The Hummer brand has had an interesting history since its acquisition by General Motors in 1999. Initially, General Motors focused on selling civilianized versions of the military HMMWV, also known as the Humvee. The first civilian model, the Hummer H1, did not achieve large sales numbers, but General Motors was determined to bring the Hummer brand to the masses by creating more accessible models based on existing GM truck platforms.
In 2003, they introduced the Silverado-based H2, followed by the Colorado-based H3 in 2006. Unfortunately, the timing of the H2 and H3 launches was unfortunate. They were introduced just before the Great Recession and a surge in fuel prices. Additionally, conflicts overseas that were less popular than Gulf War I reduced the appeal of combat-inspired civilian vehicles.
The H1 was discontinued in 2006, and General Motors faced financial difficulties, ultimately leading to Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They attempted to sell the Hummer brand to a Chinese manufacturer in 2010 but were unsuccessful. As a result, the brand was terminated alongside Pontiac, Saturn, and Saab.
However, in 2022, the Hummer name was revived as an electric GMC model. The 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV is currently available for purchase, although GMC’s website warns of limited availability. This electric version of the Hummer represents the brand’s evolution in response to changing consumer demands and environmental concerns.
Turning our attention back to the H3, the final models were built for Avis at Shreveport Operations before the plant shut down in 2012. The H3 was built on the GMT355 platform, which also underpinned the first-generation Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu I-Series.
When it came to pricing, the 2006 H3 SUV had only one trim level available, starting at an MSRP of $28,935 with a base five-speed manual transmission. However, very few buyers opted for the manual transmission, which makes finding one in the junkyard today quite rare. In terms of inflation, the 2006 price equates to approximately $45,574 in today’s currency.
Under the hood, the H3 featured a 3.5-liter DOHC straight-five engine from the GM Atlas family. This engine produced 220 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, providing sufficient power for off-road adventures and daily driving.
While the H3 faced challenges during its production run, it still holds a place in automotive history as a rugged and capable SUV. The recent revival of the Hummer brand as an electric vehicle shows that General Motors is committed to adapting to changing market trends and consumer preferences.
In conclusion, the Hummer brand has had a tumultuous journey since General Motors acquired it in 1999. From the introduction of the H1 to the launch of the H2 and H3, the brand faced various obstacles, including economic downturns and changing consumer tastes. However, with the recent electric GMC Hummer EV SUV, the brand is evolving to meet the demands of a more environmentally conscious market. The H3, despite its challenges, remains a testament to the brand’s rugged and capable image.