speed_staff's avatar
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
SPEEDtv.com Store
REVIEWED: “Rust In Peace” By Malcolm Tucker
Malcolm Tucker delves into the photographic archives of the celebrated motoring historian Mike Worthington-Williams
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
"Le Mans", Starring Steve McQueen
The greatest racing film of all time! Dramatization of a man's tentative participation in the Le Mans race
Our Price: $14.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
“Monaco Grand Prix"
A photographic portrait of the world's most prestigious motor race.
Our Price: $75.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Signed Bobby Allison Coca-Cola 1/24
1/24-scale die-cast replica is now available and personally autographed by Bobby Allison on the windshield!
Our Price: $54.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
Examine how the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has transformed from a performance-based sport into a personality-driven enterprise.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
101 Cars: Hummer H-1
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
The H1 Alpha is powered by GM's 300-horsepower Duramax 6600 diesel. (Photo: MyRide.com) ยป More Photos

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



Read the REVIEW and Get Your Copy of 365 Cars You Must Drive

Catch 101 Cars You Must Drive on SPEED! Monday nights at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT.
Check out the 101 Cars Countdown!




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

View All Comments