Dayton Daily News

OK. There's no mistaking when a Hummer is coming toward you. It's big, it's bad, and it sure is noticeable.

The only identity check necessary is if it is the bigger H2 or the li'l ol' H3.

We're here to talk about the 2008 H3, but even this mini brute is taking on a whole new look.

Based on the same platform as the midsize pickup trucks Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the H3 is a load at 4,700 pounds. Until this year — the third for this vehicle — the only engine was an inline 5-cylinder, which is fine in most regards but not up to snuff for the more power hungry. So here comes the H3 Alpha with a 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 engine that promises a 0-60 mph thrust in 8 seconds.

We didn't drive the Alpha — too bad for us — but found our H3 to be equally invigorating for its visual presentation. Our test version, the H3X, was loaded with chrome from front (square brush guard) to rear (fuel filler door), from side (tubular steps, mirror caps, door handles) to bottom (18-inch wheels). Sunglasses required.

All H3s come with a good amount of standard equipment, which includes full-time all-wheel drive with low-range gearing — the backbone of the H3 experience. Safety features are plentiful with curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control system, traction control and a tire-pressure monitor. Then there are rugged looking and/or acting items like fog lights, roof rails, front and rear tow hooks, skids plates and full-size spare tire. Other items include power mirrors/windows/locks, remote keyless entry, satellite radio, rear defogger and a rear wiper/washer.

The standard engine is a 3.7-liter 5-cylinder that produces 242 horsepower.

All of this comes as part of a base price of $30,080.

The Alpha, with its robust engine, starts at $38,645, but also comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission, leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front seats, in-dash disc CD changer, universal garage door opener and chrome alloy wheels.

So when I mention that the bottom line of our tester was $44,890, you may wonder where all that extra money comes from, particularly since there was the smaller engine. Well, here's how the totals add up: $4,470 for the H3X Package with all that chrome, plus roof rack, unique trim items and off-road tires; $3,280 for the Luxury Package that has most of the additions of the Alpha trim; and another $450 for the Chrome Appearance package that adds even more shiny stuff to the exterior.

Our test vehicle also came with a navigation system ($1,720), automatic transmission in place of a 5-speed manual transmission ($1,720), sunroof ($950), rear-vision camera system ($850), Trailer hitch and wiring harness ($390) and special paint ($295 for, in this case, Carbon Flash Metallic).

So is it all worth it? Yes, if you don't mind the EPA mileage ratings (14 mpg/city and 18 mpg/highway with the automatic transmission) and the cumbersome truck-like ride. In actuality, while the ride may not feel like you're in a sedan, you will feel secure. The handling of this vehicle is adequate, and the beefy steering wheel helps with understanding the heft of the truck being driven.

All riders get thickly padded seats and plenty of head room.

There's 29.5 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seat and 55.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The cargo area is accessed by a side-opening door instead of a lift gate (due to the exterior tire mount), which can be awkward depending on your loading circumstance.

What makes the H3 fun, though, is that all-weather, all-terrain capability. The chrome on the H3X is eye-catching. The new V-8 engine on the Alpha is for performance. Whatever way is preferred, the Hummer H3 makes a big impression.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.