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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  Hummer H3 LUX - 2006 Hummer H3
  By xcitme - July 19 - 10:59 pm

  Having owned only sports cars in the past I was greatly surprised on how much I like the H3. The interior is very comfortable and user friendly (I highly recomend the luxury package). The H3 rides well and handles great. Sure it could use a little more power and the gas mileage is bad, but hey...its a HUMMER.

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  Love it! - feels like a $50,000 ride... - 2006 Hummer H3
  By cheappc.com - July 14 - 8:48 pm

  Ive been thinking of buying this since it came out last year, had a mercedes c class which I couldnt stand the problems anymore.. anyways I love the H2, was too "BIG" for me (dont like 8-10 mpg, no thank you). My H3 is bigger (inside & outside) than a BMW X5, way bigger than an X3 (though I love BMWs, i probably would have gotten an X5, but they are changing the body in a couple of months and I couldnt wait). I love the personality of this HUMMER, the Acura MDX - doesnt compare - nor does Lexus RX - the Infinity EggUv (i know they have nice reviews, but way too delicate for me)and way to mainstream in their design (they all look "the same" kinda). Got mine "FULLY" loaded for $35,000.00

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  Good But - 2006 Hummer H3
  By biobob - July 14 - 10:11 am

  Colorado driving is good but lack of power on hills at altitude is a major weakness. I looked into aftermarket superchargers but costs of $6000+ make them push the Hummer in to the next class of suvs. To try and overcome this weak point the 2007 has bored out the engine to get 20 more horsepower. I am testing one this week. However loading it up to 5400 lbs. and being pushed by a 5 cylinder engine is a strain.

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  Rues tonka toy - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Rues Tonka Toy - July 10 - 5:30 pm

  Fun to drive. Really a great around town cruiser getting +16 mpg. Lots of favorable comments from fellow motorist and the just plain curious.

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  Hummer news - 2006 Hummer H3
  By BM - July 10 - 9:14 am

  With hopes that the vehicle will hold its value and it has been a nice vehicle to own for the 2 weeks since purchase.

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  Hummers are NOT Bummers - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Shejm - July 10 - 7:47 am

  I purchased a used 2003 Hummer H2 Lux Pack and have never had such a great vehicle. It is the absolute best to drive. Luxury plus sporty. You can pull up at any fancy valet or go mudding if you prefer. Yes, the gas milage is bad but if you just are driving around town and not commuting the HUMMER is by far better than any SUV out there. I think the H3s are even better than all the soccer vans. Before you say I dont like Hummers drive one...you will be amazed.

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  Its a Humdinger! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Terry - July 9 - 11:03 pm

  When you invent reasons to get in your H3 just for the thrill of the trip, you know youve picked a vehicle that will continue to be a source of enjoyment for many years.I had read reports before purchasing that criticized the power available in the H3, but I have not been disappointed.Taking into consideration weight and horsepower available;its adequate for my driving. Highway travel is very comfortable,even with the adventure package options,and you are not aware that you are exceeding the speed limit.My first four tanks of gasoline in city driving has produced 16+ mpg on each tank. Only complaint is window & lock button panel on driver armrest is where you want to rest your elbow.

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  Love this SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Disnydad - July 9 - 6:45 pm

  This vehicle has been fun to drive and mpg is much better than my old pickup with a V8. Not sports car like acceleration but this is a 5 cyl SUV. I have not had one mechanical issue to date. The H3 is excellent for offroad

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  Serious engine ping fixed for 2007! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Thomas - July 8 - 11:44 am

  I really love my H3 but have had quite a time trying to solve the engine ping, even the dealer is having a tough time. Upon doing a google did I learn 2007 model H3 will have a upgraded engine to remedy this. What do we do for the 2006 models?

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  No other car like it - 2004 Hummer H2
  By DocEK4 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  superb car Ive wanted this car for years, and Im not disappointed. Totally awesome car!