Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Hummer H3X that rounds out the entire line of Hummers we’ve reviewed. I rather liked the scaled down Toyota FJ, but there is nothing like the real thing and this is the real article. The FJ, however, is also scaled down in price and is about $10,000 less than the H3X.
Me… I would opt for the Hummer … nothing like it on the planet and if you’re even more way out the original H1 or Alpha version will cost more than three times the price of this H3X. And there is no doubt it will set you even further apart from the mainstream.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – USA
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – H1-Alpha, H2 and H3.
Public Service Observation:
Ever notice how some driver’s gas pedal foot is lighter while they are on their cell phone and they speed up when they finish their call. It will usually be a man who is guilty of that fluctuation of speed because guys can’t multi task as well as women. She not only can talk on the cell phone, she can put on make up, brush her hair and discipline the kids in the back seat – and all that at 70 miles per hour. You gotta just love those gals.
Handling & Performance:
Undoubtedly among the most comfortable of the SUVs I’ve driven. Fuel consumption is much better than prior models and it burns 87 octane regular gasoline. This puppy will take you from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 seconds which is not too shabby for this hunk.
Styling:
Hummers are clearly the most recognizable of SUVs and the most unique on our highways today. It has that unmistakable look which exudes a feeling of invincibility. That alone will attract many macho guys to this rugged looking sport Ute. The H3 is 17 inches shorter than the H2 but hardly noticeable unless they are side by each.
Fit and Finish:
As the Hummer has matured and evolved from the H1 (Alpha) to the H2 and H3 they have become much more refined. While on a road trip to Yosemite National Park several guys stopped to take a look. One asked if it was on the same platform as the Chevy Tahoe, but it is, in fact, built on the much smaller Chevy Colorado frame.
Cost:
Of the many SUVs the price of admission to the H3 family has to be uniqueness but still the price is very competitive.
Conveniences and comfort:
The first Hummer I drove was the original H1 and it was extremely basic. Rough and tumble and as close to the GI Hummer (HumVee jargon for HMMWV that stands for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) as any production civilian vehicle can get. They are still in service in the military today but surely a novelty for civilian use.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you are in the market for an SUV you will want to test drive this one. I’m into different and would lean strongly toward the H3 over most of the competition that are more into “Fluff” than being as capable off road vehicles.
Recognized Competition:
GMC Envoy $26-38,000, BMW X3 $37,000, Toyota 4Runner $28-38,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $27-43,000, Land Rover LR3 $38-53,000, Lexus GX 470 $47,000, Dodge Durango $29-38,000, Nissan Xterra $20-28,000, Infiniti FX $38-50,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $25-37,000, Ford Explorer $25-35,000, Honda Pilot $27-35,000.
Good News:
Unique styling, improved but still unacceptable fuel economy, solid comfy ride, elegantly appointed and easy to use features,
Bad News:
Fuel thirsty hog and the spare tire mounting reduces rear visibility.
Standard Equipment:
3.7 liter 242 hp inline 5 cylinder engine, 5-speed manual (4-speed automatic is optional), air conditioning, power windows and locks, 8-way power leather seats, with driver and passenger heated seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and boot, audio with CD and MP3 player, front and side airbags, traction control, full size spare tire with cover, 18” wheels, chrome tubular side steps, chromed door handles, mirror caps and fuel filler door, and stability control. Options include the following: Roof rail airbag system with rollover sensor, power sunroof, 4-speed auto trans, OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation, XM Satellite radio (first 3 mos) and Navigation system.
Gas Stats:
$2.30/ Gal avg.
15 City and 20 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $37,475 – with options $43,920.
