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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  4 season winner - 2006 Hummer H3
  By gary - March 27 - 8:40 am

  I just got my new H3 and tested it on NHs class six roads and regular highways- Super comfort and had a sure footed feeling all day. Coming out of 2004 4x4 Ford pick-up to this is like nothing I can describe. I give it 2 thumbs up-

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  H3 Rocks - 2006 Hummer H3
  By kevin - January 12 - 7:13 pm

  I absolutely love my H3. When I first started doing research on it the first thing that caught my eye was the horsepower. I must say it does just fine with the advertised 220. Its not fast off the line but once moving it can pass with ease. Bottom line its a hummer, its not made to go fast. The interior is spacious and well laid out. The seat controls are a little hard to get to but thats okay. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. If your thinking about it you need to go to the dealership and test drive one. Youll be surprised..

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  GM got it just right - 2006 Hummer H3
  By DWPC - November 19 - 1:53 pm

  Weve had our H3 (automatic with Offroad Pkg) almost six months, so a review is in order. Main use is local short-haul commuting. We occasionally go offroad. Considering the H3 is a true offroad capable rig, its in-town manners are great. It maneuvers better than many sedans. The street ride is kind of truck-like, but the freeway ride is great and amazingly quiet. Visibility issues are overblown; no worse than many popular cars. Engine power is adequate but more would be nice. Doesnt do well on grades at 70. Offroad the H3 is superb but thats a write-up in itself. We get about 13mpg in town (rarely above 40mph), 18+ on trips. Regular. One warranty item; sticky window switch. We love our H3!

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  H3 is for some not for all - 2006 Hummer H3
  By HMG - October 3 - 11:03 pm

  I knew what I was getting with this Hummer and so I love it! The H3 is unique vehicle for a the rugged SUV lover. If you want a SUV that rides like a car - the H3 is not for you. The H3 is fun to drive in its own right as the feeling of empowerment comes as stadard equipment. It is underpowered but with recent gas prices Ill take the fuel savings as a benefit of not having a V8.

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  Hummer Rate - 2005 Hummer H2
  By dealmakerdirect - July 31 - 10:00 am

  XLNT, The best GM has come out with. My wife loves the car

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  Our second Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Ron Harman - March 30 - 11:00 am

  We were impressed with the looks of our 2004 Hummer and liked the ride just as much. Our new 2006 model is even better!

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  h2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By kng - March 18 - 10:00 am

  it is realy fun to drive off road. and it is good for long long vacations. its cool.

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  Tims Hummna - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Tim Ralph - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive,attracts lots of attenion, feel safe driving it,has to many rattles and noises inside.Eats lots and lots of gas,(thats ok)