2008 Hummer H3 Alpha First Drive

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Under the Hood

At the heart of the 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha is something that GM fans have enjoyed for years – a small-block V-8. In this case it’s a 5.3-liter, 16-valve aluminum engine pushing 300 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 320 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Compare that to the base H3’s 3.7-liter five-cylinder engine that offers 242 horses and 242 lb.-ft. of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission works with a full-time four-wheel-drive system, featuring a low range, optional locking rear differential, and the added strength of a cast-iron front differential housing. Put it all together and you’ve got a rig now capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds (the five-cylinder H3 tows up to 4,500 pounds).

Behind the scenes, the Alpha features the same suspension as found on other H3s, including an SLA torsion bar with a tubular stabilizer bar up front and leaf springs with a solid stabilizer bar out back. The Alpha models do, however, receive unique engine mounts and specifically-tuned shocks. A new rack-and-pinion steering system keeps the driver in tune with the road (whether asphalt or dirt), while four-wheel antilock disc brakes bring things to a controlled stop. Standard Dynamic Rear Proportioning maintains a proper balance between front and rear brake pressure. Standard Goodyear rubber measures 265/75R16.

Safety

As one might expect, OnStar is standard on all 2008 Hummer H3 models, though the turn-by-turn navigation offering is reserved for the options list. Other standard safety-related equipment includes side-curtain airbags, StabiliTrak, ABS, a tire pressure monitor, and vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility, which translates to an even fight when your SUV does battle with a Honda Civic.