2006 HUMMER H3

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On the streets of Phoenix, the H3's quick steering and relatively flat roadholding makes it more nimble than you'd ever expect, and a 37-foot turning circle lets it slip into parking spaces the H2 can only dream of. Stability control is available, as are curtain airbags. And the H3 will tow 4500 pounds, undoubtedly making it right-lane-only material but giving it useful creds when hauling boats to the lake - or fellow off-roaders out of the muck.

The interior is the nicest yet in a HUMMER, which isn't the backhanded compliment it seems to be. Cabin headroom soars, and rear-set legroom is fine. The front seats are supportive, but the rear bench is a low one, and dark too with the optional black interior. OnStar, leather trim, satellite radio, a DVD navigation system, and a CD changer are optional concessions to HUMMER's position as an upscale brand, as is the stylish metallic faceplate on the dash.

The H3 will be available with two optional packages - Adventure and Luxury. The Adventure Series includes key off-road performance equipment such as huge 33-inch tires, a 4:1 electronic transfer case, and locking rear differential. The Luxury Series includes amenities such as heated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Adventure and Luxury series can be combined as well, for a truck offering the best of both worlds. Stand-alone options include the automatic, a huge sunroof, XM Satellite Radio, six-disc CD changer, and Monsoon speakers.

Now that gas prices finally have crunched down on the massive H2's sales, HUMMER needs the H3 to cross over to a new set of shoppers not so hung up on the roots of the brand but drawn instead to the H3's usability and rugged demeanor. GM execs are shying away from pegging H3 sales but indicate that anything less than 40,000 units a year will be a disappointment, both for its bean counters and its market soothsayers.

It should avoid that trouble, although it's hard to imagine crowds thronging for the H3 as they did for the H2 at its launch just a few short years ago. The H3 - like the Land Rover Freelander, Nissan Xterra, Toyota 4Runner, and somewhat like the Jeep Grand Cherokee - will appeal to those who like their SUVs with a strong shot of authenticity.

2006 HUMMER H3

Base price: $29,500

Engine: 3.5-liter in-line five, 220 hp/225 lb-ft

Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, four-wheel drive with locking center differential; optional locking rear differential

Length x width x height: 186.7 x 85.5 x 74.5 inches

Wheelbase: 111.9 inches

Curb weight: 4700 lb

Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 16/20 mpg (manual); 16/19 mpg (auto)

Safety equipment: Dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, four-wheel drive, traction control

Major standard equipment: AM/FM/CD player, power door locks/windows/mirrors, air conditioning, rear defogger, OnStar

Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles

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