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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  Hummer3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By bfmcr - February 27 - 11:33 pm

  I have owned BMW, Mercedes, etc. over the years. The Hummer has provided me with the most fun that I have even had in a vehicle. It is fun to drive, comfortable, and a real attention getter. I bought it as a second vehicle, but I have not driven my other car over one or two times since bringing this baby home. My 11 y.o absolutely loves it.

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  Needs more power!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By DAVID CORNIER - February 10 - 1:26 pm

  The one negative thing i have to say about the h3 is while driving up a incline on a highway speed about 60mph the h3 felt like it was having trouble i had to really give it extra gas !!

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  Like nothing else - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Hummerlite - February 8 - 1:26 am

  Been Driving this truck for a few months now ( 11,000 miles ) and still cant wait to get in a drive it.... Fun to drive with the 5 speed trans, Great on the beach, in the snow, Anywhere.... GREAT TRUCK

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  Hummer H3 - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Mark - January 11 - 8:23 am

  The Hummer is a exciting suv to drive. It has a tight turning radius. But the engine lacks power, especially when towing. Otherwise it seems to have adequate power although I would like to see GM up the horsepower to 275 or more. The ride with the off road package has been great especially off road. It also rides well on paved roads as well. Visibilty is low, but on the outside it looks great with the chopped look. It handles very well on snow covered roads.

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  Poor Int.quality & lack of cargo space - 2003 Hummer H2
  By bear2001 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  If you are going to take a trip, you have a choice, either luggage or the family. There isnt room for both. The exterior spare tire mount is both cumbersome and expensive ($1,300.+) The roof rack is functional, however you will need a ladder to acess it. Overall styling is good, but, it appears that GM relied on to much plastic and veneer. Fuel mileage leaves a lot to be desired, mixed city and highway 10.5 mpg.

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  My H3 Rocks - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Randy - December 10 - 5:26 pm

  This is a great mid-size SUV. I had a 01 Toyota 4Runner and that was a good car, but this car is more stylish, fun and rides smoother. Im glad that I made an impulse buy!

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  Satisfied Customer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Matt - December 5 - 5:13 pm

  I just purchased the vehicle a couple days back and its been amazing so far. I sold my Volvo XC90 and Im very glad I did Im enjoying the H3 much more. Everyone I know has been giving me compliments about the design on the inside and outside. The only thing I can compare it to is my old SUV the Volvo and there is no comparison there this H3 is simply much better. Its a better drive on road, a better look, and better off-road. I had so many problems with replacing Volvo parts and their service was terrible it feels good to have an American vehicle now. I have a feeling I will be sticking with Hummer vehicles for a long time after this one.

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  I Love My Hummer - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Jerry Bundt - November 29 - 12:36 am

  This is an absolutely awesome vehicle. It truly commands the road. A superbly smooth highway ride even with the off-road package. Very stylish inside and out! Yes, could use better gas mileage, more rear storage, and more pep, but driving this dream machine out weighs ANY drawbacks.

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  H3 excellent value - 2006 Hummer H3
  By abj - November 24 - 8:56 pm

  The H3 is and outstanding value at 28K. I purchased this vehicle in June of 2005, and I am still impressed with the performace of this SUV. The MPG is better than anticipated. I have owned and purchased the following SUVs new: Expedition, Xterra, Explorer and X5, none of which handles the road/highway as good as the H3.

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  CAN YOU SAY G-500 OR RANGE ROVER? - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Terra-Crawler - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I expected more power for the money. I expected more colors (int. & ext.)for the money. I expected a more substantial air-conditioner for the money. I expected a more solid front end (nose) for the money. The truck was billed as more tamed and agile for everyday driving. This is not the case. It is clearly more suited for off- roading. I need off-road and everyday driving balance. As one other reviewer suggested, I shouldnt have bought it! However, I will replace my H2 with a Mercedes G-500 or Range Rover AS SOON AS I CAN UNLOAD THIS QUEEN OF THE PIGS!