Segment:
Mid-size SUV, often categorized as a 'lifestyle' or 'off-road' focused SUV.
Brand Perception:
HUMMER brand known for its rugged, military-inspired styling and off-road capabilities. H3 aimed to make this more accessible than its larger predecessors (H1, H2).
Key Competitors 2006:
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy.
Design:
Distinctive HUMMER styling, upright stance, relatively compact (compared to H2/H1), prominent grille, large tires.
Off Road Capability:
Excellent ground clearance, good approach/departure angles, available locking rear differential, low-range transfer case.
Powertrain Availability:
Primarily powered by a GM Atlas inline-5 cylinder engine, making it more fuel-efficient and accessible than the V8s in larger HUMMER models.
Powertrain:
Engine compartment, Engine oil, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Battery
Interior Controls:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints
Lighting:
Exterior Lights, Interior Lights
Vehicle Operation:
Driving, Customer Assistance
Maintenance & Care:
Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Part numbers
Basic Operation:
Understanding instrument panel, operating climate control, using entertainment systems, adjusting seating, operating lights and locks.
Safety Procedures:
Proper use of safety restraints, understanding safety features, reporting safety defects (U.S.).
Routine Maintenance:
Checking and adding engine oil, fuel, and other fluids; inspecting and replacing air filters; battery maintenance.
Troubleshooting:
Basic understanding of dashboard warning lights and indicators.
Customization/Accessories:
Information on accessories and potentially their installation or usage.
Depth:
Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Readability:
Requires PDF reader software (Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.). Searchable text is expected for ease of navigation.
Printability:
PDF format allows for printing, enabling a physical copy.
Quality:
Digital PDF sourced from original factory manual; quality is expected to be high with clear text and legible diagrams.
Type:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Type:
N/A (Digital PDF download)
Engine Code:
3.5L Vortec 3500 L52
Engine Type:
Inline 5-cylinder, DOHC, 20-valve
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (211 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
220 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Induction:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend (refer to manual for specific GM specification, e.g., GM dexos1™ or equivalent)
Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 5.0 quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change
Air Filter Part Number:
Examples: ACDelco A1335C, Wix 49353 (verify with specific VIN)
Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (4L60-E)
Type:
5-speed manual transmission (NV3550)
Transfer Case:
Standard 2-speed electronically controlled 4WD transfer case with Neutral and low range (2.48:1 ratio). Optional rear electronic locking differential.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (verify specific GM recommendation).
Ground Clearance Inches:
8.4
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind 1St Row:
62.9
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind 2Nd Row:
25.0
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approximately 4,700 - 4,900 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity Lbs:
Up to 5,000 lbs (with proper trailer brake controller and equipment)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for 2WD and 4WD models)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good
IIHS Front Impact Rating:
Acceptable
Traction Control:
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system (standard)
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Off Road Systems:
Available rear locking differential, Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat belt pretensioners
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium sound systems, XM Satellite Radio capability.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack available on some models. Bluetooth connectivity was not standard for 2006 but may have been an accessory or dealer-installed option.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors available as an option.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Check at 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 20,000-30,000 miles or if dirty).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Replace as needed, typically every 15,000-25,000 miles or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Check at 7,500 miles, replace as needed. Manufacturer often suggests fluid changes under severe service or at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 100,000 miles) for Dexron-VI. Refer to specific manual recommendations.
Coolant Type:
GM Goodwrench 100% Synthetic Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, silicate-free, orange or blue color).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III/VI ATF.
Common Complaints:
Some reports of minor electrical gremlins, potential for interior trim rattles, and issues related to the Omix-Ada transfer case actuator on some models. The 3.5L engine is generally considered reliable but not particularly powerful for its size.
Origin:
HUMMER brand originated from AM General's High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee).
Acquisition:
General Motors (GM) purchased the HUMMER brand rights from AM General in 1999.
Introduction:
The HUMMER H3 was introduced for the 2006 model year, positioned as the most compact and accessible HUMMER.
Engine Updates:
Initially offered with the 3.5L engine. The 2007 model year introduced the more powerful 3.7L LLR engine, and the H3T pickup truck variant arrived in 2008. The H3 was discontinued after the 2010 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Shreveport, Louisiana, USA (GM's Shreveport Operations)
Production Years:
2006-2010
Off Road Awards:
Often praised for its off-road prowess relative to its segment. Named 'Four Wheeler of the Year' by Four Wheeler magazine for 2006.
Fuel Economy Epa Rating Mpg:
Approx. 13 city / 16 highway (2WD Automatic), 12 city / 14 highway (4WD Automatic). Manual transmission slightly better. (Note: Official EPA ratings can vary slightly by source and testing methodology for older vehicles).
Emissions:
Meets U.S. EPA emissions standards for its model year.