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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  Crazy cool - 2004 Hummer H2
  By glen barnes - December 13 - 2:00 am

  The lux model has all the extras a mom would want and its engine is built for dad, so perfect "going to the mountain" drive train and comfort for family. onstar and bose are a great added feature. THe engine is undisputed the best out there.

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  Most capable SUV on the road - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Chris G - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall, Im quite impressed with my H2. It has a buttoned down feel on the highway and is unstoppable off- road. I highly recommend attending the "HUMMER school" in South Bend, Indiana at the AM General off-road course. My 6 year old summed it up when I first brought it home, when he said, "WOW, thats the coolest thing I ever saw"!

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  This vehicle beats anything - 2004 Hummer H1
  By Ulysses - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely the best thing anyone could ever experience either driving or riding in. Its smooth and very intimidating on the road. The off-road capabilities are are amazing. You could tow a Range Rover or Land Rover out of its stuck possition on the trail.

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  Hummer H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By poopsybr - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Love my Hummer, gas mileage is not any worse than any other large SUV on the market.

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  unreal - 2004 Hummer H2
  By juneyer - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I love it. 18000 miles and not a single problem!!!!!!!

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  Best value - 2006 Hummer H3
  By RAY ROBBINS - December 6 - 1:20 am

  Having owned a H1 I didnt know what to think about the H3. Now I am convinced it gets the most bang for the buck!!! IT has the looks, the on and off road feel of a very capable SUV. When compared to other HUMMERS it has a remarkably low price. Together with good dealer service this is an unbeatable vehicle.

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  HUMMER.......Like No Other - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Sundance - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Of course it gets lousy gas mileage, but what do you expect from a 6400 pound machine! Great ride, short turning radius, comfortable seating all around, and of course its a pin-up SUV. Great looks! Awesome ride! Fantastic sounds! The BOSE speakers rock!

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  Owner - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Rocky Mountain Homes - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the vechicle. The small windows are a little problem but nothing you wont get over. Enjoy:)

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  Marlenes Black 2004 H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By RmeStKitts - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Nothing Else Like It !!!!

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  Best Vehicle of the 21st CENTURY! - 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha
  By Joshua - November 27 - 6:23 am

  I live southwest florida on the outskirts of the everglades. i go off- roading with my friends all the time may i say i have not yet seen a single flaw with this vehicle nor has it ever gotten stuck in mud, sand, water, ETC. while all of my friends are struggling to get out of mud holes the 12,000 lbs. winch does the job in less than a minute. i have never doubted this vehicle nor should anyone else. why do you think the worlds strongest military uses this vehicle.