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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  Gotta have one - 2005 Hummer H2
  By CPO TOYS - November 7 - 10:11 am

  What an awesome vehicle. This is my 2nd H2. The power is great, the ride is comfortable even on the long drives. The only item I wish the 2005 model would come with is adjustable pedals. You can buy after market exhaust, airfilter and a chip to boost the HP, but hold on to your hat, it will move. People who complain about gas mileage, shouldnt own one then. I average 11-12 per gallon.

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  Very Satisfied - 2006 Hummer H2
  By DeBest - November 6 - 5:59 pm

  I have owned the vehicle for a short time but it has been very enjoyable and been a pleasure working with the dealership

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  Best SUV Ever - Cant ask for much more! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Dayna - November 6 - 1:50 am

  My husband and I bought this car a year ago right before we found out I was pregnant. This car is great for hauling a child around, plenty of room for a stroller, the DVDs that the H2 has as an upgrade is going to come in handing in a couple months and it feels safe when you drive. I have no complaints. Great family automobile.

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  If You Like Attention, Get an H2 - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Alzy - November 1 - 11:38 pm

  So far the H2 has been really fun to own. It is the biggest beast on the road, and you feel like a king overlooking your empire when riding around. Get used to people staring at the ride and asking you about it. The engine is powerful enough to move the 6700 pound vehicle with no problem. It rides like a truck, but the handling is surprisingly nice. Mirrors can automatically turn down to assist with parallel parking. I think the interior is nice, although I may not have the most refined tastes. Were getting 11.5 mpg. We can afford it, but you still think about it from time to time. It uses regular gas, which helps offset the cost. Overall, if you like attention, consider the H2!

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  Awesome vehicle - 2006 Hummer H3
  By aircruz - October 22 - 12:46 pm

  I have owned a ton of cars: VWs, Volvos, BMWs, Mercedes, Suburbans, Jeep CJ-7, etc... I currently own a GMC Yukon XL 4X4, Dodge Ram 4X4, Corvette C-5, and some old classics. I gotta tell you, this HUMMER H3 is an AWESOME VEHICLE! I feel it is the best looking HUMMER to date and actually works quite well on todays roads. The ride is super smooth and quiet with great handling and very tight turning radius. Mine is black with LUX package (leather, 6-disc CD Monsoon stereo, ONSTAR, etc.) auto-trans w/ stabilitrak, sunroof, chrome pkg., chrome roof rack, chrome tubular assist steps, side curtain air bags, XM radio, and trailer hitch. With gas over $3, I find the power more than adequate.

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  Hummer H2 One Sweet Ride - 2006 Hummer H2
  By J T - October 17 - 5:30 pm

  A classic vehicle - serious utility. Performance is so much better than my Chevy HD crew and my Suburban. It looks a little small inside but my trip to shoot clays with the boys and the dog in a box fit fine. Clean up is reasonable. It would be closer to perfect if some of the grill, rear bumper and trim were metal. Aftermarket parts avail. BEST - its Made in the USA!!!! Imports kill our economy and cost your neighbors jobs. Wise up or sell out to China!

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  Big Safe Children Transporter - 2005 Hummer H2
  By hummermom - October 4 - 8:35 pm

  I have 4 sons (6,10,12,14), Needless to say we carry lots of STUFF .... baseball, band equipment and lots of friends. The gas mileage leaves something to be desired but for the type of driving I do (short trips) Its really not that painful. I fill up about every two weeks. I love my H2 and it makes me feel very safe carrying my precious cargo!

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  happy - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Ashlee - September 26 - 10:00 am

  it is the best i ever had

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  Limited Edition Victory Red - 2004 Hummer H2
  By unclehal - September 6 - 5:00 pm

  What a pleasure to drive...wonderful on long trips. Around town, I always turn heads. Everytime I get an oil change..the mech s always come around. Super visibility for driver, good gas milage for this weight car..12 in town and 15 on the road. Dont care about the rise in gas prices. I will pay it. just riding around in this car makes me feel better and so its worth it. You only live once...so have fun. Thats what this vehicle promises and delivers!!!

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  Great Car and Fun = HUMMER - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Samuel - September 3 - 5:09 pm

  I just bought this car a few months ago, and believe me it is for real like nothing else. It is a car that it will take you anywhere, from a dinner in a fine restaurant to the mountains. The perfect partner for any adventure.