Hummer Brand History: Military To Modern EVs
Hummer history begins with a 1983 contract with the American military and continues to this day through an all-electric lineup of heavy-duty SUVs and pickups. From a publicized version of the Humvee combat vehicle, the Hummer conquered the road with its potent 6.2-liter V-8 diesel engine and intimidating size across several configurations. But how did it get there, and how has the Hummer brand evolved to this day? In short, what is the history of the Hummer company? The team at DeVoe Buick GMC has the answer.
Hummer Brand History at a Glance
- The first Hummer H1 was based on the military-contracted Humvee in 1992, allegedly in part at the request of Arnold Schwarzenegger.1
- In 1999, GM purchased the Hummer brand, making the Hummer H2 and Hummer H3 in 2003 and 2006, respectively.
- The Hummer brand took a break in 2010 while GM restructured.
- It's now back, with the Hummer EV being a consistent staple of GMC dealerships since the 2022 model year.
Hummer Vehicle History: The AM General Years
Who originally manufactured the Hummer? That would be AM General, the makers of the Humvee for the U.S. military in 1983. This contract was to produce 55,000 Humvees over a five-year period, and the product proved to be a resounding success. In Operation Just Cause and Desert Storm, the Humvee proved its stability – and the general public, led by actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, cried out for a commercial version. AM General complied.
The Hummer H1 rolled onto the streets in 1992, cited as "the world's most serious 4x4" by its manufacturer. As it was inspired by a military operational vehicle, it offered SUV and pickup truck configurations. By removing some of the extra armor while retaining its massive size and suspension, the H1 became a popular member of the road – especially among off-roaders, with modifications like the central tire inflation system becoming commonplace.
While drivers nowadays have access to numerous powertrains, the 430 pound-feet of torque produced by the H1's available 6.5-liter turbo-diesel engine remains thrilling to experience. Even now, it commands a high price point just because of its legacy, size, and the prestigious feel of its cockpit.
GMC Hummer History: The Hummer H2 and H3
These legendary accolades are the primary reason that General Motors made the decision to purchase the Hummer brand in 1999, during the height of its popularity. Continuing to embrace a military-style design, GMC sought to expand its consumer base by introducing the Hummer H2 in 2003. This model kept the design philosophy of the Hummer H1 (exceptional off-roading, blocky style, sizable interior) while utilizing the GMT820 platform to make it smaller and more maneuverable, while introducing a 6.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine.
GMC wasn't going to stop with the H2. In 2006, drivers started shopping for the Hummer H3. The new smallest member of the lineup was an entry-level vehicle for the brand, designed to lower the fuel consumption of its larger siblings by using a 3.7-liter five-cylinder engine. However, it was no slouch off the beaten track, thanks to its four-wheel-drive system and two-speed transfer case.
Unfortunately, there was no Hummer H4. The Hummer H1, H2, and H3 continued to evolve under the care of General Motors, adding luxury-grade features such as leather-appointed seats, various engine options, and premium speakers until 2010. That marked the end of the gasoline and diesel Hummer vehicles, as GM underwent restructuring.
The Hummer EV SUV Age
It took a decade for Hummer to return to showrooms. As GMC stepped into the spotlight once more, many trucks and SUVs joined them, like the always competent Sierra, Canyon, and Yukon. Fans of the Humvee's legacy would have to wait until the 2022 model year, when GMC introduced the military-inspired SUV/pickup in an all-new form – an electric vehicle.
The 2022 GMC Hummer EV brought the boxy, durable style known throughout the history of the Hummer back onto roads with a brand-new all-electric powertrain. With up to 1,000 horsepower and a staggering 11,500 pound-feet of torque at its disposal, the three-motor EV brings the legendary power of the lineup to a modern age.
And the feature lineup is just as luxurious as ever. Adaptive Air Suspension with Extract Mode enables the EV to navigate challenging off-roading conditions with a 6-inch lift. Watts to Freedom mode gives the model a GM-estimated 0-60 mph performance of approximately 3 seconds. And Super Cruise™ driver assistance lets drivers navigate over 200,000 miles of roads, hands-free.
The Hummer EV lineup is going strong, with modern editions (such as the 2026 EV) coming to our dealership to this day. Rather than trying to replace the long-lived H1, H2, and H3, this new edition is akin to a hypothetical Hummer H4: bringing much-needed fuel cost reductions while introducing the most responsive powertrain in the family.
Explore the Hummer EV Pickup and SUV at DeVoe Buick GMC
Now that we've shown you the Hummer history timeline, you've got the perfect perspective with which to sit behind the wheel of your own GMC Hummer EV SUV. Experience the adventurous suspension referencing the military-grade H1 while state-of-the-art electric features (like the four-wheel steer featuring CrabWalk) help you navigate America's most difficult trails.
Or maybe you want a part of Hummer history with some extra heft. The GMC Hummer EV pickup brings the exceptional capability and off-roading technology of the SUV but with external cargo space that makes it a great companion for DIY projects. Whether you need additional exterior carrying capacity from the pickup's bed or want the more compact driving feel of the SUV, our GMC Hummer EV is ready to tackle the road less traveled with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Hummer brand?
In 2010, after 11 years of ownership, GM decided to put the Hummer lineup on pause while the parent company reorganized. After the brand returned, many historic GM products began rolling into the market, with the Hummer EV being introduced in 2022. This all-electric version of the legendary name keeps its durable, blocky appeal while being more eco-friendly.
How did Hummer transition from military to civilian vehicles?
The Humvee began production in 1983 as a military vehicle for the United States, but the Hummer brand itself wouldn't come out until nearly a decade later. In 1992, Hummer models (specifically, the Hummer H1) began rolling out for the public, driven by the Humvee's popularity in military missions. Their legendary durability and versatile configurations remained on the market after being decommissioned from military use in 2007.
Why did General Motors buy the Hummer brand?
General Motors decided to buy the Hummer brand in 1999 to capitalize on the vehicle's popularity as it began to go public. From 1992 to 1999, Hummer sold the H1 model as a durable, capable SUV with open-top, wagon, and pickup truck options. GM wanted to expand the lineup with the Hummer H2 and H3 models, two variants that were smaller and easier to maneuver than the original H1.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.motorbiscuit.com/arnold-schwarzenegger-to-thank-for-hummer-h1/.