies!!! :D that way, it will turn more heads than this hummer!

By: mboloka

mboloka — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:47:47 +0000

bla,bla,bla.
I own a 7.6 litre, V8 Corvette. It turns heads and bodies. The Hummer does the same. A BMW does this and a Merzedes does that. Fantastic! If you don’t like it, OK. If you love it, buy it. Remember, nothing is for ever Don’t be misearable and negative. Contribute to knowledge, but only if you have acquired it first hand. You don’t have to lie or exagerate. Help us with basic facts and unemotive opinions.