Over the past three decades, the Hummer brand has held different meanings for different people. Its journey began in 1983 with the military M998 HMMWV, which later made its way into the civilian market after its deployment in the Gulf War. Thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s endorsement, AM General started marketing these rugged trucks to regular buyers in 1992, attracting small business owners, wealthy ranchers, construction executives, and even villains in ’90s movies like “Broken Arrow.”
The second generation of Hummer arrived in 1999 when General Motors acquired the brand and introduced the boxy H2 SUV and SUT, followed by the more practical H3 based on the Canyon/Colorado platform. However, the original civilian model from 1992, known as the Hummer H1, continued to be sold until 2007 alongside the newer models.
During its heyday, the H2 became a sales success, but it also became a symbol of excess and suburban status. Looking back, this era may be seen as a time of conspicuous consumption and one-upmanship.
Now, we find ourselves in what could be considered the third generation of the civilian Hummer brand. The model has undergone a green transformation, becoming more powerful, quieter, heavier, and more expensive in the process. The price tags associated with these modern Hummers could rival the cost of a two-bedroom house in the Midwest.
In light of these distinct periods in Hummer’s history, encountering a first-generation civilian Hummer station wagon, which marked its debut as a massive SUV for consumers, feels nostalgic and allows us to revisit what it had to offer.
The specifications of the original Hummer station wagon might surprise those unfamiliar with the early model. It featured a 6.2-liter fuel-injected diesel engine that produced 150 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. With a three-speed automatic transmission, it achieved 13 to 14 miles per gallon. Accelerating from zero to 60 mph took a leisurely 19.5 seconds, and its top speed was advertised as a sensible 65 mph. However, its turning radius of 25 feet made maneuvering in town a bit challenging.
The four-door wagon weighed a hefty 6,400 pounds and had a payload capacity of 3,900 pounds. Despite its weight, the wagon didn’t offer much space in the back or interior. While aluminum body panels and a fiberglass hood reduced its curb weight slightly, even the two-door pickup variant weighed a substantial 5,800 pounds.
The boxy design of the Hummer station wagon provided ample cargo room but limited vertical space in the cargo compartment, along with a high entry floor.
It’s clear that on-road performance was not the Hummer’s main selling point. Instead, it excelled in off-road settings at slower speeds. The four-door wagon boasted 16 inches of ground clearance, the ability to climb 60% grades and handle 40% side slopes. Its approach angle of 72 degrees allowed it to conquer challenging obstacles. With a central tire inflation system, it could adapt to different surfaces, all while offering a comfortable cabin with premium sound and air conditioning.
Did its capabilities and limitations affect its appeal to buyers? It’s safe to say that MPG ratings and acceleration were not major factors for those who desired the Hummer. People bought it to make a statement and look cool, and for a while, they succeeded.
Unlike its successor, the H2, which received mixed reactions, the original Hummer didn’t face the same level of cultural backlash. It remained relatively rare and exclusive due to modest sales. Its high price of $52,950 in 1992 (equivalent) and its lack of urban maneuverability ensured its exclusivity. A bold
and vibrant paint color further enhanced its visibility on the road.
Thirty-one years after its debut as a consumer vehicle, the Hummer is still somewhat rare but more accessible due to the availability of used models through government auctions. However, it doesn’t quite fit the mold of other 4×4 vehicles from the same era, and it never will.
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