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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  my H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Pat Jolley - August 9 - 2:28 pm

  I have an H3 with the 4x4 off road package. My car demands attention, It looks good, and has a dominating character off road. It gained my respect the day I was traveling to work on a 2 lane road at 60 mph. I turned the corner to find a truck turning without a turn signal indicator on. My reaction time was minimal. I veered to the left. He also turned in that direction. I then turned to the right with brakes pressed hard. My Hummer responded precise controlled, confident,and I was able to avoid the truck. My only complaints: not enough power on highway and limited visibility in rear window. Backing up is tricky. When they improve that Ill get a new one.I love my Hummer.My husband does too!

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  Good But - 2006 Hummer H3
  By biobob - July 14 - 10:11 am

  Colorado driving is good but lack of power on hills at altitude is a major weakness. I looked into aftermarket superchargers but costs of $6000+ make them push the Hummer in to the next class of suvs. To try and overcome this weak point the 2007 has bored out the engine to get 20 more horsepower. I am testing one this week. However loading it up to 5400 lbs. and being pushed by a 5 cylinder engine is a strain.

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  Hummer news - 2006 Hummer H3
  By BM - July 10 - 9:14 am

  With hopes that the vehicle will hold its value and it has been a nice vehicle to own for the 2 weeks since purchase.

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  Hum to Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Joseph Manuel - June 2 - 7:59 am

  No regrets into leasing this hummer once in a life time opportunity. Now I can always say I owned a hummer.

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  My Hummer by Tommie - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Tommies Hummer - May 7 - 3:20 am

  Its an eye turner, looks all the time. Purchased with auto trans, Adventure off road package, Premiem sound system. Avg. about 15 mpg, Dont know if I had the standard suspension, but dont really like the highway ride with the adventure Pkg. alot of static using the radio system , mirror control should be lit at night, engine is fine if youre not looking to be a speed demon. Visibility limited use caution when backing.. Would I get another??? Dont know at this point ! If I would rate this from 0 being the worst and 10 the best I would give it a 7....

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  2005 H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Patrick - March 15 - 5:09 pm

  If you are looking for a vehicle that gets attention this is the one. If you are looking for something practical, go buy a Denali. I had a 2003 Denali XL before, got tired of it and traded for a 2005 H2. I like the way it handles, but the power and ride is not as good as the Denali. Also, it has limited cargo room and you loose a lot of storage space in the vehicle. A few other annoying items include the nav screen that point toward the passenger, no six disc changer, and a bouncy ride. I probably will go back to a 2007 Denali XL as soon as they come out.

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  Its not all that - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Ruxpin - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The H2 missed the mark. Its grossly underpowered, the sound system is lack- luster at best. Regarding AC, you can get colder by standing in front of an open refrigerator. I understand this is AM General attempt to tame a "wild beast" .. It seems several engineers were absent from design meetings .. (power-plant engineer, HVAC engineer, sound system engineer).. The new Hummer has been presented in a kinder and gentler way. It has attitude in terms of looks, but nothing to back it up ..(engine, AC, sound system).. Sales goals for this vehicle should be revised down sharply.

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  What were they thinking? - 2003 Hummer H2
  By SUVGirl - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Based on the non-negotiable price ($55, 000 fully loaded), the vehicle is underpowered, the ac doesnt cool & the stereo didnt have any kick. As a woman, I felt safe in the vehicle, but it was overshadowed by the inability to accelerate and merge. Dont get me wrong, the truck looks and it "climb" over things, but how many times will I actually take it off road? Maybe twice. Stop production and re-engineer the vehicle before it is deemed with a wicked nickname (ex. Ford Exploder). I understand the H2 is heavy, but the engine should have been properly sized.

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  Car has inordinate amount of rust - 2003 Hummer H2
  By leone7 - January 30 - 5:04 am

  Car is rusted underneath the car including brake discs, side steps and even inside where rear seat attaches. I have had the car a little over three years. I do not take it off road. I am older and do not have pets or kids in the car. The air pressure device that helps opens the rear hatch broke and the door fell on my head. The plastic rear handle fell off ($500), the interior plastic panel on the door fell off. Last year the windshield wiper motor froze and not from the weather ($600) I like the car and would get another except for all the rust. They had a hard time putting new brakes on because of it.

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  Us and our Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By WALLEYE - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We have gotten as high as 17 miles to the gallon of gas, the average is about 9 to 10 miles to the gallon, pulling a trailer. Like the view from inside, you can see everything. Front seats could be a little bit more comfortable. Otherwise it kinda lives up to its name.