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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  AH SOME! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By viperman - November 11 - 7:51 pm

  I live in Kansas and have bought a SUT. The gas mileage stinks but what does anyone expect. Its very comfortable, handles very well with a smooth ride.

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  love my h-2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By bikerock - November 11 - 12:50 pm

  this suv gets me up my mountain when others are pulled of to the side or stuck in the road the only problem i have is alot of people to help

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  Big Red Truck - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Master Chief - November 10 - 9:58 am

  In the desert, it will take you where you want to go and, bring you back. Encourages other drivers to use common sense in traffic.

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  Like no other - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Casino56 - November 9 - 6:50 am

  The Hummer handles very well for a large vehicle. Gas mileage is better if you keep it off the floor.

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  Not an off-road vehicle - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Gustav - November 7 - 10:04 pm

  off-road, who are they trying to kid? Me, obviously! Its great for towing the boat, and turning heads, but its off road capability is not there, too heavy, weak chassis for the weight. Broken BOTH lower A arms, Both tie rod ends (dif times). Broke front shaft, and CV. Oh, yes, all on trails my bone stock restored 1967 CJ-5 has done many times. Completely embarassing to get stuck, and watch a samurai go by you! tow bills=$650. warranty has covered the breakage. want a way to "look cool" this is it! want to go off-road, keep looking, you arent there yet (numerous mpegs of same parts failing online, guess I wasnt the only one.)

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  A WONDERFUL VEHICLE - 2005 Hummer H2
  By ROB1111119 - November 7 - 6:16 pm

  GREAT VEHICLE TO OWN. FUN TO DRIVE. GREAT MILEAGE FOR THE VEHICLE. ALMOST AS GOOD AS THE h1.

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  HUMMER - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Jay17Quin - November 6 - 12:48 pm

  I have had alot of new cars and trucks, but this Hummer is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Hummer Comments - 2005 Hummer H2
  By SES - November 5 - 12:53 am

  Fuel Economy is obviously poor. I saw a military hybrid that got great fuel economy. Its time to introduce it. My best is 11.4 MPG. Ouch!! Rear wiper doesnt make complete contact and barely clears away a light mist. Seat could be a bit more comfortable. Spare tire needs to be outside as it eats up most cargo space. Other than these complaints, the H2 is a great ride and very capable. Fun to drive and turns heads.

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  Fun in the Mud - 2005 Hummer H2
  By pmz69 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the H2 and took it directly into the mud. The pit was above the front reciever. It went through like it was nothing.tight traction, more then enough power, it never evened strained to get out I was so impressed.I get nithing but positive responces fvrom people that have ridden in it. I would recommend it to everyone.

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  big hummer - 2004 Hummer H1
  By stromboli - October 28 - 2:00 am

  i love my hummer. it takes me anywhere i ever want to go. all the cost is worth owning one of these awesome machines.