|
Acceleration
No opportunity to test with manual transmission. Automatic transmission models more than adequate around town. But highway passing or merging requires foot-to-the-floor effort.
Value
"Hummer's smallest offering is also its most sensible SUV. H3 combines comfortable
accommodations and good on-pavement dynamics with the promise of off-road proficiency.
Shoppers looking for more power and passenger room are better served by the similarly
capable Jeep Grand Cherokee. But for adventure seekers comfortable with Hummer
styling, H3 is worth a look."
Ride
"Base suspension absorbs low-speed bumps well, but H3 is prone to bobbing, abrupt
vertical motions at high speed. No opportunity to test with off-road suspension."
Economy
Test automatic-transmission H3s averaged 14.7-15.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Hummer recommends regular-grade fuel.
Noise
"Tire noise surprisingly well-muffled with standard treads. Generally little
wind rush, though headwinds generate considerable roar. Engine obtrusive in rapid
acceleration, otherwise muted."
Comfort - Front
"High step-in, but handgrips and available running boards help. Good head, leg,
and shoulder room. Aft visibility compromised by thick roof pillars, narrow glass
openings, and spare tire blocks much of rear window."
Comfort - Rear
"High step and awkwardly shaped door opening complicate entry/exit. Lots of head
clearance. Leg room limited for taller passengers. Subpar comfort on low, poorly
shaped seat cushion."
Controls
"A notable improvement in material quality and general design over H2. Simple,
white-on-black gauges easy to read in any lighting condition. Most controls fall
readily to hand. Power-window switches set too far back on armrest, require awkward
contortion to manipulate. Some testers say cupholders interfere with best access
to automatic-transmission lever."
Cargo Room
"Side-opening single-piece rear hatch large and heavy; a disadvantage in confined
quarters. Waist-high load floor makes a chore of loading heavier objects. Large
rubber-floored cargo area usefully shaped, suffers little wheel arch intrusion.
Interior storage limited to glovebox, tiny door pockets, small center console."
|
