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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  The hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Christopher c - June 1 - 10:00 am

  The second best off road suv besides the h1 there is no place this suv cant go but has the worst fuel econmy of any suv

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  Superior Blue - 2006 Hummer H3
  By 104 cavalry - May 12 - 1:20 am

  I bought it after comparing the the Jeep Commander to the H3. The Commander had so amny more options but the H3 appearance kept me coming back. The exterior looks are great, the interior is very comfortable. With the size to the H3 a little more leg room could have been found for the rear seat area. The stereo is the best I ever had from the factory. The dash is simple and clean. The stereo was mounted slightly crocked but the dealer took care of that. The ride is very good. The engine, no surprise here, could use a few more horses but considering it is a TRUCK and not a sports car it move well at highway speed.

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  HUMMER H3 LEAVES COMPETITION BEHIND - HA - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Alex S - April 23 - 4:23 am

  I bought my HUMMER H3 this last weekend. When I was at the dealership there were literally not enough H3s in stock to have one for everyone who wanted to buy one. Once you drive the H3, you know why: this HUMMER is BY FAR THE BEST car I have ever driven. I traded in my Mercedes C class and consider my H3 a big step up. Its roomy on the inside, just the way I like it, and its styling is a vast improvement over the somewhat random and seemingly cheap-looking interior of the H2 - this one is definitely a lot more refined. The exterior remains as edgy as I think a HUMMER should be. HUMMERS are not for the faint of heart or for people who like to conform - and thats good. GREAT PRODUCT.

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  Hummer H2 - A Great Machine - 2003 Hummer H2
  By JRS - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle lives up to its anticipated styling and peformance. The looks are extraordinary. The drive is smooth and very comfortable. The accelleration is surprisingly good for such a massive vehicle. During my initial of-road trial I had to pull a Jeep out of the mud! The H2 took fairly steep inclines, downed trees, rocks, etc without any signs of stressing the drive-train or suspension. Its not a vehicle for everyone due to the size. Environmentalists wont like the 12 mpg on the highway and 5-6 mpg off road!!!

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  Every guy luvs a hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Richard Neith - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a luxury SUV, I luv the Bose stereo system and the looks and comments I ghet from everywhere I go.Everyone says I have their dream car.I paid 47,995 for itnew. I have had it since Oct 2003, they offered me full value on a trade in. no depreciation.

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  4 season winner - 2006 Hummer H3
  By gary - March 27 - 8:40 am

  I just got my new H3 and tested it on NHs class six roads and regular highways- Super comfort and had a sure footed feeling all day. Coming out of 2004 4x4 Ford pick-up to this is like nothing I can describe. I give it 2 thumbs up-

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  Love my Hummer - 2007 Hummer H3
  By Bob M. - March 19 - 2:11 am

  This is by far my favorite vehicle that I have owned. Its fun to drive, reliable, and comfortable. Ive had Elmo off road in the snow, ice, Mud and sand and never had an issue. Im constantly looking for a reason to take it off road. Weve had it down the beach in Corolla Outer Banks to see the Mustangs. Up the mountain to go hunting and shooting. I cant say anything bad at all. I wish they would start making them again!

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  Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Kelly - March 11 - 8:43 pm

  200% recommend!!! This has been the best vehicle Ive ever purchased! Has gone through snow like no other vehicle Ive owned! Love it!

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  Impressed - 2003 Hummer H2
  By sbe - February 26 - 2:00 am

  After reading many reviews, i was surprised to find th A/C and stereo work great. Have logged over 2,000 miles in last 12 days, and find the comfort and drivability amazing. It gets a lot of attention from all age groups. EVERYONE that said I was crazy for buying a Hummer has changed their opinion. It is simply the most fun I have ever had driving anything. The gas is a drag, but it comes with the territory. It is VERY quiet considering it has such large aggressive tires and the aerodynamics of a shoe box.

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  H3 REVIEW - 2006 Hummer H3
  By Melanz - February 18 - 7:53 pm

  This is the best 4x4 I have. I have 4runner but I enjoyed and feel safe driving this car. MPG is great. Quiet and nice ride too. I like the exterior and the big tire. Interior looks beautiful also.