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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  Dont judge it by the cover - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Sean Flood - April 27 - 3:37 pm

  For an SUV with the rigged off road terrain look, it sure drives really nice. The turning radius is amazing. The Monsoon stereo is a definite must. The oversized sunroof lets plenty of sky light in on a warm sunny day. Considering the size of the tires, there is really not a lot of tire humming. When gripping the steering wheel, it gives you a sense of power and confort all at the same time. The two downfall areas I see is that the window lock controls are too far back for the driver to access it. The space between the door and the power seat controls are very tight. You have to reach in front of the seat, then slide your wrist between the seat and the door panel. Overall, I love my H3.

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  H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By mcallen - April 26 - 1:41 pm

  Great SUV for its value. My husband and I conidered the BMW X3, VW Toureg,Jeep Commander Limited, and the FJ. The base model features of these vehicles offer only half of what the H3 offers, and at a much higher cost. We also considered the L2, but it was way too small in appearance. My H3 is great fun to drive, and its solid. My husband talked me into purchasing the boulder grey as opposed to the black. Glad I valued his opinion. It always looks clean, even when its not. I have had lots of positive compliments about it, and friends considering a purchase for themselves. There is plenty of leg room for passangers riding in the back. Fair cargo space. Perfect vehicle for my family

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  grey ghost - 2007 Hummer H3
  By wisconsinpackers - April 22 - 5:26 pm

  I had a full size Chevy truck and decided that I did not utilize the features so I would look for a SUV. I thought that the Hummer H3 looked sporty and had a bit of an attitude, just like me. I was extremely impressed when I test drove my Hummer, I was sold from the start. Love the turining radius and have got SOOOO many compliments. This is a great vehicle and would recommend it to anyone looking for a veicle.

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  Needs more power - 2007 Hummer H3
  By delmartian - April 22 - 2:41 pm

  I love the looks and it feels like quality. Wish it had that cylinder deactivation multi v-8 Chevy Tahoe has and a 6-speed auto-transmission. Also wish it had ipod compatibility. A rear roll down window like the 4- runner would be nice, dog owners would love it!

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  18 Months and Love our H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Boeaven - April 16 - 11:04 am

  Our H3 purchased online after disliking local dealership. Has adventure package and other options. 18 months and 20,000 miles later we are loving it and plan to keep many more years. Did a lot of comparing-old truck 4x4 was 19 years old and we could choose anything. It is what the literature says. Small engine/power only concern for those that need quick pickup-we do not. Wish GM would get on the stick with a bit of a mudflap for the front tires as we got the rockguard and the only flaps available do not fit, they will if you have the stepup but the rockguard is different fit. All in getting what you want and we compared everything out there.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Hummer H3
  By h3welder06 - April 11 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my H3 6 months ago and I love it. It drives great in the city, is a breeze to park even in the smallest of spots. And after youre done in the city, I can proudly say that it handles a day offroading like its older brother. Plus being a young guy my truck gets a lot of looks driving down the road. Awesome SUV all around.

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  Hummer-Time: others "Cant Touch This" - 2006 Hummer H3
  By AKW - April 11 - 12:36 pm

  Been looking at Land Rover and Toyota Landcruiser for long time, but didnt like the prices (and rep. of LR Reliability). Once I looked & did H3 test-drive, I was hooked. Purchased the next week with Leather, sunroof, and Adventure Package (all a must). The good-ol-boys in Shreveport, LA have crafted a "ride" that would please anyone from executives to high-tech Rednecks. If you dont like to get looks, or if you like to "burn rubber", buy another vehicle. The power is ideal for on or off-road, but not if you will tow things larger than a 20ft ski or fishing boat in the mountains. Ive been a Ford guy for years, but hats-off to GM on this H3.

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  Tough SUV - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Joe Mattox - April 7 - 8:35 pm

  So far the truck has been a joy to ride. Nice well appointed interior, leather, XM, 6 cd, heated seats, and the off road package. My wife has taken the truck now so I dont know if I will get it back. The truck is black on black with chrome package and It causes a lot of stares from kids to the elderly. I love the truck.

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  Real Mans SUV - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Ace - April 6 - 1:30 pm

  Excellent ride. Pleasantly surpised from the first time I had the opportunity to test drive. Amazing turning radius and yes, all of the creature comforts you would expect in a luxury SUV.

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  H3 - 2007 Hummer H3
  By bummerhummer - April 2 - 11:46 am

  Its a shame that after a year GM couldnt correct a problem that was occuring with their 5 cylinder engine. Maybe this is why the foreign cars are taking over the US market. H3 is not up with the times as far as technology and has poor engine performance.