Among wolves and many other kinds of animals there’s an alpha male or female. In the world of Hummers, there’s a new alpha model … the Hummer H3 Alpha.
While the new model looks like the regular H3, the Alpha is definitely better and badder. A V8 engine, similar to the one found under the hood of a Chevrolet Corvette, puts out 300 horsepower with authority.
Unlike the anemic, 231-horsepower five-cylinder found in regular H3s, the Alpha has more than enough power for highway or serious off-road use.
The extra weight and some suspension adaptations also give the Alpha a much smoother ride on pavement.
However, that extra power comes at a cost – some $8,000 more on the base price. With several option packages, our Alpha test model was priced at $44,840, some $9,000 more than the regular H3 we tested the week earlier.
Built on the same basic chassis as the Chevy Colorado pickup, the H3 is an SUV on serious steroids. The heavy exterior armor adds a literal ton of extra weight over a Colorado, which the normal H3 struggles to handle. Not so with the Alpha.
The 5.7-liter engine is mated with a four-speed automatic that gets 13 city and 16 highway fuel mileage. That’s compared to the 13 and 18figures for the five-cylinder regular version with a five-speed manual transmission.
The Hummer is not for everyone. However, someone who does serious off-roading or wants to make a statement at the local club, the H3 fills the bill.
The interior has all the amenities one would want with cupholders, storage areas and relatively comfortable seats front and rear. Cargo space in the back is limited with the rear seats upright, but they can be folded flat for additional storage.
Unlike the larger H2 Hummer, there is only one configuration with the H3. It’s a four-door model only.
However, you can dress one up to your heart’s desire. Our Alpha model added the bigger engine of course plus a chrome appearance package, 16-inch wheels, leather seating, heated power front seats, upgraded Monsoon audio system and carpeted cargo area.
Navigation, power sunroof, trailer hitch wiring and a rear vision camera were additional cost extras.
If you have to have an H3, the Alpha is definitely the way to go, despite the difference in cost. There isn’t that much difference in the fuel mileage, the Alpha will handle any driving chore and it definitely rides smoother on the way to the grocery store.

Ryan's Ride –
As a mid-size SUV, the Hummer H3 certainly stands out from the crowd. Whether it’s the best choice is up to the buyer.
Personally, the Hummer isn’t my cup of tea. I’m not crazy about the quasi-military styling, the nearly 5,000-pound weight package and the snugness of the driver’s cabin.
However, the Alpha model puts a lot of those negatives aside because it’s a big improvement over the five-cylinder-power regular H3.
The Alpha will go just about anywhere within reason. A hill descent system, as found on Land Rover’s, would be a great addition, however.
And, if you’re looking to make a statement, the H3 does that and then some.
We recently parked at a grocery store near an H2 model and the H3 almost looked small in comparison.
At least the H3 is within reason. It’s easy to park, fun to drive (with the V8) and can be parked in most garages. None of which apply to the H2.

Marilyn’s Moment –
When the Hummers first came out and we were testing them, it was kind of fun because people would look at you and smile. These days, with $3 a gallon gas prices, you get sneers instead.
In a world trying to go green and have everyone drive a Prius, the Hummer stands out like a sore thumb.
I totally agree with Ryan in that the Alpha model is a much better vehicle, if for nothing else the riding comfort. The regular H3 we had the week before was a bone jarring experience. The Alpha model was much more comfortable on the highway.
Despite its size, the H3 is easy to drive and park. Visibility is good looking forward, but the side and rear vision is restricted by the narrow window openings all around.
The driver’s compartment is comfortable and the power seats in the Alpha were easily adjustable.
With everything being over-sized in the H3, it was kind of funny to find the small knobs for the audio controls, however.
And one thing I really didn’t like about either H3 was the rear tailgate. It opens from the side and also holds the spare tire. If you’re parking at the wrong angle, it’s a chore to one, open the door and two, keep it open while you load stuff.
There are a lot of SUVs available out there. The H3 is probably not one that I would personally choose.