Believed to be the car that inspired the Hummer EV, GM launched the Hummer H3T towards the end of the H3's production, and it quickly took the truck market by storm. It was a reincarnation of the two-door concept pickup truck that GM had showcased in 2003, shortly before the Hummer H3 was unveiled. Though sighted initially as a two-door pickup truck, the Hummer H3T entered production as a crew cab truck to complement the Hummer H3 and remained in production until General Motors discontinued models in 2010. During its short production period, the Hummer H3T brought some of the best features seen in a mid-size truck, most of them not optional on the Hummer H3, for example, front and rear selectable lockers and hill start assist among other off-roading features and better cargo management. The cargo management was mainly enhanced by its 5-foot bed, a significant selling point for the Hummer H3T. Like today, large American vehicle buyers showed a stronger preference for trucks equipped with beds, and there being a Hummer with a bed meant more buyers were more inclined to buy it. The bed is the same reason a considerable percentage of potential Hummer buyers would pick the Hummer H3T over the Hummer H3. It doesn't lose the Hummer H3's more customer-oriented form, and being a newer model, it has better features when compared to older Hummer H3 model years. However, its myriad additional features and versatility come at a cost since Hummer H3T prices are twice as much as Hummer H3 prices, averaging $20,000. The Hummer H3T's low production figures also contribute to its slightly higher prices, but not so much that it can be considered a potential investment as a collectible. Would you buy a Hummer H3T over a Hummer H3?
General Motors might have built the Hummer H3T to complement the Hummer H3, providing buyers with an extra option. Still, it was more like the successor to the Hummer H2 SUT since, before production, the Hummer H3 didn't have a pickup truck variant. Both trucks took after the Hummer H1 Open Top, among the best trucks of its era, coming from AM General Corporation's contract to construct high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles for the United States military. Before the Hummer H1 Open Top and other Hummer H1 models were discontinued in 2006 due to emission regulations, General Motors, who had bought marketing rights to the Hummer name from AM General Corporation by then, unveiled the Hummer H3T concept at the December 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show. Why did GM not make the Hummer H3T as a standard cab? We'll never know. But they carried over the H3T concept's design to the Hummer H3, which was unveiled a few months later in 2004. The Hummer H3 then brought rise to the Hummer H3T in 2009, which General Motors exclusively produced at their assembly plant in Shreveport, Louisiana. During its approximately one-year production period, a total of 5,680 units of the Hummer H3T were manufactured, a noteworthy quantity considering the limited production timeframe and when it was produced. It came after the Great Recession, which saw fuel prices skyrocketing and a market shift with buyers abandoning fuel guzzlers. Furthermore, GM faced financial challenges and entered bankruptcy around the time of initiating the production of the Hummer H3T, so its remarkable survival until the end of the Hummer H3's production is quite impressive.
Introduced after GM discontinued the 3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, the Hummer H37 got the 242 horsepower and 242 lb.ft 3.7-liter engine as standard mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The 5.3-liter V8 was made optional, but it was standard for the Alpha trim Hummer H3T, as it was in the Hummer H3 Alpha. However, GM wouldn't have offered the 5-speed manual transmission if you had bought a Hummer H3T with the 300 horsepower and 320 lb.ft 5.3-liter V8 in 2009. It would be comedic trying to launch a Hummer H3T and see how long it takes to reach 60-mph from a standstill, but it will eventually get there, most likely after several trials trying not to exhaust the drag strip limit. Its 5000-pound weight is its biggest letdown, but don't let it fool you into thinking that the Hummer H3T is incapable of doing what it was built for. You can already tell from the skid shields upfront that it means business, but the best bits are hidden underneath. General Motors retained Borg Warner's electronically controlled full-time four-wheel-drive system in the Hummer H3T and added hill start assist, front and rear lockable differentials, specifically tuned shocks, and lower transfer case gearing. Buyers could also opt for 33-inch wheels offered inclusive of the Off-Road Adventure Suspension Package in place of the standard 32s.
Inside, the Hummer H3T retains the same 5-seating layout as the Hummer H3 with no changes in seat arrangement in the front and rear. However, it received a higher touch of refinement featuring well-put elements such as premium cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, GM's OnStar, XM Satellite radio, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity as standard. Moving up to higher trims such as the Hummer H3T Luxury and H3T Alpha gave buyers options of having full leather seats, a CD player, a rear parking camera, a navigation system, and a premium six-speaker Monsoon audio system with one subwoofer. Options such as power windows and door locks had yet to be offered extensively for the Hummer H3, but for the Hummer H3T, they were standard on higher-spec models and optional on lower models, adding to the final cost of the car. Each button controlling these features is ergonomically placed within the cabin, though there might be an issue of failure as the build quality in the 2000s could have been better. GMC even offered a tiny touchscreen infotainment display, which you'll find never works in most cases when scouting for a Hummer H3T. Beyond the convenience of front and rear seat cupholders, the practicality of the Hummer H3T extends to its 5-foot bed, enabling you to haul virtually anything you can imagine. You might require a tarp for weather-sensitive cargo, but it's nothing a few bucks can't solve.
Characterized by the Hummer family's squared-off design, the Hummer H3T boats a distinctive and robust exterior that unmistakably inherits the iconic styling cues associated with Hummers. Its heightened ride height, due to the body sitting on a body-on-frame chassis, is functional in ground clearance demanding off-roading conditions and also gives the H3T a towering appearance compared to most regular traffic. Its bold styling elements, such as the bulky fender flares, further exemplify its off-prowess and give a sneak peek at what lies behind the tires. The fender flares also make it relatively easy to fit larger wheels. As an option, buyers could get alloy-clad chrome wheels and chrome exterior trims, and there's no other way to have a Hummer than a chrome-laden exterior. The chrome exterior trims included the grille, front bumper bar, door handles, window trims, wing mirrors, and badges. These chrome features made Hummers appealing in rap music videos, and despite evolved preferences today, don't let anyone talk you into blacking out chrome trims on a Hummer H3T should you buy one.
In a world increasingly defined by high-tech automotive innovations, even in trucks, the Hummer H3T stands out with its simplistic but highly functional engineering showcasing rugged innovations that many drivers would prefer over flashy technology. But the lack of modern gadgetry doesn't mean that the H3T is simply a 5,000-pound metal contraption in motion. Its electronically operated full-time four-wheel-drive system was one of the best during its time, setting the H3T far ahead of its competitors, and it remains a worthy contender on off-road trails today. The four-wheel-drive system is complemented by front and rear locking differentials and specifically tuned shocks, further enhancing the H3T's off-road prowess. The touchscreen infotainment system GM introduced for the Hummer H3T integrated a hands-free phone system was revolutionary for the 2000s and early 2010s. Additionally, being a newer model, occupant, and vehicle security was enhanced in the Hummer H3T. Some of the safety features it was sold with include stability control, traction control, and frontal, overhead, and curtain-side impact airbags. To protect against theft, an ignition-disabling device was installed on the Hummer H3T, preventing the engine from starting if the manufacturer-provided key is not used.
Hummers tend to capture the interest of car buyers who prefer a car with a commanding presence wherever they go, whether in an urban setting or off-the-beaten stance. The Hummer H3T combines that with exceptional capabilities and versatility, mainly enabled by its bed, giving you the flexibility to transport various cargo, making it an ideal choice for work and recreation. To put into context what you can fit into the bed, two dirt bikes or a jet ski would fit perfectly with minimal hassle. Owning a Hummer H3T extends beyond the truck's features as it grants you entry into a community that appreciates the distinctiveness of the Hummer brand. Once your decision is firm, consider buying a Hummer H3T through Exotic Car Trader.
The Hummer H3T beckons those who yearn for a driving experience that transcends the ordinary, combining excellent off-road capabilities, practical versatility, and iconic design that inspired the Hummer EV. Beyond its offerings, it left a mark in the luxury pickup truck segment despite its short life on the market, and even though Hummer enthusiasts longed for a successor, GM's financial complications and the declining market share for large trucks couldn't make it happen. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! So, would you buy a Hummer H3T? Its affordability, even though it's slightly higher priced than the Hummer H3, is one of the reasons why you should buy one. The affordability, besides its impressive capabilities, justifies having an H3T occupying a space in your home garage.
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