2005 Hummer H3 Luxury review from North America

Nothing has gone wrong with the truck so far.

First off, the environmental extremists are never going to accept this car. They seem to focus hatred at the Hummer line, like I have never seen for another vehicle nameplate. They mostly seem to believe the H1, H2, and H3 are the same truck. All with bad gas mileage and major pollutants. Compared with their hybrids that might be true. Compared with other SUV's in this category, the H3 Hummer is no worse in pollution or mileage.

There are major differences in the Hummer models, but all are extremely capable off the road. I live in Utah and have been off the road in the Rocky Mountains and the deserts of Moab often. I go camping with other four wheel enthusiasts and have experience with many types of 4 wheel drive vehicles (former Jeep owner). My Hummer regularly outperforms my Jeep companions. They hate it when this occurs because they have their pride also. If your going to drive a Hummer, be prepared for the haters.

You will also get the "it's not a real Hummer" comment occasionally. True it's not an H1. It is an H3, which is to say, an outstanding 4 wheel drive, capable of driving everyday with all of your gear and family. It maybe doesn't have 16 inches of ground clearance and the approach, departure and break-over angles of the H1, but this vehicle doesn't cost over $140,000.00 either. To those that say it's not a real Hummer, (I've seen what you guys drive, I'm not impressed). Unless you drive a Rubicon, you probably don't have a 4:1 transfer case and stock lockers. If you do drive a Rubicon, you probably can't seat five adults with all their gear and still make one trip.

If you built your own 37 inch tire, rock climbing monster, please remember this review is for comparison of a stock SUV. The base price for this vehicle is $29,000.00. I've seen off road vehicles with that much spent on suspension alone.

This vehicle is not for everyone, obviously. I don't want the truck that is. I am an former eight year Marine Corps NCO. This truck is not fast, but it's not slow either. The truck has plenty of power for daily driving and fantastic torque for climbing. I have driven Hummvees and they are slow. They are also great vehicles (try adding tons of armor plate to a stock wrangler and see how well it performs). The military replaced the Jeep for a good reason, the Hummer is better (it's been decades already, deal with it Jeep dude).

I believe my experience with other four wheel drive vehicles lead me right where I want to be. I couldn't be happier with this truck. You go drive what you like, I won't complain about your choices.