2007 Hummer H3X Test Drive

June 27, 2007 by Malcolm
Filed under Automotive, Hummer, SUV, Test Drives

In just two short years, the Hummer H3 has carved out a niche for itself in the mid-size sport utility segment with its unique bold Hummer looks, class-leading off-road performance, in comfort and safety.

This year Hummer introduces a new model, called H3X that is based on the H3 Street Concept model shown at the 2005 SEMA Show which showcases the entire automotive aftermarket and is held each year in late October, early November, at the giant Las Vegas Convention Center .The 2007 H3X injects new energy into the Hummer lineup by appealing to buyers with an interest in a customized appearance available directly from the factory. The H3X begins with an H3 equipped with leather seats and a six-disc changer with Monsoon sound system, chrome tube steps, a chrome appearance package with chrome sideview mirrors, chrome door handles, bright roof crossbows, and a chrome fuel filler door. The package also includes a body-color grille, chrome brush guard, unique spare tire cover, tires, wheels and center cap. The interior features custom leather seating with contrasting gray piping, headrests with embroidered H3 logo, stitched leather door trim, center console with two cupholder and dual-tier storage bin with matching padded leather, and matching custom front and rear floor mats and rear cargo mat with gray piping. Besides the eight exterior colors, H3X owners can also choose from two exclusive colors, Sonoma Red Metallic and Desert Orange Metallic, the color that my H3X was painted.Wow! This new H3X really turned heads and got only positive comments as I passed by other drivers, or when I stopped and parked to take care of one of my many daily chores.

Another improvement to the 2007 Hummer H3 is a new, more powerful Vortec 3.7 liter DOHC, all-aluminum, Inline 5-cylinder engine with VVT. This new, inline 5-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242hp at 5,600rpm and 242lb.ft. of torque at 4,600rpm.

This new engine is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or you can option for the proven GM Hydra-Matic 4L60 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Either transmission are seamless and powerful and hooked up to the fully electronically controlled 4X4 drive system with automatic 4X4, 4X4 high and 4X4 low.

The system also includes traction control that can be turned off, underbody shielding, an optional rear locking differential, and StabiliTrak stability control. H3X comes with specific off-road tires, the Bridgestone 33in. 265/64R18in. Dueler A/T, wrapping around uniquely styled18X8in. chrome wheels.

Like all Hummers, the H3X delivers exceptional rock crawling and climbing performance. The H3 was engineered for off-road leadership among midsize sport utility vehicles. Among its off-road credentials, the H3 can ford 16in. of water at 20mph, or 24in. streams at a 5mph pace, climb 16in. vertical steps and rocks, make its way through deep sand and race easily over sandy surfaces. There’s no stopping a Hummer.

H3′s more maneuverable size provides advantages, such as a 37ft. turning circle making it easy to park and in tight turns when off-road. The 9.1in. ground clearance and maximum breakover angle of 25-degrees with the 33in. tires both make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is also aided by the maximum approach angle of 40-degrees and maximum departure angle of 37-degrees.

These approach and departure angles permit the H3 to drive into a hole and back out again, without getting hung up in the front or rear.

The H3′s suspension is just right for serious off-road fun and on-road driving smoothness. Up front is an independent SLA (short/long arm) torsion bar setup with 46mm mono-tube gas-charged shocks and a 36mm tubular stabilizer bar. The rear is a live-axle ‘Hotchkiss’ design multileaf, semi-elliptic dual-stage leaf spring setup with 46mm mono-tube gas-charged shocks, and a 25mm solid stabilizer bar.

The H3′s brakes are big and strong steel discs to quickly stop this 4,700+ SUV. Up front are 12.4in. vented discs clamped with four-piston opposed (fixed) calipers, and 12.2in. solid discs clamped with single piston sliding calipers. ABS and dynamic rear proportioning help keep you in control during severe braking situations. The brake pedal felt very linear and the braking force came quickly and smoothly as I depressed the pedal.

Easily guiding the H3 around slow city traffic, at speed on the freeways and when off-road is the new power-assisted rack & pinion steering system with a tri-bushing mount design. It gave me added confidence with quick, pinpoint accuracy and great feedback from the road. The beefy, leather wrapped and tilting steering wheel felt great in my hand as and made me feel even closer to being one with the H3.

The H3X’s bolder looks still make it easily identifiable as a Hummer. Features such as it wide track; short overhangs and huge tires and wheels provide stability, outstanding ground clearance and quick rock-climbing capability in off-road driving. The H3X’s flat, chiseled surfaces, upright windshield and windows, signature 7-slot louvered grille, round headlamps housed inside square openings, and pronounced fender flares are all pure Hummer. Power and strength emanate from its cube-like metal billet form.

The H3X’s interior is inviting and modern, blending premium cues with world-class craftsmanship. Upscale touches include the perforated, leather wrapped and stitched steering wheel and automatic shift handle, bright-accented instrumentation, brushed, machine-finished trim plates, chrome door release handles, chrome bezel for the automatic transmission shifter, and chrome H3 emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The H3X also provides the refinement, comfort and convenience required for enjoyable on-road driving please as well. It offers premium options such as heated leather seats, a large electric express open/close sliding sunroof, Monsoon 7-speaker audio system and a DVD navigation system.

All H3 Hummers come standard with front/rear tow hooks, A/C, 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats, five assist handles, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass heading and outside temperature, power windows/door locks, map pocket on the front seat backs, power-remote sideview mirrors, and swing-gate with mounted spare tire.

The H3 incorporates structural enhancements and advanced safety systems to assist in crash avoidance and protection, including a reinforced passenger compartment safety cage that helps provide protection in the event of side and frontal impacts. The strong, rigid steel structure surrounds the passenger compartment, runs from the A-pillars to the roof rail, back to the D-pillars and includes the bottom rocker panels, under-floor longitudinals and frame. The all-steel body panels and exceptionally strong frame further help protect occupants in a collision. The fully welded, ladder-type frame optimizes crash performance, in addition to standing up to rigorous off-road requirements.

Standard safety features include front airbags, 3-point safety belts for all seating positions with pretensioners/load limiters up front, tire pressure monitor, and an optional roof rail-mounted, side curtain airbags that drop down to the belt line to help provide head and rollover protection for the driver and front passenger.

The H3 Hummer remains the midsize SUV’s ‘king of the off-roads’ and the new H3X gives it more appeal to more consumers looking for the best combination of styling and performance in the segment.

NEW 2007 HUMMER H3X
“MORE POWER, PERFORMANCE AND BLING”

Price MSRP: $38,375 Invoice: $35,305

Type: Midsize SUV
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles