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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  Hummer fan - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummerfan - October 27 - 7:56 am

  Purchased new almost 9.5 years ago and have put on 148,000 miles. It has been a GREAT vehicle with no problems. Have only replaces tires, battery, water pump and brakes. Really a fun and luxurious vehicle. Still commands looks!

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  Love the hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By jdicataldo - August 5 - 1:13 pm

  I owned a hummer h3 2006 for over 6 years. I drove over 150k miles on it. When I reached the 100k I took it to the mechanic asking to check it for any maintenance since the mileage of the car and basically just replaced the spark plugs. Nothing else. I change my first set of pads (brake pads, no rotors} on 110k miles on the front wheels, and on 130k miles on the rear wheels. Just had to believe but true. Sold it on 2013 with over 170k miles and running perfect. I missed it so much that I just bought my second h3 a month ago same year with just over 100k miles. Took it to the dealer to do whatever needed to have the peace of mind and runs incredible smooth (even better that my last one since I put four new Michelin on this one). Super smooth ride and very happy with it. I m just buying all the option that I used to have on my first one. I recommend this suv to anyone. The look is great, the comfort, the driving position, everything. Some complaint for poor visibility but with big rear mirrors as it has and back up camera that I added I feel very confident parking or anything. Not very powerful acceleration but small engine gives you better MPG so something has to give up. Anyway is enough power for everyday needs.

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  Love our Hummer - 2007 Hummer H3
  By WayneTonette McCoy - March 4 - 12:40 am

  Bought ours a month ago. Its deep maroon and fully loaded. Like the chrome package and stereo system. Day after we got it drove 3200 miles to Florida and back. Our backs and bottoms didnt hurt at all. It drove and handled great. We stopped to eat and a guy came in asking who owned the hummer. Thought oh no-he backed into it. He wanted to tell me how awesome it looked and if he could look in the windows. Took him out and showed it to him. Two others came over to look at it. At drive up window here the young man said, sir love your hummer. Makes you proud to drive. Great ride.

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  Best SUV Ive Owned - 2006 Hummer H3
  By jusncsu - January 28 - 12:15 pm

  I own a 2006 H3 w/ adventure package. I bought the vehicle used in 2009 with approximately 30K miles and an existing factory warranty. Hands down this is the best SUV Ive ever owned. Its extremely comfortable, performs as needed and has been nothing but reliable. Ive never had anything other than routine maintenance performed (knock on wood). My only complaint (if I had to give one) is that it doesnt have a ton of cargo space. My wife and I didnt have any children when we bought the car. However, we recently had our second child, and with double strollers, etc. are in need of a bigger SUV. However, I am not going to trade or sell the H3 Ill be keeping it forever!

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  H2 - 2003 Hummer H2
  By db1988 - May 28 - 8:55 pm

  Working for a used car dealership, I have driven literally hundreds of vehicles. After a long drive home in a customers Hummer h2 I was sold. There is no doubt the exterior design is unique, it really stands out amongst everything else. But being in the driver seat is what sold me. It handles well, drives smoothly, the visibility is phenomenal, and the overall comfort is great. Shortly thereafter, I bought a lightly used h2. After owning it these past few years, I can say I definitely made the right choice. It feels solid in heavy snow and pouring rain, it isnt as hard to park as you might think, and every seat is adequately spacious for an adult.

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  Serious off-road capabilities :) - 2004 Hummer H2
  By slowopey - May 26 - 11:33 am

  I have owned many vehicles, but I have to say that my H2 was my favorite. I owned mine while in Kuwait, driving in high heat and rough conditions in the desert, and the H2 handled like a champ. Ive driven Jeeps, H1s, etc..., so I know about true off-roading, and while the H2 has a reputation as an urban assault vehicle, it is incredibly tough when put to the challenge. First of all, the entire under-carriage is built like a semi truck underneath, so you cant break it. You can take speed bumps at 70 miles an hour, and all you feel is a blip beneath your tires. Passengers dont even feel the bump (priceless). You must test drive hard to appreciate. Trust me, it can take it :)

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  Blast to drive - 2007 Hummer H3
  By nocho1972 - May 2 - 5:40 pm

  I bought my 2007 in 2010 after me and my girlfriend broke up! Nice consolation! This has been a fantastic truck, its rugged stylish and just an American bad ass truck! Ive had a few minor problems, mostly electrical. Drivers window control failed, radiator had to be replaced, all under extended warranty. Over all Great vehicle, will probably be buried in it lol.

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  H2 is King of the Asphalt and off road! - 2006 Hummer H2
  By inyerhed68 - April 9 - 12:12 pm

  By far the very best vehicle I have ever owned! Its a criminal thing that these beautiful machines are no longer in production. Fits All 3 of my children in the middle bench seat with ease and they love it! good sized cargo area and even more if your H2 is fitted with the spare on the outside-mine is. And removal of the single rear seat is easy out and easily put back in. My wife loves driving it as well. And.....I love to go fresh water fishing and the area I fish it not easily accessed as it has extremely soft sand and some hills to climb. No problem for my H2!....Neutral then change to low 4 in we go! Love this vehicle and its an eye catcher! All black exterior and interior!

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  Used Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By rcaceres - February 26 - 5:12 pm

  I just bought a well taken care of Hummer H2. I wish I would have driven one sooner. These vehicles are fantastic. Well made, commanding, wide footprint, sure footed. Rides very well.

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  2006 Adventure Package - Love this Car!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By jusncsu - December 5 - 1:11 pm

  Ive owned it for a few years now (did a great deal of research to ensure that I wasnt purchasing a lemon) and I love this car more and more the longer I own it. One of the commenters on here had a great point. Get it serviced at your Cadillac or GM dealership, and keep up the maintenance!! Ive heard a few comments regarding the lack of power/acceleration due to the size of the engine. This thing isnt a sports car! As others have said, it will easily get up to over 100mph. However, you shouldnt expect to get there in 6 seconds - who buys an SUV with that in mind?? Great car, Im keeping mine forever!!