2008 Hummer H3 in Lyndora, PA - $7,999

The folks at HUMMER continue to expand the H3 SUV franchise of rugged, durable, extreme machines with the debut of the H3 Alpha. Joining the midsize H3 and the urban-inspired H3x that was introduced last year, the H3 Alpha is the newest model in the performance-bred Alpha series. This can-do HUMMER on steroids is outfitted with a new 5.3L V8 engine and bolted to a Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

Base power for the H3 is provided by a Vortec 3.7L in-line five cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. The prime mover is bolted to the standard five-speed manual gearbox or optional Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic. The H3 is equipped with a two-speed, electronically controlled, full-time 4WD system. A fully locking electronic rear differential is available in the optional Off-Road Adventure package.

Other changes and enhancements for the entire 2008 H3 lineup include standard head curtain side airbags and available Rear Vision system.

Smaller does not means weaker when referring to the H3. This is the only SUV in the midsize segment that can climb a 16-inch vertical wall, scale a 60 percent grade, transverse a 40 percent side slope and operate in 24 inches of water and do it fully loaded at its maximum cargo capacity.

The H3 shares much of its underpinnings with GM's Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon midsize pickup trucks. The H3's formidable foundation starts with a three-piece, modular, welded ladder-type frame. The frame includes high-strength steel side rails and cross members for durability and enhanced off-road capability. Suspension hardware includes a Short-Long Arm (SLA) independent front suspension and a Hotchkiss design, dual-stage, leaf spring rear suspension.

The front suspension uses an aluminum-forged upper control arm and a cast nodular iron lower control arm, providing robustness and strength when off-roading. Microcellular urethane jounce bumpers are used in the front and rear to prevent the suspension from hitting the frame in rough terrain.

Inside, the airy cabin is ruggedly tasteful -- a clean, honest presentation of displays, controls and switchgear. The cloth seats are both comfortable and supportive. Two power points are located at the bottom of the center stack. The rear seat is comfortable and versatile. The seat cushion has a hard plastic cupholder that flips open, as needed.

In addition, the 60/40 split fold-down seats add cargo hauling capabilities to the H3 although they do not fold flat with the cargo floor. Access to the rear cargo area is by a door at the rear of the vehicle as opposed to a hatch arrangement.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 111.9; overall length: 186.7; width: 85.6; height: 73.0 -- all measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.7L five-cylinder -- 242 hp at 5,600 rpm and 242 lbs-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm; 5.3L V8 -â€" 300 hp at 5,200 rpm and 320 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed electronically-controlled automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 3.7L five-cylinder -â€" 13 city/18 hwy., (manual); 14 city/18 hwy., (automatic); 5.3L V8 -â€" 13 city/16 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 55.7 cu. ft.

Payload capacity: 1,150 lbs.

Towing capacity: 6,000 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, head curtain airbags with rollover sensing system, OnStar communications system, remote keyless entry, StabiliTrak vehicle stability system, traction control, battery rundown protection, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring system, alarm system, fog lights, automatic headlamp control, full size spare tire and four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock. Alpha adds garage door opener. Optional safety features include navigation system and rearview monitor.

Parts content -â€" country of origin

Final assembly point: Shreveport, La.

US/Canada: 77 percent.

Engine/transmission: United States.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 HUMMER H3 starts from $30,160 for the Base model, $38,455 for the H3x and $38,725 for the H3 Alpha. Destination charges add $615.

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