Of course, virtually all owners taking to the internet complain about poor gas mileage, too. Somewhat oxymoronically, most wish for more power, more size, and better fuel consumption ratings.
The gist? If you’re considering an H3, you’ll want to ensure you’ll benefit from its heavy-duty construction, transfer-case based 4x4 system and off-road hardware. All of these items add weight, which reduces performance and increases fuel consumption. Whether you use the H3 for off-road duty or not, you’ll pay a fuel mileage penalty every time you drive it. A lighter and more fuel-efficient AWD crossover or wagon will certainly save you some gas if you just need a little extra traction and confidence for that gravel cottage trail or snowy sideroad.
Potential H3 shoppers should be aware of a few issues. First and foremost, earlier five-cylinder powered models suffered from a cylinder head problem that was also apparent on the GM small trucks with the same engine. Long story short, a problem with the cylinder head casting process could cause potentially severe engine problems which require replacement of the cylinder head. Not all models suffer from this problem, which seems likely to present itself while the vehicle is still under warranty.
The cylinder head problem is well-documented in online forums—but be sure to ask the seller if they’ve ever had their cylinder head replaced. Symptoms may include a rough idle, poor power delivery, or a loud ticking sound. To be safe, opt for as low-mileage a unit as possible, ensuring you’re left with plenty of the GM factory powertrain warranty.
Note that V8-powered H3s aren’t affected by this issue.
Have the vehicle inspected thoroughly by a GM mechanic before agreeing to purchase, too. With the vehicle in the air, a mechanic can check the underside for any signs of excessive rust, leaks, or damage caused by careless off-roading.
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| 2009 Hummer H3 (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The gist? If you’re considering an H3, you’ll want to ensure you’ll benefit from its heavy-duty construction, transfer-case based 4x4 system and off-road hardware. All of these items add weight, which reduces performance and increases fuel consumption. Whether you use the H3 for off-road duty or not, you’ll pay a fuel mileage penalty every time you drive it. A lighter and more fuel-efficient AWD crossover or wagon will certainly save you some gas if you just need a little extra traction and confidence for that gravel cottage trail or snowy sideroad.
Potential H3 shoppers should be aware of a few issues. First and foremost, earlier five-cylinder powered models suffered from a cylinder head problem that was also apparent on the GM small trucks with the same engine. Long story short, a problem with the cylinder head casting process could cause potentially severe engine problems which require replacement of the cylinder head. Not all models suffer from this problem, which seems likely to present itself while the vehicle is still under warranty.
The cylinder head problem is well-documented in online forums—but be sure to ask the seller if they’ve ever had their cylinder head replaced. Symptoms may include a rough idle, poor power delivery, or a loud ticking sound. To be safe, opt for as low-mileage a unit as possible, ensuring you’re left with plenty of the GM factory powertrain warranty.
Note that V8-powered H3s aren’t affected by this issue.
Have the vehicle inspected thoroughly by a GM mechanic before agreeing to purchase, too. With the vehicle in the air, a mechanic can check the underside for any signs of excessive rust, leaks, or damage caused by careless off-roading.
 |
| 2009 Hummer H3 (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |