Hummer’s bestselling model is the midsize sport utility vehicle, H3. It comes with great on-road and off-road prowess for 2008. Along with the base and H3X trim levels, Alpha has been introduced for this year. Additions for the 2008 H3 include standard side-curtain air bags and a rearview camera.

All 2008 H3 trim levels feature a full-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The base and H3X trims are powered by a 3.7-liter, in-line, five-cylinder engine that generates 242 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque; while the Alpha gets a 5.3-liter V-8 engine that emits 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic is optional for other H3 trims. Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway with either transmission. When properly equipped, towing capacity is rated at 4,500 pounds. The V-8 engine has a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, while fuel economy is rated at 13/16 mpg (city/highway).

Solid handling, easy cabin controls and comfortable seats make it the user-friendly truck. There is plenty of legroom and good support for rear-seat passengers. The side-hinged cargo door provides easy access; cargo capacity is 55.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded.

The lineup of standard safety features includes stability control; traction control; anti-lock disc brakes; OnStar communications system; and full-length side-curtain air bags. In National Highway Transportation Safety Administration crash tests, the H3 received a perfect five stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in frontal impacts. In side-impact testing, it scored five stars for both front and rear.