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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  A HUMMER for everyone - 2006 Hummer H3
  By MHadden - June 9 - 3:30 am

  Ive had the chance to drive an H1 alpha and the H2, and the H3 feels just as confident as its older and larger siblings. Since it has that HUMMER name you know it is capable of treking off road without worries. While driving the H3, it was noticeably quiet, even on MI roads. I have a manual transmission, and that transmission tunnel interferes with the gas pedal with my skis I call size 12 feet. Good thing was that the engine produced enough torque where it didnt need gas to start off, just let the clutch out and it goes! Definitely feel comfortable with the higher cut doors and the slit windows, although these hinder the view beside and behind.

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  Unmatched Turning Radius - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Jim C - May 31 - 7:46 am

  Never thought Id even consider buying another GM after past experiences with inexcusable poor quality. But the H3 seems to be made a LOT better than GMs of past years. Lack of power issue doesnt bother me much since I live in flat FL, but I do doubt that I wouldve bought this thing if I lived in a state with mountain highways. Its a head-turner, many people have commented that they like it better than the H2 for all kinds of reasons. If youre looking for a mid-size SUV that has high-end appeal without the high sticker price, Id recommend it. (Warning; Bank drive-thrus are a problem due to height of doors - long arms required, otherwise you have to climb halfway out the window.

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  Love at First Drive - 2002 Hummer H1
  By Rhino19625 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This is perfect for Off-roading through sand, mud and shallow water. It is comfortable, fun to drive and relaxing.

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  MY H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Andreas Moustakas - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is an awsome SUV. If you can afford it. I would suggest it to anybody. 10 times better than the Cadillac Escalade, Ford Expedition, and the Lincoln Navigator.

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  hummers are great - 2002 Hummer H1
  By Harry Manback - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the best ATV on the planet. It has a ton of torque it is the greatest human made machine on the planet.

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  good car - 2002 Hummer H1
  By o - April 25 - 2:00 am

  excellent car for anyone who loves going off-road.Also good for people that want a safe car

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  Hummer - 2001 Hummer H1
  By Craig Barnes - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Nice Car, but a little too big with not much interior space.

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  great - 2003 Hummer H2
  By h2guy - April 4 - 10:00 am

  drives great around town interior design is great love it looks great really rwally really nice

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  Best On Earth - 2002 Hummer H1
  By Tom Waltz - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The best SUV on the planet. If you cant handle it, dont knock it.

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  We love our Hummer! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Mike L. - March 3 - 8:33 am

  We replaced a 2003 GMC Envoy and were considering the Jeep Commander. My wife suggested the H3, which I had not even considered. We wanted to lease a vehicle that was safe, reliable and unique. The Commander was all those things and about $7,000 less. But with the H3 having such a higher residual than the Jeep, the lease payment was less and we have a lot more equipment than the stripped down Commander. Plus, the DVD special was perfect for us as we have an 18-month old. He loves riding in it!!!