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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  I love my Hummer! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Mtnlvr - May 31 - 7:22 pm

  Ever since I purchased my Hummer, I feel like I want to live in it! It feels safe, it does have a five star crash rating! It is comfortable to drive, classy and just plain awesome! Even with the bad economy looming over my head, I couldnt resist and purchased the chromed luxury model after one test drive! I drove a Toyota Camry LE as a rental for a week, and believe me that car was horrible. I missed my Hummer really really bad! I could get better gas mileage if I had smaller tires, but I need the clearance.

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  Hummer Fan - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Mark - May 31 - 7:18 pm

  This suv is awesome it handles great. The turning radius is amazing I have driven a lot of suvs and none are as comfortable or respond like this . I definitely recommend driving before buying any other suv.

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  The best SUV! Like nothing else! - 2008 Hummer H2
  By SD90 - May 29 - 9:51 am

  Ive only had this H2 for a month, but I love it so far. It puts a smile on my face every time I get in it! The gas mileage is better than I expected with the new 6.2L / 6 speed transmission. Im getting 16 mpg city driving, and 19 hwy, (Imp mpg, I am in Canada!) Its about the same as my 07 Ram 3500 Diesel, (NOT the dual rear wheel) For you that want to figure it out, my last fill up, I went 230 km on 34 L. It was on the highway between 100-110 km/h. The interior is much more refined than the 03 - 07 models. The exterior doesnt have to be changed at all! It still looks like nothing else on the road. You feel very safe while driving in the H2. I love it!

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  Great at what it is supposed to be. - 2008 Hummer H2
  By Gman - May 17 - 9:12 am

  The H2 is a full size offroad truck based SUV, so its 12-13 mpg city, 14- 15 mpg highway is on par with other truck based SUVs of its size, difference is that nothing looks, rides, performs like a H2. New interior is excellent, my kids love it, and those who dont like it need to understand that there are plenty of other SUVs that eat gas as much as it does, just those vehicles are not American, so they are not a target. Great Vehicle for what it is, not when compared to a Prius. Hummer deserves to live on, and for some, it will forever.

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  Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Pat Ayers - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a lot of trucks but this is the best one ever.The only problem is how will I ever be happy with anything else.I do not believe they can ever build any better vehicle.So where do I go next? Pat Ayers

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  Hummers dont come cheap - 2009 Hummer H3
  By HummerReady - May 14 - 12:56 am

  I love my H3. Before this little tank I drove an Xterra with no stability or power. I was not looking for speed but definitely endurance with class. With the H3, I have found a women a lot like myself, reliable, easy, fun and definitely classy. In a heart beat I would purchase another one....

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  H3 for Me - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Desert Rat - April 24 - 12:38 pm

  I read consumer reports before I bought my H3 and was a little concerned. I am so happy I didnt depend on any review to make my decision. The H3 is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I tried 4 new vehicles in the last three years and have finally got a keeper. I keep trying to use my wifes car when we go for a ride to keep my miles down but she wont hear it. She loves riding in the H3 no matter what mileage it gets. Too many people want to change it with fluff and make it something its not. I bought it because it is what it is sharp lookin, fun to drive and easy to maintain.

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  Hummin a Little Tune - 2006 Hummer H3
  By West Palm Beach - April 9 - 11:00 pm

  This is the best Factory offroad vehicle in production next to the Jeep Rubicon. I have the Lux package with the OffRoad option. The aftermartket is sure to jump on the upgrades and everybody can personalize to there own likes. I am 61" tall and have no trouble with leg room. The back seat is roomy enough with the drivers seat all the way back for a 58" passenger to sit with their knees just touching the back of the seat. GM/Hummer will sell alot of these great Midsized offroad SUVs. The ride is very comfortable on the street and you feel very safe in this vehicle.

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  THE BEST SUV - 2003 Hummer H2
  By ryan maloy - April 9 - 10:00 am

  the BEST SUV of all time. get one as fast as you can

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  i love it - 2003 Hummer H2
  By hummer mom - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my vehicle, and yes i was one of those people who bought mine without a test drive. But, O have to say that i was pleasently surprised by the ride. I also have an Expedition and the Hummer is a lot better ride. I enjoy everything about this vehicle (except the gas mileage). I think the sound system is great and I do agree that the inside is a lil too plastic for my taste but it doesnt bother me that much. I think anyone out there that is looking for a awesome SUV in this price range should consider nothing else but the H2.