Hummer H1
The Hummer H1 was a civilian off-road vehicle based on the M998 Humvee, which was originally created for military use by the American company AM General. The transition from military to civilian vehicle was largely due to the influence of the actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who saw a convoy of the military vehicles while filming a movie and worked with AM General to develop a version for civilian use.
Hummer H1 Overview
The civilian version, branded as the “Hummer”, was released in 1992. In 1999, General Motors (GM) purchased the brand name and renamed it the “Hummer H1” after they introduced the H2, which was a more civilian-friendly model based on a modified GM truck platform.
The H1 had a very rugged, wide stance, which was a direct carryover from its military origins. It featured high ground clearance and a sturdy frame, making it exceptionally capable for off-road driving. The H1 had features like inboard brakes and portal gears, allowing the drivetrain’s components to sit higher for greater ground clearance. It also had a unique tire inflation system that allowed the driver to increase or decrease tire pressure on the go, which is an essential feature for varying off-road conditions.
The Hummer H1 was available in three major variants: a convertible-like soft top, a four-door hard top Sport Utility Truck, and an “Alpha Wagon” body version. Less known variants were a two-door pickup truck and a four-door slantback, which shares the same body style as the Humvee employed by the U.S. Military. The convertible/soft top and the station SUV versions were the last types available to individual consumers. There were five engine types and three automatic transmission types available. Throughout its production run, the H1 was available with a range of engines, including gasoline V8s and diesel options. One of the most popular and robust options was the 6.5-liter turbo-diesel V8. Due to its heavy weight and robust construction, the H1 was not particularly fast, but it offered unparalleled off-road capabilities.
The Hummer H1 was produced until 2006, with the final model year called the “H1 Alpha,” which featured an updated engine and various improvements.
Hummer H1 Sales Figures
Hummer H1 U.S Sales Data & Charts
US Annual Sales
Year | Sales Units |
---|---|
2005 | 374 |
2006 | 365 |
2007 | 125 |
2008 | 20 |