1997 Hummer H1

We've owned our 1997 HUMMER H1 Wagon for 5 1/2 years and it was our primary vehicle for the first 2 years. Now we use it exclusively for off-roading and whenever we take our big dogs with us!

First I have to point out that the HUMMER H1 does not really belong in the same rating system as any other car, truck or SUV. It is a HUMMER and for those of you who think that the H1 is the "old" HUMMER and the H2 is the "new" HUMMER (oh, you would not BELIEVE how many times we've heard that before...ugh!) - THEY ARE NOT THE SAME VEHICLE AT ALL!!! Got it? Thank you and excuse me for yelling, but I'm tired of hearing this same stupid comment from people that have no clue what they're talking about. :)

The H1 and the H2 are built on a completely different chassis, they have completely different engines (only the H1 has a diesel engine), the H1 has more extreme off-road capabilities and is built to military specs (they just add more creature comforts to the civilian models) and the list of differences can go on and on. The HUMMER H2 is by no means a "replacement" to the HUMMER H1; it's like saying the HUMMER H3 is a "replacement" to the HUMMER H2...no way!

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that people do not buy an H1 for "comfort" (it's very noisy with the diesel engine doghouse between the driver and passenger seat, and although the civilian seats are more comfortable than the military seats, they are definitely not what I would call "comfortable") so I ignored that rating when I gave it a 5/5 for overall satisfaction.

HUMMER was superb in replacing the turbo diesel engine when ours went out in 2002, even though it was out of warranty, because it was a common issue with the '97 model year. Since then, we have not had any major mechanical issues with it, only minor things like the power door locks not functioning properly, so that's why we gave it a 4/5 for reliability.

If you're looking for a nice, comfy quiet ride and only want to purchase an SUV for looks, but NEVER plan on taking it off-road...forget it and please don't even consider getting an H1! You'll fill those needs with almost any other SUV out there and you will be greatly disappointed with the H1.

I would, however, very highly recommend the H1 ONLY if you are considering it for the right reasons: the best off-road vehicle bar none, lots and lots of cargo room (great for big dogs, which was exactly the reason we got one) and a unique patriotic style that is rare and instantly recognizable by all (we happened to get ours a few months after 9/11 and we ordered the special patriotic license plates with the American flag and the caption "We Will Never Forget").

We've owned our 1997 HUMMER H1 Wagon for 5 1/2 years and it was our primary vehicle for the first 2 years. Now we use it exclusively for off-roading and whenever we take our big dogs with us!

First I have to point out that the HUMMER H1 does not really belong in the same rating system as any other car, truck or SUV. It is a HUMMER and for those of you who think that the H1 is the "old" HUMMER and the H2 is the "new" HUMMER (oh, you would not BELIEVE how many times we've heard that before...ugh!) - THEY ARE NOT THE SAME VEHICLE AT ALL!!! Got it? Thank you and excuse me for yelling, but I'm tired of hearing this same stupid comment from people that have no clue what they're talking about. :)

The H1 and the H2 are built on a completely different chassis, they have completely different engines (only the H1 has a diesel engine), the H1 has more extreme off-road capabilities and is built to military specs (they just add more creature comforts to the civilian models) and the list of differences can go on and on. The HUMMER H2 is by no means a "replacement" to the HUMMER H1; it's like saying the HUMMER H3 is a "replacement" to the HUMMER H2...no way!

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that people do not buy an H1 for "comfort" (it's very noisy with the diesel engine doghouse between the driver and passenger seat, and although the civilian seats are more comfortable than the military seats, they are definitely not what I would call "comfortable") so I ignored that rating when I gave it a 5/5 for overall satisfaction.

HUMMER was superb in replacing the turbo diesel engine when ours went out in 2002, even though it was out of warranty, because it was a common issue with the '97 model year. Since then, we have not had any major mechanical issues with it, only minor things like the power door locks not functioning properly, so that's why we gave it a 4/5 for reliability.

If you're looking for a nice, comfy quiet ride and only want to purchase an SUV for looks, but NEVER plan on taking it off-road...forget it and please don't even consider getting an H1! You'll fill those needs with almost any other SUV out there and you will be greatly disappointed with the H1.

I would, however, very highly recommend the H1 ONLY if you are considering it for the right reasons: the best off-road vehicle bar none, lots and lots of cargo room (great for big dogs, which was exactly the reason we got one) and a unique patriotic style that is rare and instantly recognizable by all (we happened to get ours a few months after 9/11 and we ordered the special patriotic license plates with the American flag and the caption "We Will Never Forget").