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How much does one cost? New ones start around $75,000 (base price for a stripped-down, no-options, 2-door truck) and can go well over $100,000 with all the options and goodies. Prices are in U.S. dollars.. Used Hummers can go for as low as around $25,000.
What's the difference between a Hummer and a Humvee? What does "Humvee" stand for?
The two terms overlap somewhat,but generally, "Hummer" refers to the civilian models and "Humvee" refers to the military ones. "Humvee" comes from "HMMWV", a military term for "High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle". The civilian models are basically the same as the military ones (they go down the same assembly line until reaching the finishing stages) with the addition of nice interiors and Civilian goodies. Where can I get a cheap military surplus or "fixer-upper" Hummer?
Not an easy option. Lately, some military Humvees have been sold to dealers, then to the public. They're still not "cheap" and need money invested to make them roadworthy. If you're a serious collector of military vehicles with money to spend, it would be worth looking for one. If you're looking for a Hummer for dirt cheap, don't bother.
What kind of engine does it have? The standard engine is a 6.2L diesel made by GM. A turbocharged version is available. For a few years, a 350 (cubic inch) gasoline engine was available, but it was discontinued as of 1997.
Is that an automatic transmission? Can I get one with a stick-shift? All Hummers have automatic transmissions, even the military ones. It was one of the U.S. military requirements, that it be easy to drive.
What kind of fuel mileage does it get? Mileage can vary but usually falls between 12 and 15 mpg for the diesels and 8-10 mpg for the gas engine models. Prior to 1996 they were equipped with a 25-gallon fuel tank. Since 1996 they've also had a 17-gallon auxilliary tank.
Where are they made? Hummers are made by AM General Corp. in South Bend, Indiana, USA.
Isn't a Hummer awfully wide? Is it too wide for my favorite Jeep trail? The Hummer's width gives it inherent stability and makes it possible to be high-clearance and have a relatively low center of gravity at the same time. While it can be an occasional limitation, the Hummer can traverse a lot of terrain that a narrower vehicle can not. It takes off-roading to a new level. You'll soon forget about that favorite Jeep trail (a Hummer will take the challenge out of it) and start thinking about driving places you'd never have thought about driving before.
Can a Hummer go anywhere? Can it go underwater? Can it float? While a Hummer has much greater capabilities than any "SUV", it still obeys the laws of physics. Common sense is required and overconfidence can be dangerous, as with any vehicle. A civilian Hummer is equipped to do deep-water fording of up to 30 inches (officially, although many have forded up to 3 feet) of water. Military ones can ford up to 5 feet of water. It's not a submarine or an amphibious vehicle, nor can it float. It's a fairly common misconception that Hummers can float. Quite the opposite is true. They are designed to take on water in order to avoid floating. If one tended to float in deep water, traction would be lost on the bottom. If you see video of a Hummer or Humvee in deep water so that it appears to be floating, it's not. It's driving on the bottom. They have drain plugs in the floors to let the water out once one reaches the other side.
Is it bulletproof? No. Bulletproofing is available, but very Expensive.
How fast is it? Top speed is about 90 mph.
What are those things on the wheels? Those are the protective covers for the CTIS (Central Tire Inflation System). The Hummer's tire pressure can be controlled by switches on the dashboard, inflating or deflating the tires "on the Go".
What are those loop things on the hood? Airlift hooks. The military uses them to airlift Humvees with helicopters. The fact that they're present on the civilian Hummers is evidence of its close relationship to the military Humvees.
Is it true that Hummer has been sold to GM? Yes and No. GM has bought the HUMMER brand name and the marketing rights, but AMG will continue to manufacture Hummers..
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