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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 HUMMER H3T

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 HUMMER H3T

Overview

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2009 HUMMER H3T Review

By KBB.com Editors

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.

You'll Like This Car If...

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.

You May Not Like This Car If...

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.

What's New for 2009

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.

Driving the H3T

Driving Impressions 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.

Favorite Features

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.

2009 HUMMER H3T Details

Interior

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.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

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.

Optional Equipment

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.

Under the Hood

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

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used HUMMER H3T vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 HUMMER H3T Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 425 Ratings for the 2006 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.3/10

Great Vehicle

By Donald (MI) on Saturday, June 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "All good"

Cons: "gas consumption"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I love the Hummer H3. Drives great, handles wonderful, winter driving no problem even in 2WD. Only used 4WD once in a massive snow storm. Bought it used 2 years ago, no problems. I love the looks, few of them on the road which sets you apart from the rest. Gas consumption is 14.6 miles per gallon average, city 10/12, highway 16/118. Extremely safe vehicle. If you can afford this vehicle (gas consumption) and want real safety and reliability, don't hesitate to buy one. Be careful with a dealer purchase though, they tend to be over priced and not knowledgeable on the Hummer."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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A pretty nice car

By Ingram (TX) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 91,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Very good offroad, Sound System, Sexy exterior"

Cons: "Not Roomy, Weak Engine, to practical."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"This is my first car and I happen to be in love with it. I wanna get rid of it though. The engine seems too weak to handle a lift and bigger tires, let alone maintain speed on the highway. I have a huge problem with the "elbow room" in the interior of my Hummer. It seems to me like when comparing the H3 to its brothers the H2, and H1. The H3 is an adopted brother, looking similar, with no actual relation. The inside is very small, I can't fit and drinks in here. For a five seater car, the distance between the front and passenger seat drivers is about half a foot, and the back with three people is crammed together. Their are a total of three cupholders in the entire car, one being in the back, two in the front. The front cupholders wont even hold two drinks unless they are very small. But enough negativity, The car is very fashionable, the system is very loud, and will bump. The styling is very plain, but isn't at the same time. All in all, this is a good commute or single man's car. not for a family, or a couple, or really anyone who enjoys room on the inside of their car."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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I always wanted one and it's everything I dreamed

By Hummer (AL) on Friday, February 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It's great driving. I can see well. For me to be a girl it is so easy to drive. I can go through snow,mud and get groceries. Love it....love it."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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No regrets at all after four years!!!

By James (IA) on Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Off-road ability, ruggedness, stability, safety,"

Cons: "Rear visibility"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned numerous cars, jeeps and trucks, and this is by far the best. After owning and off-roading it for four years, I am still very happy with it. It handles well on the road and even better off of it, and a few small modifications give it better mileage, capability and power. It is very stable, rugged and can take you places that you'd never imagine. I plan to drive this for as long as possible and may get another one. My wife owns an FJ Cruiser and wants to trade it in for one of these."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Absolutely the best vehicle I have owned

By H3 fan (NE) on Sunday, December 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price and holds its value"

Cons: "Big step up off the ground to enter vehicle."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have driven luxury sedans, trucks, minivans, station wagons and mid-size sedans. I have owned more than 20 vehicles and rented more than 100 sedans, trucks and SUV's in my driving lifetime of more than 30 years. These H3's are absolutely the most reliable, versatile and maneuverable of all of those that I have driven. I drive in all kinds of weather with absolute confidence. The amenities in the vehicle make it a comfortable and secure ride. Wish they were still being made as new vehicles."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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