Desirable Hummer H3 Alpha. 5.3 liter V8, automatic. Loaded with options. Fantastic color combination with beautiful two-tone interior. Everything works, runs and drives great. An iconic 4x4 that’s still practical in today’s world.

The H3 was supposed to be the “small” Hummer, but I’m not quite sure the guys at Hummer got the message. This is still a big truck. And a big truck needed a big motor to move it around, which is why the Alpha is so desirable today—that 5.3 liter V8 under the hood instead of the wheezing 5-cylinder that the base models used. They didn’t build as many of these as they did H2s, and due to the H3’s manageable size, they seem to be a bit more desirable today. Dressed in high-gloss black, this H3 Alpha looks imposing from any angle, and make no mistake, this is not a small truck. The squared-off bodywork, flared fenders, and instantly recognizable Hummer grille all make this truck a movie star on the street. It’s loaded up with accessories, including a chrome brush guard, tow hooks, auxiliary lighting, tubular steps, LED taillights, and more, all of which help give it an off-road-ready look even though it has likely never ventured very far off the pavement. Paint and bodywork are excellent with no issues, although the CarFax notes roof damage—apparently due to a car wash taking out one of those roof-mounted lights. But otherwise there are no stories, no excuses, and no issues. This sucker looks butch!

The two-tone leather interior is what makes this sinister black H3 special. The black and tan upholstery gives it an upscale look, particularly with the contrasting piping and embroidery on the headrests—someone at GM decided to make the H3 into something special. The dash echoes Hummers of the past, although it’s a bit less monolithic than the H1 and H2, and, of course, everything was standard equipment. Features include automatic climate control, power windows, locks, windows, and mirrors, tilt steering column, cruise control, automatic headlight control, and a sophisticated 4-wheel-drive system. The stereo has been upgraded with a touch screen setup that includes Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and other features that bring it up to modern standards. Big, round gauges make it easy to keep an eye on the engine when you’re working off road, but driving this thing around town feels more luxury car than capable 4x4. The rear seat area looks hardly used, and it includes a full set of WeatherTech floor liners, so no worries about dirty shoes. The cargo bay is surpassingly spacious thanks to the externally-mounted spare tire, and it includes a matching carpeted mat with tan binding. A nice touch!

The 5.3 liter V8 wasn’t supposed to fit in the H3 but after seeing just how hard that inline-5 was working, GM figured it out. It puts out a rather substantial 295 horsepower and 317 lb-ft. of torque, so the big Alpha feels a lot lighter on its feet than some of its siblings. This one has been properly maintained and shows signs of conscientious ownership—it starts easily, idles properly, and just goes about its business like it should. These tend to be very reliable and durable engines and it’s a great choice for the H3. It’s quite tidy under the hood, suggesting someone has always cared about keeping it in top condition, and it remains 100% stock with none of the questionable aftermarket upgrades that many of these trucks received. GM’s rugged 4-speed automatic transmission is a great partner to the torquey V8, always seeming to be in the right gear and with a tall overdrive, this big truck is a comfortable highway cruiser. There’s also an automatic 2-speed transfer case with proper high and low ranges for real off-road work and the suspension is obviously set up to get into the rough. Plenty of ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, and heavy-duty skid plates mean that this Alpha doesn’t mind playing in the dirt. 4-wheel disc brakes were standard and they’re effective, and they live behind beautiful chrome wheels wearing giant 275/65/18 off-road radials with lots of life left in them.

Documentation includes the original owner’s manuals.

Hummer’s off-road credentials are impressive and the H3 Alpha is perhaps the best combination of brash Hummer attitude and real-world usability. Nicely maintained in great colors, this particular H3 Alpha represents a whole lot of truck for the money and at least one member of our staff is already trying to figure out how to get it into his own garage. It’s really easy to like this truck. If that appeals to you, give us a call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.