Here’s how the original Hummer brand was the epitome of excess

In this episode I provide the history of the original Hummer brand, which in 1992 started with a civilian version of the military Humvee truck from AM General, named the Hummer. Later GM bought the rights to the Hummer name and renamed the truck the H1, and then released a slightly smaller (but still huge) truck called the H2 in 2002, and an even smaller truck called the H3 in 2006. A proposed H4 model never went to production as GM entered bankruptcy in 2009 and shut down Hummer by 2010. Today GM has brought back the Hummer name as a sub-brand under GMC for an all-electric truck, which other than size and the name, shares nothing with the original Hummer.

[Oonagh]

The singular thing I think about when it comes to Hummers is an episode of Reno 911 when they ran out of gas trying to maneuver out of a parking space. It was awesome.

[herbcraven]

One of the forces driving Hummer sales in the early 2000s was a tax break available to businesses for commercial trucks, such as dump trucks or farm trucks. The qualifier for a commercial truck was based solely on vehicle weight, which the Hummers had in spades, so many small businessmen titled them to their companies even though their utility as a commercial truck was negligible.

[LaytonKnightt]

I remember the H2 being something if an anti-Prius in the 2000s, so I’m amused that it’s now an electric car. At least the name is fitting an electric brand. Glad it’s back.

[UnloadedRex]

Great video, in high school I did a research paper on US military overconfidence and one of my biggest examples was the use of the HMMWV. Yes they started as being used behind the front lines but soon enough they were pushed further and further forward and soon we’re seeing IEDs, the first casualties caused by this were from operation just cause. I believe it was a rollover but it has been a while since I wrote that paper. The HMMWV kept getting more armor to try and counteract IEDs until we get to now when the poor trucks are so heavy that the suspension can barely support them, rollovers are more common, and now they must look at other vehicles in order to replace the HMMWV, a truck that was forced into a role it wasn’t made for, like a square peg into a round hole

[smithraymond]

I remember how the Hummer H2 was all over the place in the late 2000's. It was sort of a substitute for the Cadillac Escalade in certain circles as a status symbol. They are nowhere to be found these days.

[benjochs]

Back in the mid-2000s my neighbors both drove hummers. They had a 1, 300 square foot ranch home. It was kinda hilarious.

[anonymousm]

I've driven many HMMWVs, but the H3 proved itself to me when I was an Army Recruiter. I was tasked with leading the "A" group of a bike race across northern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. It was 104 miles, and the lead racers could hit over 55 mph at times. I was driving one of the battalion's Army branded H3s and gave it my all to stay ahead but within sight of the racers; often they'd round a blind curve or top a hill where I'd stopped and force me to go full throttle. Anyway, I took that H3 to the limit off and on road. By the time the race was finished, it was covered in mud, had some suspension rattle, and showed me that despite its small size it was capable of some decent off-roading.

[NDC]

There was a H3 Alpha as well, 2008-2009. It was equipped with a 5.3L V8

[Logananderson]

You should do the Pontiac fiero! It was a really under rated car with a ruined reputation after some 84 models caught on fire

[Injunfarian]

I love my H1, owned it since 2006. They truly are like nothing else, you have to understand the H1/HMMWV platform was originally designed in the late 70's and early 80's and they had independent suspension in all 4 corners, disk brakes in all 4 corners, coil suspension in all 4 corners, aluminum body etc etc.. Modern vehicles are just catching up on some of the stuff(aluminum body etc.)... They also have geared hubs, inboard brakes, CTIS(central tire inflation), mid mounted engine so that weight is better distributed to both the front and rear axles, great clearance and center of gravity. etc etc.

[kilohotel]

I had an 06 H3 and loved it. If they brought back the same H3 body with a new engine I would pre order one right away.

[sbirddesmo]

Nice job. Back when I was a kid, my dad and were waiting to make a turn in unusually heavy traffic. I asked "Where did all these cars come from?" Dad looked at me and said "Detroit". Showing my age with that one.

[juelzm]

I just want to say how much I love these vids!! You do an excellent job in telling the story and providing so much interesting information! Thank you and keep it up!

[comanchieavonside]

Wow, holy shit, my comment made it into this vid. I feel honored and still stand with what I said. The old hummers were the best.

[TheSaltyExplorer]

My Hummer was the best vehicle I ever owned, aside from the fact that the gas mileage was horrible. Oh and you also couldn’t see anything out of the back window. Backing up required saying a short prayer.

[GrooveQuest]

Wow! that is actually pretty cool to bring hummer back as an EV, it is large enough to carry the large amount of batteries to get good horsepower and good range. If I had $110, 000 I would buy one. and I'm not even an EV person.

Hopefully they can make a go of it. Good luck GMC.

[JDMHaze]

9:30 Wow another fun fact I thought I knew at all, but I wasn't aware it shared the Colorado/Cany platform but that explains why it also offer the same 5cyl motor!!!! thanks Mr.MyOldCar

[wrapframe]

I visit a friend who lives and works in Detroit for the “big three” and others. I love driving around and seeing all the cars in their cladding and camo that aren’t out yet.

[JDMHaze]

FUN FACT: in the lawsuit Jeep tried to argue that they would lose sales because people would confuse the Hummer was a jeep and buy that instead lol chevy lumina please 😭 and maybe tercel lol

[chrislemaster]

I remember some of these got traded in under the CARS ( Cash Allowance Rebate System) AKA Cash For Clunkers of 2009.