Before 1992, the Hummer was only in use in the Army. It was during this year that a model was created for civilians. It was initially called the ‘Humvee’. After about a decade, in 2001, the Hummer H2 was introduced as the next ‘phase of evolution’. During the second quarter of 2005, the Hummer H3 was finally released.

One may start to wonder what the differences are between these vehicles. Perhaps not from other cars, but between generations themselves. To begin with, the H3 is has a Vortec 3.5L inline cylinder engine that can give 220 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 225 lb.-ft. of torque at 2800 rpm. The Hummer H3 gives in the region of 20 MPG and comes with either a manual or an automatic transmission. This is so that first time buyers have had a choice.

The Hummer H3 is also equipped with a 4-wheel drive fully locking rear differential. Underbody shielding, traction control, and GM’s StabiliTrak vehicle-stability enhancement system make it even more dependable and protected. The new Hummer H3 is reported to be able to make it through 16 inches of water that’s flowing at 20 mph, or 24 inches of water running 5 mph. GM also declares that the Hummer H3 will climb 16-inch steps and rocks, and offers two kinds of tires – a Bridgestone 33-inch tire or a Goodyear 32-inch, both being all-terrain.

The next thing is the optional interior features – heated leather seats, front bucket seats and 60/40 split rear seats, an electric sliding sunroof, DVD-based navigation radio, four audio systems compatible with GM’s OnStar system and the XM satellite radio, power windows and door locks with lockout protection, an electric rear window defogger, outside power-adjustable manual folding rearview mirrors, a self-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature indicator, and three 12-volt, covered auxiliary power outlets, two located in front and one in the luggage area.

Hummer H3’s 4-wheel drive system is the Borg-Warner two-speed, electrically controlled, full-time 4-wheel drive system with a 2.64:1 ratio of low-range gear reduction; there’s also an alternate version with a 4.03:1 ratio for the ultimate control on obstacle-climbing. Both versions come with many operating modes for all sorts of driving situations.

The Hummer H3 has more off-road capabilities than the H1 or the H2, with a 37-foot turning cycle, a whopping 9.1-inch ground clearance, a 25-degree maximum breakover angle when 33-inch tires are used, a maximum approach angle of 40 degrees and a maximum departure angle of 37 degrees.

When we come to scrutinize the frame and suspension, the Hummer H3 has a modular three-piece frame for superior strength. The front is an independent torsion bar suspension, same as the rear, which uses semi-elliptical leaf springs. Factory equipment includes skid plates for protection of the steering links, and Hummer offers optional ‘chassis-bottled’ rocker panel protectors.

The Hummer H3 features ABS traction control and breaking systems, and pinion steering with 17:1 ratio. The anti-lock breaking system uses Dynamic Rear Proportioning to assist in controlling the rear breaking in immediate-stop situations. The traction and the controls of the H3 work in arrangement with the engine controls and breaking system to provide greatest traction with smallest wheel spin regardless of the conditions.

The exterior fascinations of the Hummer H3; include a rear swing gate with fixed glass, plus a standard rear wiper and defogger. Added to this, the first ever from Hummer; a swing gate-mounted spare tire to take full advantage of interior cargo space. The H3 also offers stamped-steel front and rear bumper bars, standard front tow hooks and welded-on rear bumper recovery hooks.

The new Hummer H3 is also loaded with a variety of safety features, including a reinforced passenger compartment safety cage; a fully welded, ladder-type frame to improve crash performance and off-roading; a standard front dual airbag system, optional rail-mounted, side-curtain air bags, daytime running lamps, remote keyless entry, battery rundown protection, an electronic tire pressure monitoring system and an anti-theft vehicle security system.

The new Hummer H3 may not create as much hype as the H1 and H2, but it is a monster that lets you maneuver in heavy city traffic, and yet still has very promising off-road potential.