For all their actual off-road ability, the subsequent versions have always come across as a bit try-hard; more styling exercise than de-facto off-roader.

In the case of the H3, HUMMER is doing some to address that. Originally powered by an inline-5, the H3 never had the motor to live up to its image. Enter then the H3 Alpha recently, with the epitome of American muscle under hood, the V-8.

Next up for 2009, is the availability of an electric front locker. When paired with current H3 rear electric locker, the H3 suddenly finds itself the equal of nearly any other SUV of the beaten path.

More importantly, the brand is starting to become more than just a name and stigma, it is starting to live up the HUMMER nameplate left by the now defunct H1. With products like the H3T, a four door pickup truck, soon to be offered as well, HUMMER can at least take solace in the fact that should its brand come under hard times, it probably won't be due to not living up to its namesake.

As for the whole gas price, environmental issue...

Our take? The H3 becomes a more viable off-road alternative to the Jeep.


via Four Wheeler