Market Position:
The HUMMER H3 was positioned as a more accessible and compact (relative to its predecessors) entry into the HUMMER brand, offering its distinctive rugged styling and off-road capability in a package that was more practical for daily use and appealed to a broader market segment than the larger H1 and H2 models. It competed with other mid-size SUVs known for off-road prowess and bold styling.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan Xterra, and to some extent, more traditionally styled mid-size SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Trailblazer, due to its unique styling and off-road focus.
Key Features:
Iconic HUMMER styling, significant off-road capability (ground clearance, approach/departure angles, available locking differentials), a more compact and user-friendly size compared to H2, relatively robust construction, and a 5-cylinder engine offering a balance of power and efficiency for its class.
Coverage Areas:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories
Page Count:
Not specified in product information, but typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era.
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description and target market)
Format:
Digital PDF Download
Software Requirement:
Requires a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or comparable.
Manual Source:
Original HUMMER Factory Owners Manual
Digital Availability:
Instant Download
Systems Covered:
Vehicle operation, driver controls, instrument cluster interpretation, climate control system, lighting functions, entertainment systems (audio, potentially navigation if equipped), security features, seating and restraint systems, basic maintenance procedures, fluid types and capacities, basic troubleshooting, cleaning, and accessory usage.
Electrical System:
Basic information on lighting controls, battery maintenance, and potentially fuses/fusible links related to owner access. Does not detail wiring diagrams or advanced electrical troubleshooting.
Procedures Included:
Starting and operating the vehicle, understanding dashboard indicators, adjusting climate controls, operating lights, using driver controls, locking/unlocking doors, adjusting seats and safety restraints, basic driving techniques, customer assistance procedures, reporting safety defects, cleaning the vehicle, checking and refilling essential fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), checking tire pressure, inspecting air filter, basic battery maintenance, refueling instructions, using accessories, identifying key part numbers for common consumables.
Technical Depth:
Covers essential owner-level maintenance, operation, and safety. It is not a repair or service manual, therefore does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, or torque specifications for mechanical components. Focuses on 'what the owner needs to know'.
Manual Type Distinction:
This is an 'Owner's Manual', not a 'Service Manual' or 'Repair Manual'. It focuses on safe operation, basic maintenance checks, and understanding vehicle features for the end-user.
Engine Type:
Inline-5 Cylinder, DOHC
Engine Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3500 cc)
Horsepower:
220 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change
Air Filter Part Number:
GM part numbers commonly used include 15227266, 15227267 (depending on exact filter type/supplier).
Engine Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 US quarts (9.9 Liters) with 50/50 mix
Wheelbase:
113.0 inches (2870 mm)
Overall Length:
187.5 inches (4763 mm)
Overall Width:
81.2 inches (2063 mm)
Overall Height:
76.7 inches (1948 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches (221 mm)
Approach Angle:
42 degrees
Departure Angle:
33 degrees
Breakover Angle:
26 degrees
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,750 - 4,850 lbs (2154 - 2200 kg), varies by configuration.
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 25.0 cu ft (708 Liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 62.7 cu ft (1775 Liters)
NHTSA Front Driver Crash Rating:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Passenger Crash Rating:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver Crash Rating:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Crash Rating:
5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (as reported by IIHS for similar models/years)
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC - often standard or available), Traction Control System (TCS).
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, front seatbelt pretensioners, adjustable head restraints, rollover mitigation system (integrated with ESC).
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with front load limiters and pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts, center rear lap belt.
Infotainment Features:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system. Available options could include a premium Monsoon sound system, in-dash six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, and potentially a factory-installed navigation system (less common on early models).
Driver Assistance Features:
Key driver assistance features include ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak stability control. Cruise control is standard. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, or blind-spot monitoring were not typically available on this model.
Connectivity Features:
Auxiliary input jack for audio devices (on some models), OnStar system (subscription-based service for safety and communication) was often an option. Bluetooth connectivity was not common or standard on this generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes (e.g., 5,000 miles).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Typically replaced every 30,000 - 45,000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Inspect regularly, recommended change interval typically around 50,000 - 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and fluid condition. Consult manual for specific guidance.
Coolant Type:
GM Goodwrench 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant (blue color) or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible coolant.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron-III ATF.
Washer Fluid Type:
Standard windshield washer fluid (distilled water and methanol/ethanol mix for cold weather).
Known Issues:
Common issues reported by owners can include HVAC blower motor failures, occasional interior electrical gremlins (e.g., power window switches), potential for wheel hub bearing wear due to vehicle weight and off-road use, and exhaust manifold cracks (particularly on the 3.7L inline-5 engine introduced later, but can affect the 3.5L as well). Some owners have reported premature wear on suspension components like ball joints and control arms.
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, tires (especially if used frequently off-road), front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings).
Brand Heritage:
HUMMER originated from AM General, a manufacturer of military vehicles. The civilian HUMMER H1 was a direct descendant of the HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle). The brand was acquired by General Motors (GM) in 1999, leading to the development of the more road-oriented H2 and the compact H3.
Model Evolution:
The HUMMER H3 was introduced for the 2006 model year, designed to be a more accessible and fuel-efficient (relatively) HUMMER. It was built on the GM 355 platform, shared with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size trucks. The 2007 model year saw minor updates, with the major powertrain update coming in 2008 with the introduction of the 5.3L V8 engine and a revised 3.7L inline-5. The H3T pickup variant was also introduced for 2008.
Production Location:
Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
Production Years:
2006 - 2010