The Last Summer of Hummer (at least for H1)
This is old news, but 2006 is the last year for the Hummer H1. The vehicle represented the ultimate Sierra Club atrocity, and in a world of $3-a-gallon gasoline I don't expect too many tears to fall -- GM only sold 374 last year. While I, like others, felt the H1 was a bit ridiculous as a civilian vehicle, I do find something troubling about the existence of the H2 and H3 (and rumored H4) without the H1 around. The H1 defined the brand for years, and only recently did "other" Hummer models exist. Now the basis for the entire Hummer image is going away (unless you're an enlisted man) but the "knock off's" are still available...
Plus, many people felt the "Alpha" upgrades (added for 2006) really improved the vehicle. Of course that means it's time for GM to kill it, right? The H2 and H3 are basically Silverados and Colorados with different shells, so I guess it's a smart business and marketing move. The H2 and H3 are obviously much stronger profit centers because they are cheaper to build and appeal to a wider audience. But I guess part of me feels like the H2 and H3 are the "After MASH" versions of the H1, and, well, hopefully the H2 and H3 will fare better than that show...
- Posted by
- Karl Brauer September 1, 2006, 8:09 AM
- Permalink
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Hummer
I'll miss it but sales just don't justify its production. As an off roader it has impressive hardware and abilities and I had hoped it would be common enough that I would be able to pick a used one at a cheap price someday.
I always found it amusing watching people in suits driving them around downtown as a status vehicle but it's not fair to condem a truck just because it becomes a favourite of the posers. Laugh at the driver, not the truck.
I image GM will try to milk the image for a few more years and then it will fade away.
"I always found it amusing watching people in suits driving them around downtown as a status vehicle but it's not fair to condem a truck just because it becomes a favourite of the posers. Laugh at the driver, not the truck."
Yep, I couldn't agree more. I'm a big fan of purpose-built vehicles, and the H1 is, if nothing eles, a "purpose-built" vehicle.
I also take issue with GM, as their marketing of the Hummer brand is borderline obscene. I mean, come on, an H1 with shiny factory alloy bling wheels? Give me a break...
well its a shame but in the end it was a wise marketing decision It was great at Off roading but when it came to On road driving it was pitiful but either way the last symbol of our ignorance towards Greenpeace will be missed