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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  Good overall buy - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Hummer Cody - July 13 - 3:29 pm

  I really like this car. A lot of fun to drive, and pretty reliable. Wish that it got better gas mileage. I avg 14. Needs a little more power. Dont buy new. The MSRP of mine was $38,000 in Sept of 2006. Trade in on it now $21,500! If this is your daily driver, expect your yearly fuel cost to be around $4,500-5,000! Make sure you put a lot of money down when you purchase or else you will be upside down later on when you sell it. The new H3 Alpha seems to be better with the V8 engine, but gets worse MPG. Car gets a lot of great looks. The Hummer name impresses people.

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  Hallelujah I got a Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Mick Giroux - July 13 - 1:09 am

  Purchased this H3 for my wife, really! She loves it. Daughter thinks its GR8. Tested lots of vehicles(Hondas,Jeeps, Acadia,Vue and Extera)and we still liked this one the most. Forest green, nice color.I dont understand the complaints by some.I am 62" 198 sz 13 feet and I fit very well. Back seat also has plenty of room. Cant believe how far back the front seats will move. Dont people realize its a truck not a Honda Civic. Its a very utilitarian vehicle. Throw in your tools/climbing/hiking/boating gear and you are all set. Went from Syracuse to Old Forge NY recently and got 22 mpg RT with travel around town and the lake. Received complements on its looks. This is my 34th vehicle in 34 years. Love it

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  Fun to lease, but not to own! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By drmugavero - July 11 - 9:19 am

  I leased this H3 base model in white because the side of the vehicle is great for advertising my business. I leased it for 3 years and after 2.5 years Ive been satisfied with it.I am 62" and have more than enough leg room and head room. The truck rides nicely and the interior materials are high quality. I live 1 mile from my office so mpg is not a big deal and neither is torque. This vehicle is definitely underpowered for its weight. If I had a longer commute I would not have leased it. Unbelieveably good in the snow. The turning radius is so tight parking lots are a breeze. After 2 years Ive begun to notice the typical GM build quality issues such as squeaks and rattles.

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  MPG Isnt As Bad As You Might Think! - 2008 Hummer H2
  By TSamuel - July 9 - 2:35 pm

  I just got my 08 H2 after having an 05 H2 for the last three years. I drive 25 to 30,000 miles per year so comfort, reliablity and safety are my main priorities. The new design is no different to most people on the outside but the inside 08 is far more plush, updated and comfortable. The instrument panel takes some getting use to but it really is gorgeous. The gas mileage is the same from my 05. 12 to 13 MPG. No biggie when you consider Range Rovers or Mercedes AMGs are getting about the same MPG. Its a heck of a fun ride for the family and I. Not a moment goes by that Im not feeling far more safe than the car next to me...thats for sure!

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  2006 HUMMER H3 4dr SUV 4WD - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Sapper - July 9 - 1:21 pm

  I recently bought the H3 as a second vehicle for my family. I was originally not impressed with the gas mileage 13 mpg around town using a light foot. The beginning of the second month the transmission locked up and would not shift out of first gear. Two weeks later the engine light showed its true colors and would not turn off. The dealership allegedly fixed the problem by replacing a sensor.The temporary fix lasted about 3 miles from the dealer before the engine light reappeared. The H3 was immediately taken back to the dealer who informed us the cylinder head had to be replaced. Despite the problems we love the H3.

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  My Hummie - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Evie Eve - July 9 - 1:16 pm

  Overall satisfied with exterior and interior design, but engine seems very loud, including squeaky belt.

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  Love it - 2008 Hummer H3
  By rob - July 1 - 11:36 pm

  Had a 05 TrailBlazer, loved it. The H3 blows it away. Speed, gas, build quality, and of course character. 4000 miles and not a single problem.

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  Its a Hummer - 2008 Hummer H3
  By H3TJ - June 28 - 11:00 pm

  Great off-road performance. Nice exterior and interior design. Always it is fun to drive.

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  H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By RON - June 23 - 8:23 pm

  Two cons to consider: * L5 engine does not provide enough power but great on gas. * Rear window too small and spare tire blocks half of it - technically you are backing up blindly (back-up camera is a necessity not an option).

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  I love my Hummer2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By pericowest - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Porsches, volvos,etc. This is WAY the most fun wheels I have ever driven (that says something as I flew 20+years for the Navy. The Hummer2 is more fun than carrier landings ( well..maybe not at night) A great fishing, off road experiance. If you want to drive it down Rodeo Drive get a different ride, The Hummer2 is for those who really want to get "out in the bush".