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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  Some design flaws - 2008 Hummer H3
  By Sandie - March 13 - 2:03 pm

  I actually love my H3, but the interior design could offer more comfort and storage. Im 510 yet my arms can not rest on the arm rest of the door panel, its too low. At a stop light, the roof comes down too low in the front, I have to constantly kink my neck down for the light change. There is absolutely no storage space for sunglasses or my purse etc. The exterior design is really cool and powerful looking but just go through one puddle and the dirt and splash from the road goes all the way up the side of the front door and door handles and looks dirty all the time. I am a female in my mid 50s who is tired of driving a van. I am having the time of my life in this vehicle even with the fl

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  The Best SUV Ive ever had - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Terri - March 7 - 11:40 pm

  You are totally safe in this beast. Thats the reason I bought it which to me outweighs the gas mileage. My kids love it too. Handles great and the visibility is excellent. Makes a tighter u-turn than some small cars. If you look underneath all you see is solid cast iron which I think they are changing in the newer models(for better gas mileage, too bad). And most of all its fun to drive especially off road. My husband thought I was crazy to get the Hummer but he was surprized the way it handles. I think hes a little jealous now. I like having the tire in the back for added safety too. Oh by the way its fun to make your own parking space on those crowded occasions!

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  Looks Great . . . But Needs More Power - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Erik - February 2 - 7:36 pm

  Positives: The exterior detail and interior style are A+ for this SUV. The thick steering wheel felt comfortable in my hands while driving, better than any other car on the market (very similar to an F1 wheel). The turning radius of the H3 was shocking. After driving a Range Rover, I had low expectations, but the H3 was able to deliver a tight 180. The moonroof is large compared to similar SUVs, another plus. I thought the interior amenities would be cheap or lacking for the price, but again, I was quite pleased. Offroading is amazing in this car. Negatives: Needs more power. The I-5 Turbo that was originally intended would have been a nice balance of power/efficiency.

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  Well worth it - 2006 Hummer H2
  By engineer - January 30 - 7:02 am

  After buying a new H-3... I felt a bit slighted when I sat in a H-2. The search began for a late model used with warranty. I bought the H2 and it was love at first sight. Dont be foolish and buy new... you can buy a certified used for about 20K less and have the same warranty without the depreciation. I bought mine loaded with only 10K miles for $39K MSRP was $58K. Enough said. The drive and comfort cant be compared to any other vehicle. I get 13.5 MPG around town and was only getting 15 with MY H-3. The interior is very spacious however there is a lot of wasted space in the rear. The wind noise is loud at highway speeds and the low roof takes a bit of getting used too.

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  My girlfriend LOVES my Hummer! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Hum1 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Very fun vehicle to drive, rides as nice or nicer than my Expedition, big comfy seats, well placed ergos, panoramic view. Its like driving a tank in a parade every day. Onstar is a nice amenity to have. This is a vehicle you just love to own. It makes your commute fun...what more could you want?

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  H3 BRKDWN - 2006 Hummer H3
  By BLKJKD - January 23 - 7:33 am

  Sluggish response, quiet interior, good ac, smooth ride and good handling, good visibility - nice height, roomy intertior, plenty of elbow room from driver to passenger side, back seat could use some leg room, decent rear storage, heavy rear door.

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  Great Truck w/quirks - 2006 Hummer H3
  By imruninl8 - December 25 - 7:20 am

  Just purchased the H3 a few weeks ago. Im impressed with the styling and the overall vehicle quality. I am happy with my decision so far, however, the engine could use more torque and HP, which I am actively seeking aftermarket products for. I actually use my SUV for hauling materials I need during my remodel project, and so far, Ive not been disappointed. Believe it or not, I traded an 04 Cayenne for this, as I was tearing it apart hauling tile, lumber and concrete in it....trust me, Porsche hasnt figured out what an SUV is for...however, the Cayenne S would smoke this H3 on the street. Anyway, Ill use this for a few years and see how it goes....so far, Im impressed.

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  Hummer H3x - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Charlie - December 7 - 10:06 am

  Takes a little getting used to. Not the best visability. I dont like the way it downshifts at aroung 38 mph. The ride is smooth and it shifts nice.It gets 16 1/2 - 17 1/2 depending on if my wife is driving. Between the read doors it collects dirt,I installed mud flaps and body trim, didnt work. OnStar system was best investment as my wife likes the security. Overall I like, would consider another.

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  Hummer H3 Adventure & Lux. Package 2006 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By tiredmom - November 28 - 7:25 pm

  The Hummer H3 is fun to drive both on and off road. But has been in the shop since we bought it 29 times for items ranging from seals and gaskets on the front drive train. Brakes, head light lens, doors not unlocking with owner keys, noises from 4x lock low and in 4x lock high, mirror assembly coming loose then falling off going down the interstate, heater core going out, back cup holder coming off, the radio ant. coming off, check engine lights coming on and cannot find problem, recalls on jack, back windsheild pump motor .paint is easy to scratch also. I have only went 1 time off roading on the baby track . But I live in the country and needed something safe & tuff.

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  Hummer H3 review - 2006 Hummer H3
  By a tired mom - November 28 - 7:09 pm

  I bought my Hummer H3 after looking at the other types in the market including the FJ. I was in a very bad car crash so I wanted safty and I am a mother so I wanted to be able to count on it when I needed to . I have had some problems with mine . Head light lens take in water even when not off roading . Replaced drive seals ,now making klanking noise in 4 low,4 high locks.Check eng. light keeps on says fuel cap but replaced it . Along with tring to find brighter headlights no luck there.Dealership only one in my area is not helpful. Contacted Hummer corp. help line. still tring there.I have the adventure & luxury pkg. Over all my boys love it & it is nice when not in the shop.