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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  Some design flaws - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Sandie - March 13 - 2:03 pm

  I actually love my H3, but the interior design could offer more comfort and storage. Im 510 yet my arms can not rest on the arm rest of the door panel, its too low. At a stop light, the roof comes down too low in the front, I have to constantly kink my neck down for the light change. There is absolutely no storage space for sunglasses or my purse etc. The exterior design is really cool and powerful looking but just go through one puddle and the dirt and splash from the road goes all the way up the side of the front door and door handles and looks dirty all the time. I am a female in my mid 50s who is tired of driving a van. I am having the time of my life in this vehicle even with the fl

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  Great present! - 2007 Hummer H3
  By MLW - March 9 - 10:54 pm

  I got my 2007 H3 in May of 2007, as a gift from my parents, for my high school graduation. I started following the H3 when they were introduced in 2005, and wanted one right away. It pulls my boat fine, but I sort of wish I would have waited and got the Alpha, as the 5 cyl. dont have the juice that a 5,000 lb. vehicle needs. (especially going from a 3/4 ton Silverado, to this) I will probably get an H2 next for the additional pulling power and room. Overall though, this is a wonderful vehicle and is an absolute joy to drive, all for under $40,000.

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  H3 is the best - pure and simple... - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Brett - March 9 - 3:20 pm

  I owned a 2006 H3 which I loved and sold it for "Toyota reliability". Since I have had 2 FJ Cruisers and one Tundra TRD (all new) and none of them even came close to my H3. So much so I bought a 2008 H3 and couldnt be happier. There are cars for all kinds I guess so to each his own. For me that means H3 and will for a very long time to come.

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  The Best SUV Ive ever had - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Terri - March 7 - 11:40 pm

  You are totally safe in this beast. Thats the reason I bought it which to me outweighs the gas mileage. My kids love it too. Handles great and the visibility is excellent. Makes a tighter u-turn than some small cars. If you look underneath all you see is solid cast iron which I think they are changing in the newer models(for better gas mileage, too bad). And most of all its fun to drive especially off road. My husband thought I was crazy to get the Hummer but he was surprized the way it handles. I think hes a little jealous now. I like having the tire in the back for added safety too. Oh by the way its fun to make your own parking space on those crowded occasions!

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  6 months of fun - 2007 Hummer H3
  By duceii - March 5 - 3:34 pm

  I got the Lux edition and I love it. Found out I needed to add mud flaps right after the first snow. Also figure on going through at least one windsheild per year from stone chips and the severe angle of it. These small issues are nothing compared to the headaches I have had dealing with over seas manufactures. Gas mileage could be better but it is still better than the Jeep I used to have and this is much more versatile. For the money this truck cant be beat!

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  Hummer H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Zyzzx - March 4 - 3:13 pm

  One month ownership and Two Thousand miles later. The H3 is very comfortable to drive. It is a little slow off of the line, and on up hill mountain grades. However, it has a smooth ride, and very nimble turn radius. It keeps up with the H2s on off road courses, or even performs better due to its smaller size. It fits nicely in parking spots as its size is smaller than a van. I have averaged 17.2 miles per gallon using 89 octane rating or premium although the H3 is designed for regular unleaded. The interior is very nice. It could use some dry cleaning hooks and a change cubby. You cant be collectic with this vehicle. It feels rugged, powerful and fun to drive.

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  Happy H3 owner - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Happy H3 owner - March 3 - 10:20 am

  Pretty happy so far. Tad too early to comment on some things, but bought and drove back 250 miles home and it was more than pleasant on the highway. Ride was smooth and the monsoon sound system was fabulous making it a pleasure to drive home. This will be my wifes car to drive my 2 year old around, so when mamma is happy, everyone is happy. Sorry enthusiasts, this H3 wont see any more mud that what a local pot hole can hold.

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  Ustoppable! Beats other SUV junk - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Dave - March 2 - 1:28 am

  I bought an 06 H3 Adventure Package with only 8500 miles. I have put around 1000 miles on it, and already have taken it off road in some serious terrain. Let me just say this, I have had other 4wd SUVs and they would not dare go where my Hummer went. The truck is fun to drive, and gas is comparable to other SUVs. I will be a Hummer owner for a long time. I have driven the H2 and believe the H3 is better off-road and more practical.

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  I love my HUMMER - 2008 Hummer H3
  By hummer fan - February 7 - 4:35 pm

  I love my H3. I would not change anything. HUMMER did a great job with the new interior. I also have a 2006 H3. The power of the new 5 cyl is great! Went from 220 in my 06 to 242 in my 08. It is a noticable difference. I highly recommened the new HUMMER H3s

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  It worth the money great job GM - 2006 Hummer H3
  By poissonnierl - February 4 - 8:09 pm

  I sell cars this one came in on trade with 17000 miles got a great deal on it. But better then that my wife loves it. It good on gas and looks runs and smells new. The way my wife care for the car it will last a long time. Would tell evertone it the best