The GMC Hummer is a family of large, off-road-capable utility vehicles produced by General Motors (GM) under its GMC brand. The first generation of Hummers, known as H1, was launched in 1992 and was built from 1992 to 2006.
First Generation (H1, 1992-2006)
The original Hummer H1 was based on the AM General HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle), a military vehicle designed for the US Army. The civilian version, called the Hummer, was introduced at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale in 1992. It was available as an open-top utility truck, pickup, or four-door SUV.
The H1 was powered by a 5.7L V8 gasoline engine producing 230 hp and had a three-speed automatic transmission. Its impressive ground clearance (10 inches) and large tires made it capable of traversing challenging terrain.
Second Generation (H2, 2003-2009)
In 2003, the Hummer H2 was introduced as a more road-friendly alternative to the original H1. The H2 had a unibody construction instead of the body-on-frame design of its predecessor. It came in two versions: a four-door SUV with seating for eight and a pickup truck.
The H2 used GM's 5.3L V8 engine, producing 295 hp, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. It had a reduced ground clearance (9 inches) compared to the H1 but retained its off-road capabilities.
Second Generation (H2, 2003-2009)
The Hummer H2 was discontinued in 2009 due to declining sales and increasing competition from other SUVs.
Third Generation (H3, 2005-2010)
In 2005, the Hummer H3 was introduced as a more compact alternative to the H1 and H2. It was built on GM's mid-size truck platform and came in two versions: a four-door SUV with seating for five and a pickup truck.
The H3 used GM's 3.5L inline-6 engine, producing 220 hp, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Its ground clearance (7 inches) made it more suited for on-road driving, but it still maintained off-road capabilities.
Third Generation (H3T, 2009-2010)
In 2009, the H3 was updated as the H3T, with changes including a new grille and taillight design. It remained in production until its discontinuation in 2010.
Fourth Generation (EV, 2022-present)
The most recent iteration of the Hummer is an all-electric SUV called the GMC Hummer EV. Unveiled in October 2020 as a concept car, it went on sale in December 2021. The Hummer EV features a unique design with gull-wing doors and a large touchscreen display.
It uses GM's Ultium battery pack and a rear-motor setup, producing 1000 hp through four electric motors. It has an estimated range of up to 350 miles based on the US EPA test cycle.
