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101 Cars: Hummer H-1
Big, Bad, and Bodacious
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SPEED Staff  |  Posted August 04, 2008   Charlotte, North Carolina
The H1 Alpha is powered by GM's 300-horsepower Duramax 6600 diesel. (Photo: MyRide.com)

On April 23, 2003, self-styled ecologists of the Earth Liberation Front torched 20-some SUVs at a San Diego Hummer dealership. Although most were the Hummer H2, smaller verstions of the larger military-derived H1, it's the latter that really tweaks the save-the-planet types as being wasteful of natural resources. And certainly the H1 doesn't make much sense as a daily driver. It's too wide, it's too heavy, it's too loud inside, and it seats only four in military comfort. But it's also the best SUV around for true off-road performance. It can scale 22-inch rock ledges, ford 30 inches of water, and climb 60 percent grades.

As of 2006, the H1 Alpha is powered by GM's 300-horsepower Duramax 6600 diesel that delivers 520 ft-lbs of torque at 1,500 rpm. Remarkably, the H1 Alpha can achieve 15 miles per gallon and can rumble 0-60 miles per hour in 13.5 seconds, both better than a clapped-out VW van full of leftover hippies. In truth, the Hummer H1 Alpha is like California Governor and Hummer owner Arnold Schwarzenegger: more muscles than one needs for everyday use but a lot of fun to have.

Specifications
Engine: 6.6-liter diesel V-8
Horsepower: 300
0–60 mph: 13.5 seconds
Top Speed: 90 miles per hour
Price New: $129,399 open top; $140,796 wagon
Value Now: Ditto
Hummer H1 Alpha



Claim to Fame

CLAIM TO FAME: The baddest SUV on the block, however you define that


Soundtrack

SOUNDTRACK: The Marine Corps Hymn


Perfect Passenger

PERFECT PASSENGER: General Tommy Franks


Behind the Wheel
BEHIND THE WHEEL: Take a big check to your local Hummer dealer, or get a special deal from a military recruiter on a matching desert camo outfit and a special up-armored version.


Did You Know?
DID YOU KNOW? Hummer, the GM Foundation, and Hummer's dealer network donated 72 H1, H2, and H3 vehicles to the Red Cross for use in the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast area.


The Perfect Drive

THE PERFECT DRIVE: The Rubicon Trail



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What are your thoughts on the Hummer H-1? Justified transportation or ego carriage?

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