BUY OR BUST? - Hummer H3 High Miles Review!

[@uncleremus3211]

In my opinion, the worst issue with the H3, and it happened to mine, the coolant and trans fluid can mix together into a wonderful milk substance and destroy the entire transmission. It is due to the way they made the transmission cooler. After having my transmission rebuilt, I had an external trans cooler installed to prevent it from happening again.

[@Sero12245]

Nissan frontier same thing just mentioning it. But it's the radiator that's at fault for the design. There is no fix that I know of.

[@stussels]

@@Sero12245 the fix is what uncleremus did. bypass it and add an external cooler

[@songszmusic]

what year is your h3?

[@letterpool]

friends bmw 3 series just did the same thing!

[@ConnerReed-dz8hl]

She's got a wild cam haha

[@RicardoGonzalez-yz1vp]

I have the 2006 H3, love the truck since New, has 60,000 miles on it, only failures is RAIDO died, had a strut in front blow, top of fuel tank had a plastic cap leak fuel, faded roof trim,door locks are haunted, they all work when raining-though,outside of Toyo tires, and a couple of batteries it’s been a great truck !

[@TopLineRacer]

That's awesome!

[@meowmeow1733]

The engine sounds like Al Bundy’s dodge. I was always a sports car guy until I lived in New Jersey for a few years. Went through a blizzard back in 2009 or 10 in a rear wheel drive car and said "to hell with that". Bought a 2008 Hummer H3.....amazing,...loved it. Cut through the snow like nothing. Had one with a sun roof....I missed is after I sold it and moved to Europe.....but later rebought one. Hopefully I can keep this one for life. I wouldn't by anything lower then a 2007.

[@anthonymay1280]

I have two 2007 models. Bought my kid one and had to have one as well. Great purchases. Loved your video. We do daily drive them.

[@tacticalstud]

Awesome to hear!

[@murraymountain7184]

I think it’s an absolute buy. It’s not for everyone but I disagree on the daily driver part. Yeah it is terribly slow once you’re up to speed but that’s my only complaint. Fuel mileage our 2012 Tahoe is 16-18 mpg so if you’re looking at a bigger SUV then 15 really isn’t that far off. My H3 has been a daily since it drove off the lot in 05. 3.5, 33s, leather, no sunroof, Adventure package, BOSE sound system. Haven’t had any of the issues you mentioned except that cup holder and the cargo racks. Mine still has the racks but they fall off a lot. The buttons also rub the coating off but you get that on all GM vehicles. Other than that I think the interior is great. Seats are comfortable and feel quality (the leather ones specifically), and everything feels extremely durable. I grew up riding in that car and every car feels like a tin can now because I’m used to the tank-like feel it gives. It doesn’t creak or shake or anything. The exterior isn’t great no, the door handles suck and the grille has a bunch of broken tabs. Never had an electrical issue except the GM theft thing with the key. It was a Florida vehicle for 10 years and has been in NC for 8 now so it hasn’t seen a lot of salt. We had no major issues with it until 230k the engine got replaced and the 4l80 went at 270k. Just hit 330k the other day with it. The driver seat didn’t get a single tear until 300k and the rest still don’t have a single tear. Long as they’re maintained good they’re very reliable vehicles. We did have to do a lot of work recently on it but it was all wear components that go out on any vehicle and like I said it is over 300k miles now so what can you expect. The handling is like you said, like an offroad vehicle, but the turning radius is amazing. Tighter turning radius than any vehicle I’ve ever seen. Also has the best stock audio system I’ve ever heard. Bass will run you out if it hits the right pitch lol.

[@cflip7452]

👍

[@anasalaggad7819]

I have a 2006 Hummer H3. The car is completely reliable as now it’s hits 310k miles. The idea here is in Saudi Arabia weather temperature here get up to 104 Fahrenheit. So I guess I’m right for what I said that this car is reliable as a daily use and off-road and jumping use.

[@techyj2417]

What engine 5cyl or v8?

[@anasalaggad7819]

@@techyj2417 5 cyl

[@roaring_angels]

@@techyj24175cyl most likely

[@StudioDTK5]

2006 only had the 3.5L I5.

[@roaring_angels]

@@StudioDTK5 3.5 if you got a good one is absolutely bullet proof it seems

[@maynurd52404]

I have a 2008 H3 with just shy of 250k miles. DEFINITELY replace the stock battery terminal connectors. I get some smoke when it first starts and goes through oil, so make sure to keep an eye on the oil level. I had to replace the yaw sensor. This is pretty easy other than it being under the driver's seat. The tire pressure monitor light is on even after replacing all of the sensors. I have seen some posts that the antenna connection to the body control module will come loose over time. But i haven't checked on that yet. The only major issues that i have run into is needing the upper and lower control arm and ball joints. Nothing is broken, the bushings are dried and worn out making them squeak. As far as a winter driver, i have driven this through four blizzards over two winters and it went through the snow like a trooper.

[@StefLuvsFoo]

Have had my 06 for 12ish years. 170k miles. Issues: moon roof drains clog, zero pick up speed, gas mileage. Other than that, she’s been great to me. Never been beaten on. Mom owned before me. Re: hood vent…the clips like to loosen themselves out. You just push them back down. Keep an eye on them.

[@strawberryhellokittyx]

I've got a 2006 H3. Original motor, living in Northern MN. She's hitting 168,000 miles and hasn't had a real problem yet. There are some stupid little problems that would cost less than a grand if I did it myself, but she's never let me down. But yes, she is NOT fast. I love it so much.

[@hogmoode5727]

my 2009 has 380,000 and is just now starting to have probs

[@hoganlegdrop2409]

I've got an 09 alpha adventure with front and rear lockers. It's my daily driver and has 162k miles. I love it. The GM small block is bullet proof. I do hate the sunroof though. My drains clogged and my interior got wet. It's super easy to unclog. Even though I have it unclogged I still put duct tape around the edges to seal it off and never use it. It's black and so is the duct tape and no one will ever notice. Plus I tow 8k pounds with it, which it's not meant to do lol. Just stay away from 06 models and you are good to go. I have 2 friends with fj cruisers. Those have problems as well. One has 140k miles and burns a quart of oil every 1k miles. Plus I still have my stock tie rods. My buddies both broke theirs on the fj cruisers and run aftermarket ones now. Anyway I love your channel!

[@connieparker9606]

I have 07 hummer h3 162000. Still running great down the road. Owned for 9 years changed oil filter regularly. Steering still tight.

[@reneveah440]

The only thing here that I noticed that a lot of people who review these Hummer h3s keep mentioning as hell on the highway they're kind of slow. Lol I definitely never picked up this Hummer H3 that I have with the expectation that I'm going to hot rod it down the road lol I also didn't expect it to get up on the highway like my '03 Jeep Grand Cherokee overland with a 4.7 high output engine, I don't really have an issue with these things feeling sluggish and slow because just driving them and the way they look, I think it's a blast

[@stevewilliams8806]

I would say it’s a buy if you want a great off-road vehicle and don’t want to modify a lot. If you want a cheap off-roader with 35 and good clearance. I just bought 2009 adventure for 6k and it came with both front rear lockers. You will be hard press to find 4 door jeep for same money.

[@gymgamerdad7028]

Yea working from home gas mileage don’t matter! Gonna be getting one! These are amazing vehicles! So crazy they only make the Evs!

[@Dennis-mq6or]

My 2006 H3 pulls solidly from about 2200 rpm until 5500 RPM, with it's maximum power at around 4500 rpm. If your only pulls to around 3300 RPM something is wrong. Mine is still pulling hard at 98 MPH when the speed limiter kicks in. I have no doubt it would be capable of doing well over 100 mph without the speed limiter. The 'sweet spot', where I get the best gas mileage and the engine runs the smoothest is around 70 MPH..

[@SanchoGracie]

2007 with 316k....Northern Arizona base model. We get plenty of snow, but we don't salt our roads, just a rubberized slurry mix so no rust issues. Wouldn't trade it for anything. Looking to add an H2 to the family soon.

[@dognatious6153]

Great video. Thorough and professional. I have 247K miles and tow a utility trailer regularly. My secret is to keep the fluids changed at recommended times and you will have to change the sensors left and right over time. Wires to the ignition coil packs can fray and they are very, very, very small gauge wires. Splicing is a precision surgical task. Also, the seals on the coil packs tend to wear and that leads to water draining into the coil packs. I took my coil packs out, cleaned them LITELY with super fine grain sand paper and replaced the seals (gaskets) and plugs, being careful not to get any rust or water in the plug holes. I pushed an absorbent rag into each hole and let the water soak up in the rag. Then I twisted the rag with a screwdriver to clean out the holes. The car runs fine now. So If you throw a coil pack code BE SURE TO CHECK THE WIRES with a super bright flashlight because the frays can arc and the frays are super small. Water, for some reason, tens to accumulate on the coil pack areas. Another thing that goes out is the TPM's, the water pumps go out regularly, and the radiator cracked once (plastic) at the top bolt area. Everything cosmetic you discussed is exactly the same with me too. Hummers love slow, dirt hills. Another headache for the H3's is the front blinker replacement bulb task is a pain: you h ave to remove the brush guard and the grill, etc. There are videos on this. Great video.

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

When you first got this, I was unsure how I felt about them. But after seeing this video... I'm still unsure, but entertained.

[@TopLineRacer]

I'm unsure about it most days too 🤣

[@4benzes]

My H3 is nice with the usual its of the oil light flashing when the car heats up. actually she is good as a daily driver especially in the winter up north.

[@arbucklejawa2940]

Daily Drive mine in Oklahoma since buying new in 2007. It's been great still is with 195k miles. Just some fading on the fenders.

[@kenma8806]

I have had a 2006 Hummer H3 from brand new, had that for 3 years...This Hummer had the head issues with engine misses at 45k.. They replaced the head, when they did that, they also had to replace the exhaust manifold because it was cracked.. Common issues on the 2006, very early 2007's.. Now I have a 2007 Hummer H3 that I bought in 2021. Engine and tranny are flawless at 165k, Rust.. it is an issue.. When I bought it I replaced all the front suspension, for no other reason that everything was original, and it was only a matter of time.. So ball joints, tie-rods, shocks. Control arms.. ect.. .. Biggest repair. gas leak from the gas pump which was also causing a EGR code.. That gas pump repair where they also had to replace a rusted gas line was 1200 bucks.. other things.. Front Caliper, steering linkage-upper.. Chrome clad alum wheels need to be replaced or sandblasted and powder coated.. --- The truck goes everywhere with ease... I will be buying new drive shafts soon.. Another issue that can come up is the Torque converter can cause a vibration.. if that happens the torque converter is like 500 bucks and the coast of labor to replace it.. --FWIW... They some day will bury me in my Hummer.. I love it.. it never lets me down in the snow or on trails here in WV.. It has it's issues.. but anything that is 17yrs old does.. and i would rather fix those issues then to buy anything new

[@CarolynGann-m3w]

I've got a 2009 Hummer H3 that I bought new and it now has 85K on it, I love my Hummer it is the 2nd one I have had, both are black. I would've trade mine for anything, I call it my trusty Steed, it never lets me down and there is no other vehicle that I feel this safe in besides it is the perfect ride to carry my Wolves in and yes they love it too!! I'm taking it to the grave with me!!!🖤🐾🐺🐺

[@daltonseay4544]

Idk how you don’t get more views I love this channel!

[@nellyandre7075]

Love my 2007 H3 n it's mileage over 220k Great ride dependable

[@RickRaven]

Great video. I have 2 H3’s. A 2007 stock i5 Lux and a 2008 Alpa over lander completely tricked out. They are absolutely a labor of love. I am currently drying out the Alpha as we had a week long rain storm and a tiny little leaf stopped up the tiny little drain port. Flooded the whole passenger side. Posted on the forum to remind people to clean out the drains regularly. Again great video. BTW I saw your h3 limo is it a i5 or alpha ? Cheers.

[@TopLineRacer]

I'd love to upgrade to an Alpha someday! The limo is actually an H2, going to do something with it soon but haven't gotten around to it yet.

[@mrjoshua6979]

Haha I had a 2007 that did the same thing. One day leaving work after a huge rain I heard this weird sloshing noise and I kept getting drips on my leg from the Bluetooth mic in roof. So I pulled into a gas station when I stopped about 100 gallons of water cascaded down the windshield and behind the dash. I lost break lights, ac, radio. The tube had plugged up and the huge rain filled the entire plastic headliner pan. I never saw so much water before. I got rid of it soon after. Was constantly chasing electrical gremlins after

[@eeeeeeeeee10]

Which forum

[@maynurd52404]

The age can make getting new parts a little difficult. If you need to replace the Body Control Module they can be hard to find, and need to be programmed by a dealership to work properly.

[@ultraclassic01hd]

Have an 07 H3 and its a great Hummer except it's a rust bucket underneath!

[@rednecktrucker8866]

The tick will go away if you let it worm up but they do have a lot of frame issues mine does and they do have a re call on the ac Circuit it plugs in underneath the dash not hard to do had to replace them on both my h3s other then that they are good truck to use but they are know to have header leaks

[@doordash6658]

bought a 2009 h3 pickup friday 140k miles hope it runs good lol

[@jasonbourne4127]

How's she treating you? Thinking about getting one myself

[@ozbulitsinces1996]

I have a 6ltr holden/chevy caprice and a hummer h3 3.7ltr and the hummers is not that slow its pretty fast if you drive it right

[@ramongonzalez3073]

Have a 2007 h3 just had new transmission 250000 miles running good

[@charlessapp-p4r]

mine came w/ the shower option.

[@semperfizo4811]

I just bought a lux 07 and the 3.7 i5 is faster than a Same year or any JK unlimited from that era, so I think the lack of power is exaggerated. However did you go with the E locker from the adventure? And was it difficult and expensive? Also if on a budget would you recommend an auto-locker for the rear?

[@tuelyxplore984]

Your next move should be a LS swap 😅 or straight axle

[@l3of589]

Now the question is, does it drive better than the Wrangler? I own a 2014 Wrangler, they drive like 💩 and they are extremely under powered. I will really value and appreciate your opinion since you have both. Thanks

[@TopLineRacer]

I do think it drives better, probably a little slower though. Reliability is similar. I do love being able to take the doors and roof off the wrangler though.

[@rednecktrucker8866]

H3s ,Colorado’s, Canyonall do share the same Chassis tho

[@longlivechina7538]

Your still my hero

[@davids2805]

How does it hold up in snow?

[@31fatboy3]

I hope everything is okay. You haven't been post videos

[@jmbugli9338]

Is it possible to do an ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SWAP.

[@chaz-q3q]

LS6

[@manuelpiney7876]

Is possible but more harder lithe 2008 up because 06 and 07 don’t come out with v8 engines so the firewall is different those must be cut and welding job nothing crazy but must be done for any v8 swap 🫡 your welcome

[@Jay-d1c7p]

Good review! Song at end?

[@EddyMago2]

I liked much this model but with the v8 is much better

[@TopLineRacer]

💯

[@wccrispy]

Do you still have the Grand Prix?

[@nellyandre7075]

I have a H3 2007 now is 220k miles. Runs great None of the stuff you mentioned

[@blowfly420]

I bought 1 should go H2 if anyone ever wants hummer i got a jeep having less probablys and its not new but about to trade in sense everyone has jeep now

[@rokuandriod6742]

I’m still thinking of getting one and duramax swapping it lol 😂 duramax with an Alison transmission 💪💪💪 hell yeah lol 😂

[@donbunye]

Hi! I just watched your YT Video on your review for the 2006 Hummer H3 basic model. I have the exact one. I was hoping to ask questions if you don’t mind? My name is Don and I’m from Roseville, CA. Hope to talk to you soon!

[@scottfranson4215]

New to your site . You do a lot of information That Cool Be well Play Safe

[@benmudn]

Going with some history stigma, the H1 was the alpha, but hard to drive. H2s, every want-2-be tough guy bought. Then the H3, which was the runt, for those who wanted to pretend would buy. IMO they should have named the H3 something different and maybe do a different grille.

[@H7Woodworks]

Need a parts vehicle? I have a nice white one that came from 5 feet behind you lol.

[@Vaderdad]

Does @toplineracer own a garage with his own lift ?

[@TopLineRacer]

Almost all our project vehicles are done at my brother's garage which does have a cheap Chinese lift. We have a new lift going in soon!

[@Vaderdad]

@@TopLineRacer cool. what brand lift did you buy from China and what model do you plan to buy next?

[@cflip7452]

2007 h3 with 190,000 with same motor and trans with only maintenance being brakes. oil and cv axels other than that everything works and one of the best vehicle I’ve every owned👍… Everyday driver that on road is way more comfortable than any jeep I’ve been in. As far as speed, that’s not what it’s built for but will cruise at 80 all day long with no issues on stock tire size. Can’t say much for 35’s seeing that’s not the stock tire size and yes you’ll experience gear searching but now who’s faults that😁. Definitely a buy and then some but if your one of those cult following over priced Jeep guys you need to give these a second look if your smart👍$’s saved and will go anywhere you want it too

[@ShooterAK]

5 cylinders ????????????? WHAT

[@OWN12S]

Don't do it! It's a money pit. I still miss my H3, but so many problems. Minor ones ok, I can fix, but once the cylinders started going bad, the AC, oil leaks, window actuator, heater door box, I said forget it! Luckily my neighborhood mechanic gave me $3000 for it. Don't do it!!!!!!

[@ellishoke1693]

Damn I really like these, I’d rather buy this then a jeep personally but I don’t wanna go broke fixing it

[@OWN12S]

@@ellishoke1693 I loved the look of mine. It was all black with black -44 offset wheels w/mud tires, level kit and dark tint windows. I just told myself, enough is enough.

[@ellishoke1693]

@@OWN12S I think I gotta do it man, I’ve wanted one of these since I was in middle school, I just wanna have a Hummer 😭😭😭 and I think the H2 looks chubby so the H3 is definitely my pick, did you have the Alpha? Or just the regular 3.7?

[@dognatious6153]

Another issue is if you are cleaning your interior instrument panel while the car is on you might accidentally hit the transmission transfer buttons and not notice that. You could think something is wrong with the car, when in reality you need to switch it back to regular drive.

[@gooxh]

Sounded like a 1 piston steam engine lol

[@TopLineRacer]

🤣🤣🤣 that's about right

[@FREE_WILL_AAHhhhhhhhhhhhh]

it's a shame it looks so tough but it's a facade of plastic and poorly designed infrastructure... the v8 toyota I built was getting 17mpg with 35 4.10...I like the aesthetic design, but with what the engineers are being paid, we should be seeing real quality and longevity designed into the products we receive... but then they wouldn't be at all time profits while the people are at all time loss.

[@jesusmercado6947]

worst engines ever made there are always locked or always misfiring

[@mrjoshua6979]

I can’t believe they’re still such a following for these. I had a 2007 and then a 2009. Both hot dooky. Definitely not a real hummer like the h1 or h2. It’s basically a Chevy Colorado with a hummer body dropped on it. Everything is an afterthought. Tiny windows. Not that great off road. Everything is a reach inside. Tons of blind spots. The only good thing was my 09 was an alpha so it’s like a Colorado/canyon with an 5.3 LS. It’s got tons of stupid GM issues like constant heat/ac resistor issues and pain to get to. 3rd brake light isn’t a replaceable bulb it’s like a $500 dealer LED assembly. Sun roof tubes plug up with anything and then you get to see what happens when you flood your dash with water. Seat bolsters are trash. Everything is junky hard plastic. I could go on forever. Even the LS didn’t change my opinion so I’m glad I got away from them

[@andrewborden1009]

^Disregard all that clown BS^ they are absolute quality trucks and he might not have maintained his. Truth: The H3 is on a modified Colorado frame that is reinforced plus additional crossmember and is overall stiffer, the Alpha frame is reinforced even further. Duh it is not an H1 though everything is NOT an afterthought - GM's best engineers were on the Hummer teams. Tiny windows are Hummer lineage. The H3 Adventure & Alpha Offroad & CE are better offroaders than FJs, 4Runners, most everything and feature best in class turning circle, breakover and departure angles. Only the Rubicon can keep up- if anything. It does NOT have an LS neither does the Colorado. Better interior plastic than a Ford, pal ! The LH8 and LH9 were offered in the H3 and Colorados, they have a few differences from the 5.3 LS. They are rare birds but often get neglected by poor ownership.

[@94SexyStang]

there's a following because it's Better than garbage Jeep reliability, and looks cooler.