2006 Hummer H3

With the 2006 H3 model, the third generation of Hummer, General Motors has obviously taken steps to water down the brand's outlaw reputation. While the H1 and H2 were liable to viewed by other drivers as oversized predators, with the H3 Hummer officially enters the midsize SUV market, albeit with plenty of Hummer style still left intact. H3 drivers will no longer have to worry whether that bump they just felt was a Honda, but they won't think they're driving a minivan either.

The H3 is built on the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon truck platform, although the H3 shares only about 10-15% of its components with the former vehicle, including a powered-up 22-HP 3.5 liter inline V-5, which, unfortunately, adds some 700 pounds to the H3's already hefty bulk. The engine provides 220 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque and pushes the resulting power to all four wheels via a standard five-speed manual transmission. An optional four-speed automatic is also on offer.

Hummer's own tests claim that the H3 can move 0-60 in about 10.1 seconds (on manual models; slightly longer in automatics). As might be expected, fuel efficiency is an unimpressive 16 city, 19 highway for automatic models.

Although the revamped powerplant provides a smoother acceleration than in previous models, the extra weight makes for sluggish acceleration, so watch for merging trucks on the highway; the H3 is not a zippy vehicle. GM might want to think about adding a V8 option if they don't want to lose some cache to sprightlier competitors.

But those who intend to take the H3 off road won't be disappointed with its 9.1 inches of ground clearance, skid plates (standard) and optional 33-inch off-road tires, which go a long way to maintaining its go-anywhere image. On-road handling is decent as well; the H3 corners like a large animal, but there are no surprising weight shifts, and the back end performs better than other GM midsize SUVs.

The H3 interior has been given some thought: tailored leather seats, metallic trim that doesn't look cheap, and an overall interior experience that rivals some more luxurious SUVs such as the Land Rover. Those opting for the Luxury Package also get power-adjustable and heated front seats and an MP3-compatible Monsoon stereo. Other optional goodies include an in-dash CD changer, satellite radio, a tow hitch and a chrome appearance package.