I recently read that General Motors couldn’t find a buyer for Hummer so they’re shutting it down next year. Although I’ve always thought these vehicles were over the top it’s always a little sad when a product bites the dust (sadder with Saturn than Hummer).
The gist of the article was that the Hummer signified the excess of the recent boom years where bigger was always better. With the decline of the economy the last few years we’re not living so large. But there had to be some good about it, right?
PROs
1. Attention. Everyone noticed a hummer. Even those that don’t admire them had to notice these large vehicles. Do you think this is why the governator was one of the first civilian owners?
2. Safe. There aren’t many vehicles on the road that are bigger. I can’t think of any other than large trucks (semis and such). You have to be safer in this car than most others.
3. Durable. There’s a reason the military used hummers and that’s why its good for anyone that has to drive off -road or in wintry conditions.
CONs
1. Oversized. These babies can’t fit in a single car spot in just about any parking lot. It’s hard to see around and impossible to see over if following one on the road.
2. Gas Guzzler. For a while the Hummer was the vehicle for environmentalists to hate. Although not fuel-efficient mileage has improved in recent years and I can’t say the H3 is worse than many SUVs.
3. Price. Hummers became a bit of a status symbol and part of the reason was due to the price. 2006 H2s are selling used in the $30,000 plus range now. The original hummers (known as H1) were $100,000 plus.
One of our neighbors bought one last year and it evokes a strong emotion from me every time I see it. I’m in the hate ’em camp and see it as very wasteful of gas, money and space. I’m not sad they’re going away.
What do you think? Are hummers a sign of excess run amok or American ingenuity?
photo credit: Nathan Wells
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{ 12 comments }
I think hummers are useful tools in the military or in special circumstances. However, I don’t think most people need it.
.-= Random Thoughts of a Jersey Mom´s last blog ..Emergency Now! =-.
Jersey Mom, I agree. I think my governor was partly responsible for the “fad”. I’m glad those days are over.
They tried selling Hummers here in Papua New Guinea. I’ve never seen more than one on the road (in the entire country) so I don’t think PNG did its part to contribute to Hummer sales worldwide.
.-= Craig Ford´s last blog ..5 Lies of Efficiency and Productivity =-.
I don’t know much about PNG but it seems that it would be jungle-like where it might make sense to have a Hummer. Of course, the price point is quite high and that’s probably a barrier for a lot of people there.
It’s ridiculous to think that anyone outside the military “needs” a Hummer. Goodbye, good riddance.
Claudia, I totally agree but wondered if we were alone in our feelings.
I often wonder about people’s motivations for doing or acquiring things. Why the hummer? There could be plenty of good reasons for having one, I suppose but if it’s to claim some kind of status over others, well, I’m not in that league nor do I want to be. But the hummer in and of itself? Why not, it’s an expression of creativity. I think you summed it up best in your question, ‘Are hummers a sign of excess run amok or American ingenuity?’. It’s both, depending on a person’s motivation.
.-= Thought Bubble Ten´s last blog ..Blog posts and comments – Why bother? =-.
Thought Bubble, I should wonder about motivation more (although sometimes I get a little too judgemental). Thank you for your comment. I look forward to seeing you again.
Here’s the weird thing… around here and in NY, there were so many that I stopped noticing them. Hummers became just another big car. I think there’s a lesson in there are consumerism and buying stuff not equaling happiness, but I’m too tired to figure it out!
.-= Christa´s last blog ..A Weekened Getaway (or Babysitting With the Grandmas) =-.
Christa, I didn’t realize they were so common in NY. A hummer still stands our around here. (This is the land of hybrids).
I can relate to being too tired. This time change (or at least that’s my story) is kicking my butt this week.
I’m not a car person in the first place. A car is just a tool to get you from point A to point B. I’ve never understood the need for Hummers on American streets. They are big and bulky and waste a lot of resources, I’m glad to see them go.
.-= iamtheworkingpoor´s last blog ..On the Bright Side I Can Add the Title of Gravedigger to My Resume =-.
I actually have the same thought about cars; they don’t excite me at all. I just want my car to be a happy mix of economical and comfortable.
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