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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  Us and our Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By WALLEYE - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We have gotten as high as 17 miles to the gallon of gas, the average is about 9 to 10 miles to the gallon, pulling a trailer. Like the view from inside, you can see everything. Front seats could be a little bit more comfortable. Otherwise it kinda lives up to its name.

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  Like being a kid again... - 2004 Hummer H2
  By James - January 19 - 11:22 am

  Remember being a kid and loving those Tonka toy trucks... well I feel like Im driving one and I love it! Family is really enjoying it too!

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  Love My Hummer!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummer Girl - January 11 - 4:03 pm

  I test drove every General Motors SUV out there, nothing compared to the H3. The Hummer stops on a dime, is high off the ground, easy to drive and steer. The H3 can cut better at the wheel than my old Grand AM. The rear window was a concern for me since some people mentioned the spare tire blocking it. It DOES NOT block the rear window, it does maybe 2-3". I can see fine out the rear window day and night time. The side windows are smaller than the usual vehicle but you do not notice it at all. Gas isnt bad, afterall it is a 6000+ lb boxy vehicle. Im 53 and can drive this vehicle just fine.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Chico - January 8 - 3:43 am

  I received on of the first few out of the line and wanted to drive it for a little while before I posted a review. I now have 3,000 miles on it and I must say my wife and I both love it. I keep reading about how underpower it is... well, it is not a Ferrari... if you would like to go from 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds I suggest you buy a sports car. However, if you would like a nice sice SUV that can take you to remote places without a problem and at the same time will still look great when you park it in front of the Hyat. This is the car to get. I still think that any GM or Ford car over $25K is overpriced.

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  Best all aroun Suv - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Janis - December 30 - 2:37 am

  I am very happy with this vehicle. Have driven other Suvs Cadillac Escalade etc. and feel with the hummer you get more bang for the buck. Love the roomy interior and although it is a large car, I dont feel I have to many problems parking. Fuel is a draw back but the Cadillac escalade only gets an average 13.9 and runs on premium I am getting 11.00 and use regular. Except for fuel mileage I absolutely love this vehicle.

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  H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Mickey - December 27 - 9:33 pm

  I love the look and feel of this vehicle. I have had no mechanical problems with the vehicle and gas mileage was what I expected from this type of vehicle.

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  Bad Boy - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Salina - December 27 - 8:06 pm

  This bad boy is sleek, sexy, and COOL!! No matter what occasion...whether it be a wedding, rodeo, skiing, dancing, or just a trip to the grocery store, this truck will take you there with class. Bottom line......If you want to ride in comfort and style, and dont have any worries about gas...This is IT!!

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  fun to own and fun to drive - 2003 Hummer H2
  By larry swanberg - December 27 - 6:35 pm

  the hummer i bought in 2003 is the same that is offered now, or i would buy a new one.this is the longest i have kept any thing that i bought new.they do need a 6 or 7 speed automatic for everything to get better..thanks

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  h204 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By michael brawner - December 22 - 8:42 pm

  Hummer explains it all. Its big and you can see over everyone except 18 weelers. If you measure the the nurf bars compared to ALL other cars and SUVS if you got to an accident you know who would win! the way I see it you pay for protection as long as you are not getting shot at!!!

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  from la. - 2004 Hummer H2
  By r osteen - December 21 - 12:02 pm

  my second hummer and i will get another one awesome ride instead of the saying rides like a cadillac should be rides likea hummer