2007 Hummer H3

An all-new model in 2006, the Hummer H3 receives a new 3.7-litre inline five-cylinder engine for 2007, as does the Chevrolet Colorado upon which it is based; horsepower rises to 242 from 220. StabiliTrak stability control program is now standard on manual transmission models, as well as on automatics; there’s a chrome wheel for the 33-inch tire; and there’s an H3X luxury package with chrome accents and two exclusive colours. On the exterior, Midnight Blue replaces Superior Blue and Shadow Green is discontinued, while the ebony/green cloth interior is retired.

The H3X, based on the H3 Street concept shown at the 2005 SEMA show, includes leather seats with H3 embroidery, six-CD Monsoon sound system, chrome tube steps, chrome appearance package with chrome roof crossbows and fuel door, body-colour grille, and unique spare tire cover, tires, wheels, centre cap and brush guard. It is available in all H3 colours, and also in H3X-specific Sonoma Jewel Metallic and Sunburst Orange Metallic.

Based on a truck platform also used by the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the Hummer H3 benefits from the new engine adopted by the line-up for 2007; any extra horsepower is welcome in this heavy truck, which was sluggish at its previous rating. Still, it’s an extremely capable off-road vehicle, and its electronically-controlled four-wheel drive is augmented with a fully locking rear differential, traction control, underbody shielding and StabiliTrak stability enhancement system.

The H3 includes 16-inch aluminum wheels with 32-inch tires, deep-tinted glass, power mirrors, front and rear recovery hooks, roof rack side rails, underbody protection, air conditioning, rubberized cargo floor area, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear 60/40 folding seat, CD player with six speakers and OnStar.

Optional equipment includes off-road lamps, chrome appearance package, running boards, power sunroof, chromed aluminum wheels, and curtain airbags. A luxury package adds leather heated seats, six-CD changer and garage door opener, while the Adventure Series package includes an off-road suspension package, fully locking electronic rear differential, specially-tuned shock absorbers, 4.03:1 two-speed transfer case and 33-inch on/off-road tires.

The H3 sports a superb interior, with high-quality materials and exceptional fit-and-finish, and with its small size and short turning radius, it can out-manoeuvre the massive H2 and still hold its own on the roughest of trails. Granted, most of them will never see anything but the smoothest of asphalt, but the bragging rights are there nevertheless.