General Motors acquired the rights to the Hummer brand from AM General in 1999, leading to the production of civilianized versions of the military HMMWV known as the Hummer H1. Despite not selling in large numbers, GM decided to create more accessible Hummers based on existing GM truck platforms. The Silverado-based H2 was introduced in 2003, followed by the Colorado-based H3 in 2006. In this article, we explore the history of the Hummer brand and take a closer look at a first-year H3 found in a Denver car graveyard.
### **The Origins of the Hummer Brand**
After American Motors Corporation purchased Kaiser Jeep in 1970, the company spun off the fleet and military segments into a new entity called AM General. The iconic Jeep DJ Dispatchers, also known as “Mail Jeeps,” were a significant part of AM General’s offerings until 1984. The year 1984 marked the introduction of the HMMWV, later nicknamed Hummer by soldiers, as AM General began producing civilian versions after Arnold Schwarzenegger’s push. The first civilianized Hummers, the H1, hit the market in 1992.
### **Challenges Faced by the H2 and H3**
The launch of the H2 and H3 coincided with the onset of the Great Recession, soaring fuel prices, and declining public support for overseas conflicts. GM discontinued the H1 in 2006 and attempted to sell the struggling Hummer brand in 2010, ultimately ceasing production and shuttering the brand alongside other GM divisions. In 2022, the Hummer name was resurrected as an electric GMC model, with the GMC Hummer EV SUV now available for purchase.
### **The Legacy of the H3**
The final 2010 H3 models were built for Avis at Shreveport Operations, which closed two years later. The H3 was based on the GMT355 platform, shared with the first-generation Chevy Colorado and its counterparts from GMC and Isuzu. Only one trim level of the 2006 H3 SUV was offered, with a base price of $28,935, equivalent to approximately $45,574 today. Powered by a 3.5-liter straight-five engine generating 220 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, the H3 could be equipped with a manual transmission.
### **Exploring the 2006 Hummer H3**
Despite the availability of a five-speed manual transmission, it was an unpopular choice among H3 buyers. This particular 2006 H3 SUV found in a Denver car graveyard offers a glimpse into the brand’s history and the challenges faced by the H2 and H3 models. The H3’s association with the military-inspired Hummer brand and the eventual revival of the Hummer name under GMC serve as testaments to the lasting impact of these rugged vehicles. Whether as a civilianized version of a military stalwart or an electricity-powered SUV, the Hummer brand continues to capture the imagination of off-road enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike.