H3's not exactly practical, but it makes a statement

0 Comments | USA TODAY, July, 2005 | by James R. Healey

The first impression made by the latest Hummer SUV, called H3, is that designers got the proportions and details right.

H3 is the smallest Hummer, and the macho Hummer styling makes it look just a bit bigger than its midsize dimensions, yet not overwhelming as the full-size H2 and the military-size H1 are.

Second impression: My, those windows look small. Do they really expect people to see through what have been reduced to near-slits by the high sills?

Susan Docherty, Hummer general manager, says stylists wanted the impregnable "pillbox" look of the bigger Hummers. She says dealers report no visibility complaints.

Turn the key, jump on the gas and the impression is of an engine eager to rev, a transmission quick to shift, but a hefty vehicle...