I sometimes wonder if the consumer only made completely logical decisions, with no emotions creeping into their choice, what vehicles might be left on the road? It is safe to say none of the Hummer vehicles would survive. Which is a great compliment to the brand and its distinct style.
Hummer's macho, over-the-top brut force attitude oozes from every angular body cut . From the skid plate below to the roof racks on top, Hummers will get you noticed while delivering a lot in emotional payback.
Thankfully, the 2007 Hummer H3x improves on an already great looking exterior while adding much needed power and interior upgrades. The new H3x trim level includes embroidered headrests, chrome brush guard, 18-inch wheels, standard stability control, an extended 5-year/100,000 mile warranty and a couple amazing new colors.
My tester featured a Desert Orange Metallic that screamed 'look at me' in any lot I parked it. It was flashy and cocky but not obnoxious like some of the other burndt orange colors I have seen.
While the H3 is based on the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon platforms, my H3x had all the styling cues of the Hummer line and it could not have been mistaken as anything but the real deal. I was especially impressed with my tester's two-tone color scheme. The H3x has branding embroidered on both front row leather seats as well as tough looking chrome accents that really juice up the classiness of this SUV.
I agreed with my passengers that the H3x offered plenty of head and leg room. I found the leather seats to be comfortable and supportive. The ride can be bumpy at times and it is nice to feel secure in the seat. While cargo room is slightly less than competitors in this class, the rear seats do fold down to offer 55.7 cubic feet of storage space.
Since its inception, the biggest bump in the road for H3 has been power. Although 22 more ponies have been added for 2007, bringing the stable to 242 hp, the 3.7-liter 5-cylinder still cannot deliver the get-up-and-go that some of the competition brings to the table. If great looks is all you want out of your Hummer, then don't feel like this is a shortcoming. But, for those desiring acceleration and towing capcity (4,500 lbs), a V6 or V8 would be a wise option for GM to add for next year.
Power goes to four wheels full time via a two-speed transfer case. The H3x has a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed auto transmission. I thought my tester's automatic performed admirable delivering smooth shifts and only the occasional hitch in shifts.
At a curb weight of more than 4,700 lbs, the mileage estimates for the H3x are 16 city/19 highway. Remember all that talk about emotional decisions earlier? Well, this is where you detach yourself and go back looking at the exterior styling. Or, all the people looking at your Hummer -- as you fill it up.
Driving the Hummer H3x, on or off road, is predictably fun. My only negetive is the small windows and a blind spot in the rear. Taking advantage of massive all-terrain tires, the 9.1 inches of ground clearance, aggressive approach and departure angles and standard skid plates, the H3 can go off road with ease.
My H3X ($38,827) featured the Luxury Package that added leather upholstery with power and heated front seats and an absolutly devilish MP3-compatible Monsoon stereo with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. A navigation system and satellite radio can be added for $1,720.
Becoming one of the Hummer family may not be the most affordable club fee, nor is it a seemingly logical choice -- unless off-road excellence and in-your-face attitude is high on your list of must-haves. For that, the H3x is the choice.
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