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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  Fun to lease, but not to own! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By drmugavero - July 11 - 9:19 am

  I leased this H3 base model in white because the side of the vehicle is great for advertising my business. I leased it for 3 years and after 2.5 years Ive been satisfied with it.I am 62" and have more than enough leg room and head room. The truck rides nicely and the interior materials are high quality. I live 1 mile from my office so mpg is not a big deal and neither is torque. This vehicle is definitely underpowered for its weight. If I had a longer commute I would not have leased it. Unbelieveably good in the snow. The turning radius is so tight parking lots are a breeze. After 2 years Ive begun to notice the typical GM build quality issues such as squeaks and rattles.

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  MPG Isnt As Bad As You Might Think! - 2008 Hummer H2
  By TSamuel - July 9 - 2:35 pm

  I just got my 08 H2 after having an 05 H2 for the last three years. I drive 25 to 30,000 miles per year so comfort, reliablity and safety are my main priorities. The new design is no different to most people on the outside but the inside 08 is far more plush, updated and comfortable. The instrument panel takes some getting use to but it really is gorgeous. The gas mileage is the same from my 05. 12 to 13 MPG. No biggie when you consider Range Rovers or Mercedes AMGs are getting about the same MPG. Its a heck of a fun ride for the family and I. Not a moment goes by that Im not feeling far more safe than the car next to me...thats for sure!

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  2006 HUMMER H3 4dr SUV 4WD - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Sapper - July 9 - 1:21 pm

  I recently bought the H3 as a second vehicle for my family. I was originally not impressed with the gas mileage 13 mpg around town using a light foot. The beginning of the second month the transmission locked up and would not shift out of first gear. Two weeks later the engine light showed its true colors and would not turn off. The dealership allegedly fixed the problem by replacing a sensor.The temporary fix lasted about 3 miles from the dealer before the engine light reappeared. The H3 was immediately taken back to the dealer who informed us the cylinder head had to be replaced. Despite the problems we love the H3.

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  H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By RON - June 23 - 8:23 pm

  Two cons to consider: * L5 engine does not provide enough power but great on gas. * Rear window too small and spare tire blocks half of it - technically you are backing up blindly (back-up camera is a necessity not an option).

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  06 H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Flash - June 13 - 1:30 pm

  I am buying this lease. I just love this truck. Drove my 88 Buick Reatta for 18 years and replaced it with this H3. I average 15mpg with 60/40 hwy/city driving. Have installed a custom fabricated roof rack. The look and stance of this vehicle is outstanding. It drives quite well and handles Michigan snow very easily. The H3s weight easily tracks through slush while changing lanes on the e-way. This vehicle is a foul weather drivers dream. Decent towing capacity, phenomenal offroad ability, fords a foot and a half of water and has competitive mpg with other vehicles in this class. Its like nothing else.

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  No Doubts - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Bullwinkle - June 7 - 2:46 pm

  Positives: 1) Very comfortable 2) Outstanding steering & suspension 3) Visibility was a concern, but is fine (I am 511") 4)MPG is no worse than any other full-size SUV. I use full synthetic oil, nitrogen in tires, and radial force balance. I get a legit 20MPG if I keep speed no higher than 65 MPH. Contemplating performance intake & exhaust. 4) After rebates & GM supplier discount, it was the same price as many small SUV wannabes. 5) After 8 months and 6,000 miles, it has not been in the shop even once. Needs Improvement: 1) The only area of dissatisfaction is the clunky 5-speed manual. With a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual and 10-20 higher on HP and torque, this would be an awesome machine.

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  Get it w/ a SUN ROOF- change perceptions - 2006 Hummer H3
  By 06HUMMERH3JRS - May 31 - 9:00 pm

  The new H3 is a vehicle I thought I would never be able to afford to own. To some extent the people and co- workers think you have big bucks. Besides expense people also think that its a gas guzzler, however after driving for over 5,000 its better than my 97 Jeep Wrangler, which has a 4 cyl. I have already been approached at the gas station by people that are eager to give me feedback on the fuel issue. I will get asked at least once a week by a total stranger about the H3,they like it. It does get the attention, girls like guys driving them and guys like girls driving them...its a win-win. Wait for good GM incentives. Interior looks are nice, but slightly uncomfortable! Turning radios is A+

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  Good overall for the price - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Dots - May 30 - 2:07 pm

  I got my Hummer in Feb. and had been driving it for three months. The only problem I had was the speedometer, it was off by 20 MPH, a bit scary with a big hunk of metal like it. Otherwise, I like the car. It is a fun car to drive. I didnt expect the fuel mileage to be great. The car is actually smaller that it really is, most people think it is big, I own and drive small cars, such as Toyota Corolla and BMW Z3. I did not found it hard to handle once I get used to it, which takes about three days. The visibility is poor, but the big mirrors more than make up for it, you need to be careful when you drive, no matter what you are driving anyway.

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  Better than my Jeep - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Cecil - May 5 - 6:54 pm

  I bought the yellow H3 with 10,000 miles on it. I always wanted one and my 97 Jeep was almost at the end of the road. I love the look, and wanted the bright yellow. The day I got it home the battery went out and the next week the rooters had to be replaced. The dealer took care of that at no cost, great dealer ship here in Kentucky. I have been drving it to work 25 miles one way and getting 18 miles to a gallon so just a little less then the Jeep. I bought it for the safety and snow we get and it did wonders this winter. We had a bad snow day and most people called in to work, I made it just fine. I just towed a 5x8 trailer loaded down to Florida and it did great. All in All I love it!

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  Like No Other! - 2008 Hummer H2
  By Mike - May 5 - 12:09 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Infiniti G35 for this Hummer. I have owned the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban in th past. I chose the H2 over the Escalade and the Infiniti QX56. The ride is so smooth and comfortable. The gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired, but what do you expect?! Features in the 2008 actually do feel luxury. After driving the G35 which was a great car, I did not want to sacrifice the luxury I had become accustomed to in the G35 not a problem with the 2008 H2.