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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  Do want to be noticed! - 2007 Hummer H2
  By B. Cabus - July 18 - 12:37 pm

  I purchased the Victory Edition for my wife. Very beautiful & spectacular looking SUV. Handles very well. Performance is a bit low considering its a 6.0 ltr. Needs a turbo charger or supercharger in order to live up to its name. Ride is comfortable in the front.

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  close, but not quite - 2007 Hummer H3
  By R. OConnor - July 10 - 4:22 pm

  We wanted something different than the normal SUV and settled on the Hummer H3. It is so close to being a good vehicle but it has some drawbacks that would keep me from buying another one. The engine power is weak, the sideways opening trunk is not practical for towing anything, you cant reach the seat controls on the side unless you open the door, the horn is a joke (youd be better off rolling the window down and yelling "excuse me"), and the rear seats dont fold flat. The monsoon system is awesome though, the height at which you ride is great, it has a surprisingly good turning radius, and the ride is nice. If GMC could fix the issues identified we would have been thrilled.

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  So far, big fan... - 2009 Hummer H3T
  By Jonesy - July 7 - 3:29 pm

  Purchased my 2009 H3t about 2 weeks ago. Its my first truck and I was a little worried going from a sports car (Nissan 350z) to this, but so far I love it. Mine is black,the dealership threw on black Hummer rims, and this truck in black on black looks awesome. Not fast by any means, but thus far Im getting about 420 miles on a tank with the i5 which is fine with me. Didnt get it to work on a farm or anything hardcore, but for running around the desert trails out here in Arizona it has been great.

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  Big and Bold! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By OFiroz - July 5 - 4:02 pm

  Hummer is one of the best vehicle I drove, I had Explorer,Pathfinder,and Mountineer as 4x4 vehicles. HUMMER provided the best comfort and road respect! I fixed xenon lights and some stickers in the side to make it more appealing. I love this vehicle. Had some squeaks in the rear wheels and front right wheel. Only while turning the vehicle. Lack of power is an issue. No! Actually it is a big issue. Giving the consideration to the 5 cylinder Engine it is forgivable. 2009 Alpha would be better with V8, but then it is far too expensive. Strangely I liked the fabric seats better than leather. Almost all American vehicles have this arrogance and haughtiness. Hummer also not an exception!

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  PERFECTION SOOO CLOSE! - 2008 Hummer H3
  By JERRAD - July 1 - 12:11 am

  ive owned 3 hummers my 06h3 was totaled rolled at 45mph no injuries walked away, hummer still running. owneda variety of high end suvs like rangerovers, escalades, etc. alpha by far the best all around vehicle! H3 is safe and a tank, driven from mountains-mud-beach everything in between. V8 is what it needed. lux&adventure without nav. is best way to buy (all stock nav is junk no matter vehicle its in). army reservist h1 is great but H3 is narrow to fit down logging roads, low enough to fit in parking garages, turning radius perfect, incredible ground clearance, i have never gotten stuck pulled out many friends in other vehicles, H3T is the next toy wife will drive my alpha. WOW!!!

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  Bimmer to Hummer - 2009 Hummer H3
  By c burns - June 27 - 11:01 pm

  if you own at least one gun, like to ride four wheelers and have a set of boots than this is the small SUV for you. I love my HUMMER it can go offroad and tow stuff and chicks dig it. it can drive in a flood and dry sandy beaches. offroad? i owned a JEEP on climbing and a Z71 in the mud (then pulled him out) can tow a mastercraft X2 as well as my dirtbikes and quads if you want a dude like SUV that tows the toys and owns Jeeps offroad than get an H3 after all, "it is what it is"

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  It lives up to its name!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By DAVID CORNIER - June 21 - 3:13 am

  The hummer is great , i drove it 2 feet of flooded areas and it never hyrdoplaned, nor did water get in! It has so far passed every test i gave it i am waiting for the snow! My hummer is still fairly new!! But so far so good, the off road suspension is great!

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  Happy - 2009 Hummer H3
  By Happy - June 16 - 1:44 pm

  Glad I bought the H3 had a 4runner it was ok but I enjoy my Hummer gas mileage to me is similar to the Toyota sound system is awesome Edmunds review is a lil severe wish I cound buy another for my teenage daughter

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  Get a Hummer - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Hummerlover - June 12 - 2:24 am

  I bought my H3 used with the luxury and adventure packages. It is black on black with no chrome.. I have always liked the Hummers and when the H3 came out I had to get one. I have a problem spending $42,000 for one so I waited and bought one used. I use my Hummer for my daily driver and my off road adventures. It is fun to drive in town but really comes alive off road! This truck offeres the best of both worlds, luxury for the refined and ruggedness for the adventurous! My H3 is stock and with the adventure package and rear locker, it can go places other stock 4x4s cant.

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  Best in Class - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Glenn - June 9 - 7:33 pm

  The H3 is a homerun for GM