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By KBB Editors
Updated December 23, 2019
Without losing appreciable off-road capability, the 2009 HUMMER H3 produces a far more civilized experience than bigger Hummers, especially when compared to the original H1. If you seldom venture off-road (which is true of almost all SUV owners), the gentler ride and tamer responses are sure to satisfy rather than annoy the H3’s occupants.
Fervent off-roaders, who savor the rugged appeal of the traditional HUMMER, could be put off by the H3’s more refined nature. But, if smoothness is a top selling point, note that, on five-cylinder models, automatic-transmission operation lacks some smoothness when trying to accelerate at low speeds and can be lethargic when passing or merging.
A pickup truck-like version of the H3, called the H3T, joins the line-up. New standard features include Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and Hill Start Assist.
If you’re attracted to the HUMMER’s looks and capabilities, but don’t want the stigma or expense of thirsty fuel consumption, the 2009 HUMMER H3 and H3T might be your candidates. The vehicles are H2 look-alikes built from the same sensible foundation that’s shared with the Chevrolet Colorado pickup. The H3 is reasonably sized, rather roomy inside and quite good off-road. The addition of a more powerful V8 in the H3 Alpha should effectively silence critics of the original five-cylinder model, although fuel economy does suffer with the extra displacement, horsepower and torque.
Used 2009 HUMMER H3 pricing starts at $9,646 for the H3 Sport Utility 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $38,375 when new. The range-topping 2009 H3 Alpha Sport Utility 4D starts at $15,980 today, originally priced from $45,990.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$38,375 | $9,646 | |||
$45,295 | $18,367 | |||
$45,990 | $15,980 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2009 HUMMER H3 models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
With a suspension that’s surprisingly cushiony and reacts quickly to bumps, the H3 delivers an impressively easygoing ride. Cruising with the XM radio playing, you can even forget you’re inside a HUMMER. This smaller model also handles more adeptly than its bigger brothers. Still, pavement irregularities will not go unnoticed. Acceleration with the automatic isn’t bad from a standstill, and the 3.7-liter engine provides a marked improvement in passing power over the original 3.5-liter version. Unfortunately, low-speed downshifts can produce a harsh jolt, and passing and merging can seem to yield a lot of noise for the action. Quiet on the highway, the H3 emits only a little driveline drone at low speeds.
Five passengers enjoy reasonably abundant space, though getting there requires a substantial upward climb. Side steps may help less-agile riders with that chore. Optional leather upholstery adds a dash of richness to the Hummer experience. Bright-accented instruments are small but easy enough to read. Side bolstering and support are modest, but the front seats are comfortable. Despite a slight knees-up position and so-so headroom, outboard rear-seat occupants should be satisfied. The rear center spot is simply awful, though – high, hard and with minimal headroom. Visibility isn’t as impaired as the squat windows might suggest, and is helped by no-nonsense rectangular mirrors.
Dimensions are more moderate than its brothers in arms, but the 2009 HUMMER H3 exhibits the unabashedly boxy profile that HUMMER fans praise and critics love to denounce. Built on a 111.9-inch wheelbase, with a wide track and short overhangs, the H3 rolls on huge tires and looks taller than its actual height. Like its larger mates, the H3 promises impressive rock-climbing prowess, with the ability to clamber into and out of deep holes. Round headlamps set within square openings flank the H3’s "signature" seven-slot louvered grille. Towing capacity is 4,500 pounds (6,000 with the V8) and ground clearance is 9.1 inches. The H3T features a five-foot bed with removable tailgate and a cargo management accessory system.
External Spare Tire
The external spare tire looks rugged and the gate upon which it’s mounted swings out easily, revealing a sizable area for cargo or luggage.
Square, Upright Profile
An H3 might be smaller and gentler, but it still doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: A capable, traditional Sport Utility Vehicle that looks the part of a serious off-road machine.
GM’s OnStar 8.0 communications system is standard, along with cruise control, remote keyless entry, head-curtain side airbags, StabiliTrak stability control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with traction control, OnStar Safety and Security package, three months free XM Satellite Radio, a heavy-duty trailering and suspension package, Bluetooth, 16-inch wheels and cloth upholstery. Either 32-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires or Bridgestone 33-inch off-road rubber may be installed.
Popular H3 options include the Off-Road Suspension Package, which features a fully-locking rear differential, off-road suspension with LT285/75R16 on- and off-road tires and the H3X package. Stand-alone options include XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic real-time traffic assist, power sunroof, Monsoon stereo, chrome wheels and leather upholstery. Heated leather seats and DVD navigation are also optionally available, as is a new rear backup camera that operates independently of the navigation system. Dealers can install a wrap-around brush guard and side steps in a choice of three styles.
The 3.7-liter in-line five-cylinder engine provides good power and low-end torque and should be well-suited to the needs of most H3 owners, providing strong acceleration with plenty in reserve to pass, respectable fuel consumption and a 4,500-pound towing capacity. With the five-speed manual the H3 can be quite spirited. Those not worried about fuel costs may want the added horsepower and towing capability provided by the 5.3-liter V8.
3.7-liter in-line 5
239 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
241 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 (manual), 14/18 (automatic)
5.3-liter V8
300 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
320 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/16
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
Curb Weight | 4695 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fuel Capacity | 23.0 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 40.7 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 41.9 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 9.7 inches | ||
Overall Length | 187.5 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 54.0 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 4500 lbs. | ||
Turning Diameter | 37.0 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 111.9 inches | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 6001 lbs. | ||
Width with mirrors | 85.0 inches |
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fog Lights | Available | ||
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Privacy Glass | Available | ||
Roof Rails | Available |
City | 14 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 18 mpg | ||
Combined | 16 mpg |
Drivetrain | 4WD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
4 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 239 @ 5800 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 241 @ 4600 rpm | ||
Engine | 5-Cyl, 3.7 Liter | ||
0 to 60 | 9.7 seconds |
Basic | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 100000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 6 years / Unlimited miles |