Overview & Reviews

Few vehicles are as instantly recognizable as a Hummer SUV. Unapologetically boxy and impossibly wide, these rugged vehicles were originally built for military use, and it shows. For Hummer aficionados, the fact that these mammoth rock-crawlers are tank-like both in appearance and nature is a selling point, not a flaw. Go to a Hummer dealer and all you'll see are SUVs. There is no such thing as a Hummer car, at least not yet.

The Hummer brand can actually trace its roots back to another military icon -- the Jeep. Designed by the Willys-Overland company in the 1940s, the Jeep became so popular that when Henry J. Kaiser purchased the Willys-Overland company in 1953, the name was changed to Kaiser-Jeep. In 1970, American Motors bought Kaiser-Jeep and renamed it the Jeep Corporation. At that point, Jeep was producing vehicles through two divisions: the Commercial Products division in Toledo, Ohio, and the Government Products division in South Bend, Indiana.

A year later, the Government Products division was spun off as a wholly owned subsidiary known as AM General. In the early 1980s, the company, now owned by the LTV Corporation, designed a vehicle to compete for a contract offered by the U.S. Army. Called the High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV, or Humvee, as it came to be known), it was designed to serve as the military's main light tactical vehicle. AM General won a 1983 production contract (the first of many with the U.S. Army) that required the delivery of 55,000 vehicles over a five-year period.

AM General's Humvees distinguished themselves in active duty during the Persian Gulf War in the early '90s. The vehicle's wartime prowess garnered a great deal of positive publicity, and not just within military circles. As a result, AM General (now under the ownership of the Renco Group) decided to introduce a civilian version of the Humvee, dubbed the Hummer, in 1992. In 1999, General Motors bought the rights to the Hummer brand name and became responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of future Hummer SUVs.

The original Hummer, called the H1, was sold for a few years as the brand's flagship vehicle. Production ended after 2006, but Hummer has been expanding its vehicle lineup to include vehicles that still possess the Hummer bravado but with more civilized road manners.

User Reviews:

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  H3 fan - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Uzi - August 6 - 5:17 am

  Ive wanted an H3 ever since I first rented one in Jackson Hole a number of years ago. I searched and searched until I found just the one I wanted. Overall, they have an awesome look, and are a serious 4X4. I have owned a number of four wheel drives over the years, yet this has been one of my favorites. I get around 13 to 14 MPG. No, they dont get great fuel economy, and I knew that going in. If you want good fuel mileage buy a Prius or some other econo box. And yes, they are also very underpowered unless you have the V8 engine. Those are two issues that an H3 owner just has to deal with, but dont let these two minor issues dissuade you from owning an H3 if you have your heart set on one. There are also loads of cool aftermarket parts avaliabe to pimp out your H3, if your so inclined to make it a personalized money pit. My H3 is fire engine red and completely loaded with cool accessories including a Warn winch. I love my H3! I live in Northern Idaho, and spend my winters on the ski slopes and summers exploring off-road. I plan on keeping this ride until I cant find parts for it any longer.

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  Top dog - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Eddie - December 14 - 12:31 pm

  Ive never had an automobile get so many stairs, and compliments. Overall best auto I ever owned.

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  my h3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By clyde reed - October 17 - 3:55 pm

  i love this car had it 2 years. the one problum is the check engine light comes on alot. always shows as a miss in the engine. first it was a coil. then fuel injectors. then cant figure it out.

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  Hummer time - 2006 Hummer H3
  By prodigy1 - October 10 - 1:19 pm

  I bought a 06 h3 adventure package with 80k miles on it and was surprised at how well it rode and performed with the mileage it had. Every one gave me hell about having a hummer but I loved it. Driving it makes you feel like a kid driving a tonka toy. The Mpgs where average for its class 18-22 mixed driving. It was comfortable on short and long drives. It never gave me any issues and it never got me stuck off road. If your debating between an h3 or a wrangler, get a h3. You get more for the money and insurance is less. You get better Mpgs and a nice comfy ride when youre not plowing through the woods or mountains. Its a solid ride.

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  Love it! But lots of mechanical expenses - 2007 Hummer H3
  By shoragirl - August 13 - 10:55 pm

  I bought my 2007 hummer h3 2 years ago and I honestly love it, however I have spent $4,000 for a transmission rebuild..shocks..2 radiators..water pump..etc. (its an automatic) It is paid for and Im keeping it because I really love the style and its a classy off road SUV!! I just wish it was more reliable!!

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  Road King - 2006 Hummer H3
  By k0pir - April 29 - 2:10 pm

  Whether your on the highway or on a dirt road this hummer h3 is a road king. I love my 2006 Hummer H3 Luxury. From the heated leather seats to the big open sunroof, this is one amazing vehicle. Its not a car, its not a truck, its not like any other SUV, its "like nothing else." Go any where, do any thing, they completely make an average trip a real adventure. If you like the outdoors, camping, getting away into the wilderness and dont mind getting stares from bystanders on the street, youll love the H3.

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  Great woods truck - 2007 Hummer H3
  By PAULICUSMAXIMUS - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned teo and still have one fuel awful with a average hwy of 15 mpg will go any place you put it. I pulled a 75k tractor trailer without a wheel spin and have the video to back it. You can accessorize to your hearts content. Not made for speed but will go when you have to.

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  Nothing Comes Close - 2006 Hummer H3
  By hummerfan - May 3 - 5:08 am

  Bought the vehicle used but fell in love with it ever since I test drove it. No other SUV will give you more driving power than the Hummer. Its certainly a head turner and no doubt be ruling the lanes (if you signal and make a lane change) cars beside you will yield to you (Thats the fun part of it). Though I have had some problems with the sun roof drainage system which gets clogged when you go off road and cause a mess INSIDE the passenger side and gets it all wet. But you can clean it out easily with low pressure air blown at it. definitely an envy during the winter or winter storm season. Every vehicle gets stuck will wish to be in your ride.

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  Hate to See the H3 Go ! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By robertHummer - April 9 - 9:47 pm

  After 3 years and 50k miles, the lease is up. Hummer was a trip to own. No major problems . I would say the windows are too small and going to a "drive through" is torturous. I have to contort myself to get to the bank teller or McDonalds window. Overall H3 was slightly underpowered. The interior space seamed cramped. I dont think they designed the 07 with BIG PEOPLE in mind. I was uncomfortable . I enjoyed the response of people who were excited by its design. Comfort in a car is most important. It is a magnet for people though. I felt luxury from others but it lacked comfort from its design. I hope they improve.I wish Hummer Well!

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  Man Truck of the Year! - 2009 Hummer H3T
  By Dennis - April 9 - 9:05 pm

  Just bought it, but from what Ive experienced so far, there is not another truck in its class on the planet that can even come close. The power, maneuverability, and rugged good looks commands excitement and frankly titillates both men and women alike.