HUMMER H3 Model Years and History

Inspired by the original military-based HUMMER as well as the larger H2, the HUMMER H3 arrival in 2006 was one of the most general consumer-focused products to be sold by the vehicle brand. The H3 was created as both an entry-level vehicle to the premium truck brand and as a way to change the gas-guzzling impressions of HUMMER products. General Motors repurposed the mid-sized truck frame used by the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon as the basis for the smaller scale HUMMER. The 2006 H3 also borrowed the 242-horsepower, 3.7-liter five-cylinder engine used by the mid-sized pickup truck line. Deviating from the extreme off-roader that was the H1, the 2006 HUMMER H3 remained a formidable sport utility vehicle thanks to a four-wheel drive system employing a standard two-speed transfer case. Like its larger brand counterparts, the HUMMER H3 boasted class-topping off-road versatility such as the ability to climb a 16-inch vertical wall. StabiliTrak electronic stability control, dual front airbags, three 12-volt power outlets and a six-speaker audio system with CD player came standard on the 2006 HUMMER H3. Introduced in 2007, an urban-centric custom style defined the HUMMER H3X appearance package that included body-color matching front grille as well as chrome accentuation of wheels, roof rack rails, fuel filler door and front brush guard. Inside, leather-appointed seats displayed H3X on the front headrests. For its third year of production, the 2008 HUMMER H3 added the option of a V-8 powered Alpha model. Powered by a 300-horsepower, 5.3-liter Vortec eight-cylinder engine, the 2008 H3 Alpha could tow up to 6,000 pounds. In addition to the powerplant enhancement, the Alpha upgrade featured standard leather seating and a premium seven-speaker sound system with in-dash six-disc CD changer. For 2009, the H3T was added as a crew cab truck version of the H3 sport utility vehicle.