Bankrupt - Hummer

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In the early 2000's, General Motors had released what would be one of the most controversial vehicles of the decade. The Hummer H1, H2 and H3 were all either loved or hated by Americans and with decent sales and an enthusiastic set of supporters, the massive SUV became an icon of the era. But, within just a few short years, the early success of the Hummer quickly declines until GM killed off the brand entirely before the decade was over. Join me as I find out why.
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BrightSunFilms 2023
Presented in 4K

[@davemarm]

5 years from now: "Bankrupt - Hello Fresh" video sponsored by Hummer

[@wrockage]

that's hilarious, sir!

[@Canleaf08]

Actually the growth of this Berlin based startup is very concerning…

[@Legion849]

@@Canleaf08 KZbinrs are always going to jump on the bandwagon. If there's money to be made screw everything else. Actually concerning is Established Titles because it's a scam

[@theshyguitarist]

Exactly...this video was not entirely accurate.

[@ExValeFor]

old thing good, new thing bad, me smart, give updoot

[@chrisvmazer9692]

It amazes me that GM convinced thousands of people that they need a literal military truck to pick up their kids from soccer training and drive to walmart

[@lb9gta307]

No one convinced them they needed that. The H2 and H3 are far from military vehicles, for one. But people who have the means will buy what they want, not just what they need.

[@beamdoctor5637]

Actually they were a waste of money for military vehicle. Most military don't need to go around in 4 wheel drive. And many Army and Marines were blown up in them in Iraq. So they invented the MRAP

[@junrosamura645]

@@beamdoctor5637 The Humvee was a great military vehicle. It got me where I needed to go and fast. I use to do mail runs between bases back in Iraq and it was quick to avoid attacks.

[@MDPToaster]

Are you implying that the average person wouldn’t want to use a cool as hell military vehicle as their daily driver?

[@Alexs23743]

Becomes more hilarious when you realize that Chrysler already had a literal military truck on the market: the Jeep Wrangler. And they still have it. Because people actually want to drive Jeep Wranglers.

[@MrSmithSAH]

saw the title of this video and immediately hit with the 2 emotions of: "Forgot that Hummer existed" and "How has there not been an episode on Hummer until now?"

[@masennus2495]

Relatable.

[@joevanlear7566]

I was "hit" by the thought that at least my Ex had ONE redeemable quality. 🤣

[@souryabasnet7856]

Saw the title of this video and immediately hit with 2 things this channel is just like donut media the color scheme the logo color

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

11:50 can afford many bad cars but cant afford a decent house or even garage space! LOL

[@Emira_75]

My immediate reaction was 'wait most my feed is car content, but never from bright sun films' lmao

[@MikeKobela]

I'll always remember Hummers for becoming big memes in Hungary a decade ago, when a driver wanted to go through a frozen Lake Balaton with it on a particularly very cold winter period, thinking the ice on it was thick enough, sank, then another Hummer came to tow it out, which also sank. Pics of those Hummers stuck in ice, edited in to many images, flooded the social feeds.

[@Seff2]

First I thought the plan was to drive through lake Balaton (not over the ice). Knowing how shallow the lake is, I would not even be surprised about that idea.

[@sopissedoff]

Ah that brings things back to me ,we went to Budapest for the grand Prix,Then on to lake Balaton for 9 days,if I could turn the clock back♥️

[@MikeKobela]

@@Seff2 HAHA no I forgot to clarify at first that this was during a particularly cold winter period when most, if not all of the lake, froze, which has been quite a rare occurence for us, winters have been mostly quite mild in the past decade and a half.

[@MajesticOak]

what can I type into search engines to find these memes? They sound very hilarious!

[@MikeKobela]

@@MajesticOak The basic key words will do. Balaton, Hummer, meme, or mém, as we write it, etc. Just keep in mind, a lot of them are either captioned in Hungarian, or references things from Hungary that was also in the talking circles, so a good chunk will probably be lost on you.

[@Wildcat_Media]

My grandmother joked once that she wanted a Hummer. Then the joke went on long enough that she became serious about it. It took some time to convince my grandpa to agree - and her little Buick breaking down - and she bought an H3. So you have this petite little lady tooling around town in a great big Hummer. And that’s the perfect image of my grandma’s personality. 😊

[@sydneyconcerts902]

h3 was small tho lol a land cruiser was bigger then a h3

[@edu7979]

Based grandna

[@barrag3463]

tbh a good general rule is that grandmas aren't to be messed with, because most aren't ones to deal with the foolishness of others.

[@NickTarterOKC]

The H2 was based on a Tahoe/Suburban (GMT800) platform which is super stout. I believe most had the LS based 6.0 which is a fantastic engine and the 4L60e transmission. They added some 4x4 goodies that made it pretty great off-road, but then again so is that generation of Suburban/Tahoe. The H3 is based on a Chevy Colorado/Trailblazer platform which is also pretty good, though not as stout as the GMT800 platform. The H3 featured either the Isuzu Atlas 3.7 inline 5 engine or the 5.3 LS based V8. The 5.3 is a legendary engine. The 3.7 i5 is good too so long as it is well maintained. The biggest problems with the 5 cylinder is that it is a little underpowered and slightly pricey to work on due to it being pretty unconventional. I always wished that they would have used the Atlas 4.2 straight 6 from the Trailblazer. That was a really solid engine and is basically the same as the i5 but with an extra cylinder meaning more power, and also cheaper to work on since a straight 6 is relatively common and mechanics usually have the right tools to tinker with them. Overall, I'd love to have an H3 if I could get my hands on one (especially with the 5.3). They are pretty great for what they are. They are good off-road and not as ridiculous on road as the H2 or the H1.

[@nicholasshade1366]

I like your story.💛

[@AK-lw2jw]

Growing up in Houston in the early 2000’s, we’d always pass this massive hummer dealer on our way to Galveston. It had its own off-road course next to it and there were cars mounted on the top and sides of the building and parked around the lot in various creative ways. It was definitely an eye catcher, and from what I remember all of the dealerships had the same architecture which in my option still holds up in its design.

[@gmlover82]

The building is still there and you can still the the arched roof. The big H was done away with several years ago. It’s a Hyundai dealer now.

[@houstoner]

Yup. I remember that too. I think I have some pics of it in a shoebox somewhere.

[@SombreroKnight]

I actually work as a tech at the old hummer dealer now Big Star Hyundai and I also remember when it used to be hummer although I a new dealer is being built aside and the old building will be used cars.

[@txspazz]

The design was inspired by a WWII Quonset hut.

[@AshleyxVlogs]

I remember that!! When I was a kid I thought those things were just so cool. Everyone wanted one 😂

[@Replicaate]

Lived in quite an affluent 'hood in southern Canada for my middle school/high school years, and lemme tell you I saw LOADS of these things in McMansion driveways, usually driven by some tiny blond lady in huge sunglasses. Then one day they just seemed to...vanish. The whole Hummer phenomenon felt like a mid-00s hallucination sometimes.

[@madwatchstudios]

I remember in late 2008 when gas prices pushed over $4 / gallon, there was a Hummer dealership in Orlando offering "buy an H2 and get an H3 at 50% off" ...absolutely insane times.

[@michaelperez9966]

Gas prices from 2007 to 2009 ranged from $3.50 to $4.50 a gallon, and Hummers got about eight miles a gallon; so it’s no wonder they didn’t sell.

[@ChrisCam84]

I’m hoping we get a whole series of these videos that cover all the shuttered GM marques like Oldsmobile, Pontiac and especially Saab!

[@crazycat4128]

and Saturn

[@hwogrillo]

@@crazycat4128 Don't forget everyones favorite, Geo.

[@LanceRyderWilsonNigguh01]

​@@crazycat4128 yeah, i forgot that Saturn exists

[@svpracer98]

Saturn! Never forget the sad demise that was Saturn...

[@baronvonjo1929]

I was looking at a GM wiki and Holy crap they have had dozens of brands I mean they apparently owned Lotus at one point. Making a video of their brands would be a long one

[@waterdelirious4898]

I actually had no idea Hummer went under until I saw this video. I just thought people stopped driving them due to rising gas prices.

[@xxibjrosek]

That very well could've been a leading factor. Tied in with The Great Recession, it definitely would've seen a huge drop in not only interest but also sales.

[@TheStevenWhiting]

Same.

[@TheStevenWhiting]

I've only seen about 1 or 2 driving round in the UK and our roads are small. Full size ones. Think there were smaller versions as well. The most famous one I know is Arnie driving his.

[@waterdelirious4898]

@@TheStevenWhiting they were everywhere in California in the early 2000's. I remember growing up spending summers in Beverly Hills they were EVERYWHERE. You weren't a somebody if you didn't have one, it seemed.

[@robloxfan4271]

Same

[@houstoner]

Ahhh the H2 and H3, thank you for keeping me in business when I was an auto tech. Same goes for PT Cruisers, they kept food on the table.

[@wrockage]

the pt crusier - what a ridiculous vehicle - just my opinion!

[@hylacinerea970]

my father and his coworkers would bet on how many hummers they'd have to service each week with a cash pool

[@Mr-Bogs]

Interesting, I've had an H3 for close to 10 years now and it's only been in the shop for a few mechanical issues. Rear main seal, tensioner needed replacing, and a leak in the sunroof. Besides that it's been mechanically sound, only other thing it's been in the shop for are wear and tear items... Maybe I got lucky

[@PolyhedralParadice]

As the husband of a PT Cruiser owner, thank you and you are welcome...

[@Mr-Bogs]

@@martys4x457 I like how you assume to know where I've taken my vehicle, but you know what happens when you assume. In fact it's been on most major trails between North Carolina and Pennsylvania and some further west. Not really rock crawling on the East coast, but these trails and offroad parks are no picnic

[@acrain7]

There’s something odd about the way a Hummer H2 is put together- it simultaneously feels like it’s going to fall apart, but also like it will outlive you only so it can piss on your gravestone. The plastics on the inside are some of the cheapest, most hollow materials I’ve ever felt, but they’re put together incredibly well. The seats feel like they’re straight out of every geriatric’s leather reclining armchair, and are as supple and comfortable as they are slippery. Yet, as you slide around on tight dirt backroads or even uneven pavement, you somehow feel secure. You’re in a car so otherworldly by todays standards that you feel empowered to just be yourself- because hell, if you didn’t stand out before you got in it you sure do now. The brake pedal feels like pushing through a house or cards while also stepping in wet cement, and the steering is loose and vague, but also controlled, like a stern hand on your shoulder without any grip to back it up. The transmission isn’t really under your control so much as it’s under your suggestion- if left to it’s own devices, it shifts when ever it decides to, or sometimes doesn’t shift at all, and the engine belts out a tune like it’s under the spot light at a karaoke night after a few too many shots, all while going nowhere. It leans and pitches, and through the spaghetti like handling all the sense of toxic masculinity fades away, and you’re left with a bizarre vehicle that feels giant inside and out, but isn’t much bigger than a Tahoe. It’s a terrible, amazing car.

[@melissakacin11]

what a review of a car, i loved reading this from start to finish. you have such an imaginative way with words.

[@tomrade344]

@@melissakacin11 that was the most poetic description of a car i've ever had the pleasure of reading

[@silhouettoofaman2935]

This reads exactly like something RegularCars would say. I love it!

[@nicestoriesnottherealstori3006]

As a 2000s kid, I always thought this thing was so cool, and I always wanted it.

[@maxp2305]

I own one. They suck. Don't ever do it.

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

As the Jeep advertisment says JEEP the Hummer for prepubescent girls!

[@xxdesertstorm]

they have an EV coming out hrrrrrrrr someone watches to much tik tok and needs to read an article like normal people

[@jon_deluxe]

I felt the same until I had a chance to ride in one. It was unbelievably cramped and uncomfortable. Never felt the same way again.

[@TheMsdos25]

Just watch Doug Demuro's video

[@idontevenknow9758]

I remember seeing hummers in my old neighborhood as a kid. They felt so out of place against the backdrop of smaller cars and pretty tightly packed towns and roads. I think the reason they are ridiculed today like you said they represent a time in the bubble between 2001 and 2008. The 2008 economic crisis brings back haunting memories for a lot of people who were fired, or college kids just graduated when it all went down to somehow find work. The hummer is a weird memory of somewhat okay times when all things considered we were doing fine even after 9/11. When we felt we can build and do what we wanted, no matter how silly.

[@jason_l5p]

i feel the hatred is unwarranted. the hummer h2 is similar to many other fullsize suv's of the time. The chevy tahoe had very similar specs

[@giancarlolugo9586]

​@@jason_l5p Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, Hummer H2, Lincoln Navigator, Excursion, Dodge Durango, were the epítome of the 2000's there are many hip hop songs of the time talking about those SUV's, some of then came with Iowenhart chrome wheels from factory. An underrated one would be the Lexus LX470

[@natatatt]

Such an iconic early 2000's car. It was featured in all the teen movies that came out around that time.

[@lb9gta307]

Because just about every celebrity had either an H2 or Escalade on 22" wheels.

[@kolonarulez5222]

My cousin (who shortly after went bankrupt himself) was the person I knew to actually own one and what a beast of excess it was. It was an impulse buy after a raise and I remember his wife being so angry. They had a hard time reselling it.

[@Fuchswinter]

It's fascinating to see from a European perspective how you actually have space in the street for these massive things. I can't remember ever seeing a Hummer in real life. And these things are memorable because even 'normal' American cars are twice the size than the average European one. There's a RAM in my town and it's twice the size of even our bigger car. No parking spot is big enough, they park in an industrial area. It's wild lol

[@alexander1485]

I just saw a h1 slant back cop recently

[@JulianFischerJulesBarner]

I have seen one (I think an H3) trying to navigate in Zurich and I doubt it would be possible to drive them anywhere besides major roads here. The Hummer EV is about 4000kg, the max weight for our regular driver's licence in Switzerland is 3500, so you'd need an extra licence just to drive the damn thing.

[@Browningate]

I feel sorry for folks stuck in those old world foreign countries that are limited in that way. You just don't get the full experience without subcompacts, mom vans, and 3/4 tons, all dueling it out on the same normal-sized roadways, solely on the basis of their merits.

[@ninabeena83]

There are definitely still a few driving around Houston lol

[@bend8353]

@@ninabeena83 Huston Police even drive the H1 last time I was there

[@melasn9836]

In my very suburban area, Hummers were especially known for being driven rather recklessly, and it became a joke in my family that pretty much every accident in the area was due to a Hummer causing a fender bender, since 4 out of 5 times that's what happened.

[@bigtxbullion]

Amazing how your perception changes over the decades. As a teen and young adult I wanted one so bad. Then when I needed power and towing found out they simply cant compete with modern trucks. Still always look great but thats about it.

[@EMdemo]

Even@the time they didn't have the power necessary; the H3 debuted with the 5cyl engine if I remember correctly. It wasn't until later they stuffed a V8 😂

[@venomousnate7263]

Ah Hummers, I always wanted one, I used to collect models of them. Never had one because they went under years before I got my license. Also, love the new intro to Bankrupt.

[@maxp2305]

I own one. They suck. Don't ever do it.

[@kevenboily4238]

@@maxp2305 h1?

[@angieemm]

You can still get an H1 from military auctions for as little as 5k. Avoid the GM versions.

[@foxesamu]

It’s still shocking seeing an H1 in person. It’s crazy that they were ever available for civilian private sale. They’re just so damn big. Should’ve needed a CDL just to do a u turn in one.

[@danielpope6498]

The crazy thing is the new ram trx and f150 raptor are wider than the H1

[@jevinday]

Yeah it's pretty crazy to think that a civilian could own them. So strange haha. I haven't seen an H1 on the road in forever

[@tedecker3792]

We called them “mailbox flatterers” on rural roads.

[@nitroxylictv]

The H1 is a civilian vehicle, was never a military vehicle. Not the same as the HMMWV. A real humvee is specifically for the military, but you can even buy those too at surplus auctions. They also cost a fraction of what an H1 cost. Typical prices for military humvees is between $3,000-$10,000. The coolest part is that military humvees can be made street legal.

[@lb9gta307]

As a civilian you can buy a full size school bus and even a class A motorhome, both of which make an H1 seem small.

[@Choralone422]

There was a Hummer dealership near me that had the giant H logo as part of building design just like in this video built a year or two before the bottom fell out on Hummer. They also had a small "test track" that featured some paved hills and such to simulate off-roading. The dealership was built right next to Interstate 80 in an extremely visible location. Locally it sort of became a joke that the place barely seemed to open and then the brand disappeared. The place was empty for a couple of years before an independent car dealer that had a few other locations in the region setup shop there. They slightly modified the face of the building to try to downplay the giant H but they too only lasted a few years. Then when Fiat and Alfa Romeo were trying to make inroads in the US market in the mid-to-late 2010's the place reopened with a dealer that sold those brands. Along with additional changes to the building to try to downplay the old giant H. But that dealer also closed at the end of Sept 2022. I'm pretty sure that whole site it cursed! However, the little Hummer test track still remains to this day on the west side of the property!

[@kylenorman5250]

Are you in Eastern Iowa by chance? Because I think I know which dealership you're talking about lol

[@Choralone422]

@@kylenorman5250 Yep.

[@Robocopnik]

7:55 - It's ya boi, the 2008 Recession!

[@seanhorace925]

You really make amazing videos whether they're the Bankrupt series or the Abandoned series. Any plans to do a Bankrupt episode about The Lyons Group/Lyricks Studios (the studio that created Barney the Dinosaur and his shows "Barney and the Backyard Gang" and "Barney and Friends")? Cause that would be stupendous!!!

[@sonic23233]

It would also be funny

[@Hammerhead547]

One of the main reasons why GM went down in 2008 was because they had something like 12 different sub brands, and many of them didn't sell for shit.

[@g.p.b.]

And sadly they got rid of their best which was Saturn

[@AaronOfMpls]

@@g.p.b. I still wish they'd done better with Saab myself.

[@iranoutofspacefornam]

Pontiac was just starting to turn itself around, too.

[@g.p.b.]

@@AaronOfMpls I did not know they owned Saab. Saab also makes airplanes iirc

[@AaronOfMpls]

@@g.p.b. Yes, GM bought 51% of Saab Automobile in 1990, and bought the rest in 2000. Saab Automobile was split off from Saab-Scania AB (later Saab AB after Scania was split off) as part of that process.

[@Elaba_]

The red Hummer had always been an enigma in the small town. It had been sitting in the same spot, with the same license plate, for as long as anyone could remember. People whispered that it was cursed, that anyone who dared to drive it would meet a terrible fate. But for James, the allure of the flashy vehicle was too strong to resist. He had always been fascinated with the red Hummer, and when he finally got his hands on it, he felt invincible. But that feeling soon turned to terror as strange things began to happen. The Hummer seemed to have a mind of its own, taking James on dangerous and reckless drives through the town. One night, while James was out driving alone, the Hummer's headlights began to flicker. Suddenly, the car jerked to a stop, and James found himself unable to move. He heard a low, ominous growling coming from the engine, and the air around him grew thick and heavy. Out of nowhere, the doors of the Hummer swung open, and a figure emerged. It was a dark, menacing shape, and as it got closer, James could see that it was not human. It was the Hummer itself, alive and angry. The Hummer charged at James, and he tried to run, but it was too late. The car consumed him, its metal body crushing his bones and snuffing out his life. The red Hummer sped off into the night, leaving no trace of its gruesome act. From that day on, the red Hummer remained in the same spot, waiting for its next victim to fall prey to its deadly charms. The townspeople whispered even more fervently about its curse, and parents warned their children to stay away from the cursed car. But the red Hummer remained, a symbol of death and destruction, waiting for its next victim to come along.

[@sabersz]

Really well done video!!! As a car guy I thoroughly enjoyed this dive into Hummer as a brand.

[@jacobasuncion3132]

I grew up during the 20’-24’ inch chrome wheel era in the 2000’s seeing H2 Hummer’s, Escalade’s, Yukon Denali’s, Navigator’s, and 300C where common to see

[@Tom.......]

Yo you forgot about the 20"-24" spinners dawg the ultimate early 2000's flex.

[@jacobasuncion3132]

@@Tom....... your right

[@MG-zx8jn]

It's not a bankrupt episode without the '08 recession

[@garjo7131]

Dude this car kicks ass, and I can watch Madagascar while I'm driving!

[@crazycat4128]

Brian found out he loved driving one

[@BIGBLUBLUR]

Make sure to merge without looking for extra style!

[@amandamedendorp7740]

my grandma bought an H3 right before the recession. grandma had to get a smaller car more suited for city life years later, so now it's my mom's car. it's a hilariously large car but she loves it, and i have a nostalgic fondness for them despite their many flaws. i don't live in a super affulent area, but there are two other hummers in my neighborhood alone. thanks for another great video!

[@Adeadoornail7226]

Lol the h3 was the smaller of the 3 too!

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I know other countries make fun of us for our large vehicles and I'm not saying a Hummer is the answer, but try driving the distance of Alaska to Louisiana with three kids, two adults, two cats, and a full grown Chow Chow, plus luggage (we were moving states). It was a two week trip and with that many occupants, you are going to want room. Unfortunately, while we had a second row of seats, it was folded down for the dog to have room at the back. That trip was CRAMPED. While a trip with that many living beings isn't common, road trips in the U.S. are. I hated us siblings having to fight over who had to sit in the middle all through my childhood (not always did we have a vehicle with two rows). With two rows of seats, everyone is guaranteed to get a window seat where they can look out or lean against it to nap. It's just so much more comfortable. My mom also got an SUV though we "kids" are now adults because she does a lot of DIY projects and needs to haul wood and cinder blocks and other heavy materials. The shocks on a car would die under that weight. I think we also just have a lot more contractors and do-it-yourselfers than most other countries. For example, do stores like Home Depot or Lowes exist overseas where average, everyday people pick up lumber or lawnmowers and whatnot? I get the sense that such stores are only for professionals everywhere else, but here in the U.S., we encourage people to build things themselves, beyond, say, making their own furniture from Ikea (which doesn't count, lol).

[@amandamedendorp7740]

oh absolutely! the rest of my family, me included, have much smaller and more economical cars. but that big ol’ hummer comes in handy when family is moving. me and all of my siblings are either in college, out of college looking for apartments, or about to go to college… and having all that room is incredible for getting everything in one go. could she get a more fuel efficient car? absolutely, but my grandma sold it to us for a dollar and that bad boy is still kicking after 280K+ miles. we’ll hold on to the hummer until it’s run into the ground haha.

[@markoz673bajen8]

Big ? My FJ40 is wider and higher compared to the H3.

[@sydneyconcerts902]

h3 was small tho lol a land cruiser was bigger then a h3 i call this fke so many my grandma bought one comments lol

[@nikolasbishop7955]

These were awesome. I remember watching the commercials when i was five or six. Have always been in love with Hummers. Then one day, i kept asking myself, "where did all the commercials go?". Saw the thumbnail and never clicked on this so fast in my life.

[@jordanloerch484]

Genuinely so happy you made a video about Hummer. I have fond memory’s of going to the Hummer dealership with my dad when I was 8 and checking out all the models with him and going out on their test course. Great video Jake!

[@nicholas_scott]

A big part missing in the story was in the 90s, “body kits” were massively popular. You could convert a 90s blazer, suburban, etc, and make it look like a hummer-ish. GM came along and figured they could do something similar. The H2 and H3 were basically existing GM platforms with body kits. But it was never more then a novelty

[@chrisbooge2217]

Show me one picture of a 90’s blazer or suburban with a hummer-ish body kit conversion.

[@DroneStrike1776]

There was never a Blazer or Suburban with a Hummer kit. You're making things up. The H2 was created during the SUV boom, but it came at a bad time and ended in 2009 during the recession. The H2 was actually built on a modified heavy duty truck frame, unlike the body on frame Tahoes and Suburbans.

[@Sv5YpWTwd9otTA4So83f]

@@DroneStrike1776 And yet even the H2, let alone the H3, lacked portal axles or anything else actually desirable about the H1.

[@BillehBobJoe]

@@chrisbooge2217 i seen a early 2000s jeep wrangler for sale near me that had a body kit

[@nicholas_scott]

@@DroneStrike1776 The big hummer-kit companies in the 90s were "Urban Gorilla" and "Active Power". They both made kits and you can search on both. There were others as well. GM bought the rights to "Hummer" around 99, and when they started development on the "H2" program, which was a GMC Sierra with a new body, they also sued all the hummer-kit companies to force them to stop doing the same thing. I don't fault GM. They legally bought the rights to the name- But they were just taking an existing idea, and milking it to death

[@silhouettoofaman2935]

As a kid i was OBSESSED with Hummers. I had never seen a car quite so big before, and the sheer power those things exuded shot right to my 5-6-year-old heart. When i saw a dealership as we went grocery shopping, i begged and pleaded my mom to stop by and look around. I even got a souvenir H2 from there! It was like stepping into my own special Disney World.

[@Roblilley999]

Saw my first Hummer in ages today. Was a stretched limo. Didn't realise they were Bankrupt

[@Rhewin]

I'm genuinely shocked how many of those are still limo variants are still on the road. Nothing screams 2000's excess like those things.

[@nitroxylictv]

@@Rhewin They are mostly used for school fundraisers and events. If you do good enough or sell enough shit you get to ride to Cici's and get some pizza in a damn limo.

[@Rhewin]

@@nitroxylictv that’s every limo ever. And proms tended to be when you’d see them the most.

[@lisastoran2519]

We had an '03 H2 and an '07 H3. Loved them both. We added lift kits and customized them. We used to do car shows with them an everyone loved them. I wish they were still drivable. Hummer did some great events where you learned how to handle the vehicle offroad and learn it's capabilities. We had so much fun with them.

[@ivrunner5043]

still drivable? so you paid a ton, added more money in aftermarket parts, and they still didn't last. yeah, sounds great.

[@lisastoran2519]

We just blew the transmission on the H3 in December. 250 Thousand miles. The H2 needs the lift compressor replaced. We got the springs to replace it but never found anyone to do it. It's not something that can be done at home.

[@ivrunner5043]

@@lisastoran2519 tranny blew? no way. lol. and no one will work on the rest. i believe it. i cant imagine the thousands of dollars you sunk into those clunkers to limp them along all these years. sorry to bust on you. 03 tacoma 245k miles, 04 four runner 210k. barely spent a few thousand over 18-19 years. still daily drivers, oh and offroad, you're not getting stuck.

[@lisastoran2519]

We just don't have the money to do it right now. We loved these trucks so much. Never had any problems with them in all the years we had them. You can say what you want, but they were a great company.

[@lucaswillis7646]

We had a Hummer Dealership open here in Minnesota probably around 2005 or 2006 and it had the rock hills with all the different Hummers parked on them it was right along I-94. The funny thing is when it closed the building became a seasonal Halloween store.. and just recently opened up as a Tesla Service Center!

[@kalui96]

Seeing the new Hummer EV is hilarious. It weighs a lot, and that's kinda how many offroad vehicles end up getting stuck. Many modern tanks and IFVs are shedding armor to be able to traverse better. Then there's Hummer... bolting on huge batteries... and electric range + charging problems too ofc

[@xNeo64]

The H1 could easily drive through like 25 inches of WATER And since the new "hummer" is electric I don't think anyone is gonna attempt anything like that with it

[@nitroxylictv]

@@xNeo64 Teslas that have had flood damage catch on fire when in use

[@txspazz]

@@xNeo64 The max fording depth of the HUMMER EV is 32 inches.

[@DaltonTk423]

Very well done video. My family has owned Hummers since the early 2000s. I own an extremely early production 2003 H2 Adventure with the factory roof lights (now KC) and rear air suspension that sees as much off-road driving as on road. My father owns an early production 2006 H3 with the i5 engine. Both have been great vehicles, but neither are daily drivers. My H2 will haul my trailer full of toys out to the SoCal deserts, tackle sand dunes like they are pavement, then haul everything back home weekend after weekend. Its one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. The H2 was actually built by AM General with drivetrains and interiors supplied by GM and is a very capable vehicle off road. The H3 was completely designed and built by GM and is very similar to the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado. I am glad GM revived an iteration of the HUMMER even though it is electric. I have seen one in person and it is slightly larger than my H2. They were even considering adding a 2nd charge port, nothing more HUMMER than that!

[@edkrassenstein5534]

In the mid 2000's a kid from my high-school got a new hummer for his birthday. Even then I knew hummers were trucks for children, and man children

[@starsINSPACE]

Yeah, the only person I knew who had one back when was my friend's older brother who also had a yellow mustang at some point in the 00s.

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

You most prob say a similar thing when you see a million dollar car, but wait till you get home to cry knowing you will never be able to afford one! 🤦‍♂🤣

[@starsINSPACE]

@@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307 IMHO, I don't think most people cry about not being able to have depreciating, vanity assets like Hummers. 🧐

[@edkrassenstein5534]

@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307 found the hummer owner. Imagine thinking a hypercar and a hummer are comparable purchases. The H2 is the antithesis of a cool car. The H1 was cool because it was a road legal military off roader. The H2 just took the styling and removed all the functionality that was the source of the H1's style. At the end of the day, it's a mid 2000s soccer mom SUV with a hummer grill. It's lame

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

@@starsINSPACE Just like him you would have to worry about depreciating "OH NO I CANT AFFORD THAT MONEY!" AKA couldnt afford one like him in the first place!

[@SakicFan]

One of the first Hot Wheels cars I feel in love with was a Hummer H2 that was black with gold trim and flames on the sides that came in a 2008 General Motors 5 Pack.

[@navigationescaladed1659]

As a 2000s child growing up I remember seeing movies and TV shows and ADs of the Hummer H2 and had a family member owned one in yellow with chrome trims and door handles and a custom dual exhaust who takes it to Birthday parties or other special events and some days when visiting family and sometimes to Mexico where he almost got jacked by the Cartel. I remember riding with my cousins to a park in a state park in a summer day with that sweet smell of the new car smell and sitting comfortably in the super comfortable seats at the 2nd row with the A/C on and hearing some Mexican music ofc. Man those days were fun until he didn't want to spend on gas money after 2009 where he bought a Honda Pilot Touring after trading the "El Amarillo" in. Man those days were the best days back then. Those Hummers were my dream vehicles to this day and the Escalade since I'm into bigger, buffer, gas hogging, and V8 vehicles. Now that we have the EV hopefully I can get my knowledge to make the 20th Anniversary edition with its classic yellow color, halogen lights and off road lights, classic 2000s GMT 800 style gauge cluster with the classic chime, and some tweaks to the performance.

[@cowandkat]

I remember my moms best friend picking us up from school in her pink hummer and the inside was so incredibly small!!

[@sergeipohkerova7211]

I think the actual military hummer looks boss but the civilian ones look douchey

[@tbtb66]

This channel is so (freakin) awesome it makes me wanna merge without looking

[@Pluvillion]

A brand that symbolized class, riches, and even strength (it used to be compared to limousines before). Even as a car guy by heart I didn't know they're gone - I always assumed people just stopped driving them one day and forgot Hummer ever existed.

[@thomasbloomer5874]

Thank you Jake!!!!! Really appreciate what you do in keeping this kind of history alive. Also A HUGE PS: only after 2008 did anyone care about mpg. Seriously this is America think of the Excursion. It was the big brother to the H2 of the time. I remember telling my parents I wanted to check out both of these vehicles when they where at the dealers brand new.

[@smartav]

My favorite series! Another great episode! Thank you!

[@royalcass]

These cars kick ass! You can watch Madagascar while driving! So funny it makes me wanna merge without looking

[@zommergames3972]

Amazing! Honestly, there could be separate videos for each of the GM brands ended by the recession, or even before. Really nicely done as always!

[@gotrik.a]

Another great episode! Always look forward to your Bankrupt and Abandoned uploads!!

[@tuneadorflames]

Very nice episode and new intro you made Jake, keep up the awesome work

[@RJLightning68]

AM General was once the military branch of AMC aka American Motors Corporation

[@IAmSidTheRealKid]

Fun fact:The High Voltage battery pack is 1/3 the total weight of the vehicle.(3000LB/1360 kg) its enormous. I personally have replaced three of the high voltage battery packs for a recall that was on a few. I am GMC EV Certified Technician.

[@UnknownParallel]

Ah, the age of ricing a Hummer. I remember those old days. Also, for anybody wondering about some of the scenes that include the Hummer H2, two scenes come from these two movies. Seed of Chucky (not so good of a film) where a black H2 is driving at night. In that one movie, Chucky and Glen/Glenda drive Britney Spears off and she apparently dies in an explosion, and ending it off with one terrible song reference to match. It's shown in the video three times. At 1:00, 5:21, and 9:49. And the last one being Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (an okay comedy film about NASCAR), in that establishing shot of the mansion which is supposed to take place after Ricky Bobby gets married and has kids with the one that flashed... uh, you know what I mean lol. At 11:50.

[@GNARK1LL420]

My parents bought an H3 around when they came out and I hated driving it the few time I did. Too cramped for me and I always had lean forward at lights to see when it turns green.

[@neferazure]

Surprised you didn't mention the long standing dispute they had between themselves and Jeep on who should have the right to use the signature 7-slit grille design. It was always so funny to me because Jeep was around before Hummer and yet Hummer had the nerve to want to dispute who should retain those rights. Guess Jeep won in the long run, since Hummer went under. Welp. Looks like the problem ended up working itself out after all. lol

[@stussels]

jeep sued hummer regarding the seven slot grill and lost. judge ruled since they both came from am general they both could use it.

[@neferazure]

@Jet Fire the dispute went on for several years though, and it was pretty funny because it never should have been up for debate in the first place. Either way, Hummer is gone now, so it all worked out in the end. Can't go doing ugly things and thinking it'll end well. Jeep came first and Hummer should have ceased and desisted. Also, the judge's decision was not based on ownership at all, he simply said “DaimlerChrysler has virtually no chance of showing a likelihood of consumer confusion between the Jeep Wrangler and the H2”. So it was more so that he couldn't see the likelihood that anyone would confuse the two just because they both had the 7-slit grille in their designs. In the end, Hummer may have briefly won the battle, but they ultimately lost the war.

[@lyndastarwriter8507]

Never had one...but the vehicles looked cool...sort of fashionable...colorful, flashy and MOVE outta the way....loved it....

[@shadowred1980]

Thank you for the details around the brand, some of it I had seen in other news articles. This has it all wrapped into one video. I can remember some h2's and 3's over here in the UK. O dear lol.

[@ChristianPierce8420]

"The H1 still is a status symbol for those who like to live large." That's slick.

[@Benji_4]

The hummer is actually an amazing name for an EV because that's what it sounds like.

[@swampthing20]

That's Shudehill in Manchester, England at 06:12! On a BrightSun film! Cool :)

[@lucsmith2092]

If only BSF was making educational vids when I was in high school, ROFL. Such an engaging style I love watching!

[@peps5594]

Hummin’ their way to bankruptcy court.

[@xxdesertstorm]

they didn't as they are owned by GM, should read what happened in the 2008-2009 recession as if this creator did the 100% research they'd see they NEVER DID

[@ThatsAGotchi]

Late last year I saw one of those massive converted Hummer Limos show up at my workplace. It had a real hard time going around the corners of the car park which were very much not designed for vehicles that large. It was certainly something.

[@chilltown231]

As always an incredible watch! Fingers crossed for a Worldcom Bankrupt video

[@patrickracer43]

The H1 was always going to be bad for the civilian market, as it was too large for even American streets, I know this as someone has an H1 parked in the drive-thru of an abandoned bank around the corner from my house and it barely fits in the bay, the H2 and the H3 were much easier to live with

[@admiralrustyshackleford119]

There was Hummer dealer right off of Interstate 80 near Davenport Iowa many years ago. They had an "obstacle course" off to the side where you could drive by on the interstate and see all the H2 and H3 Hummers parked on various hills and rocks and dirt piles, I got yelled at and chased off the property for driving their obstacle course in the beat to hell 1987 Ford Bronco I had at the time... 🤣

[@AnEverydayGamer]

I still have an old home video from 2008 I believe of me in elementary school getting in a hummer limo with my classmates. Still remember the inside.

[@VannrithSourisVa]

Still have a bunch of very rich people drive around Phnom Penh. I love the boxy design though. Hummer and old Escalade are my favorites that I don't wanna buy :D

[@russianbear0027]

Hummer h2s and h3s have a very interesting presence in early to mid 2000s video games

[@Eastsid3]

Yup remember them being in Need for speed U 2.

[@Rachel-art-and-design]

I didn’t remember that it went bankrupt. Never interested in owning one of those monstrosities but to each their own.

[@xxdesertstorm]

that's because they didn't GM only shut production down,

[@artistwithouttalent]

Is that title card new? It looks _amazing!_ I think the reason the Hummer failed to attract wide appeal like Jeep or the G-wagen is down to a specific set of circumstances. The G-wagen might've been developed for military purposes, but it's still a Mercedes. It's hard to be jingoistic in a car made by a foreign manufacturer. Meanwhile the Jeep was a combat vehicle, yes, and there is a "stolen valor" motif that is not uncommon to see on them still today, but the last time a Jeep saw combat under the control of the US was no later than Vietnam. It had a chance to develop a civilian identity prior to the 2000s, when the American people began to question blind patriotism. Meanwhile the Hummer was actively being used in combat in a _very_ unpopular war at that exact time; it was impossible to detach the vehicle from the military, and the at-best questionable actions it was taking at the time. Marketing itself on its military toughness might've made sense prior to the War on Terror, but when we went into Iraq the last thing your average American wanted was unexamined militaria, and Hummer was such a natural at fitting that niche that it didn't have much else to pivot to.

[@typicaltylerrr9734]

Yo Jake, huge fan. Got a story for you that's fascinating... Well two. Ones the St Charles, MO superfund site and Times Beach, Missouri. Times Beach was abandoned and there is an amazing history behind it.

[@mountaineernews2]

Well, the only car I remember in the 2000s was the odyssey from Honda but now as I’m getting close to learn to drive I am thinking about buying an odyssey, so how times flies

[@rongchangwang]

Who could imagine Hummer could be back in a EV form and some dealer in Oklahoma could put $200K mark up it in 2022 lol @dountmedia

[@everyhandletaken]

Immediately thought of the Donut Media guys reacting to that one too 😂

[@xxdesertstorm]

go figure but the fact is Hummer NVERE went bankrupt as they are owned by GM who closed production

[@everyhandletaken]

@@xxdesertstorm NVERE? I could have sworn that GM filed for bankruptcy in the past, must have been a red herring.

[@dierglard8675]

The best series in yt and no one can convince me otherwise

[@theplayernine8116]

The shot of Hugo's house from Lost toward the end, loved that lol

[@ds-iv8gn]

I’m a Marine truck driver. As someone who drove humvees all the time before they got phased out I HATED those things. Broke down all the time, slow, and cramped. However when they didn’t feel like breaking down they were very rugged and could go through almost any terrain. So glad my unit got rid of all of ours though.

[@BlueOvals24]

Even though he's not a car KZbinr, I'd love to see more car documentaries from Jake! They can still relate to this channel or to a new channel, many automakers have been bankrupt or had interesting merges. He could easily make a few just with brands from the GM umbrella. Then you have other brands like Saab and Lancia. He could even do videos on brands currently in a downfall like Nissan and Mitsubishi.

[@MichaelEilers]

I worked for General Motors IT and I was in charge of decommissioning the last Hummer web sites in India, Japan, And Brazil.

[@Wild_D]

I worked on Humvees when I was in the Marines. Making the H1 a civilian vehicle was a mistake. They should of made the H2 first so they could of gotten the H3 to market faster

[@Dr170]

*laughs in Canyonero*

[@HayleighPaige]

The Federal Highway Commission has ruled the Canyonero unsafe for highway and city driving

[@Vickvineager]

Lisa: aren’t large suv dangerous to be on the road? Bart: dangerous to the other drivers.

[@letsgoOs1002]

Hummer, the only brand to somehow make an ev that is worse for the environment than their gas version.

[@RyTrapp0]

*citation needed - there's a LOT to be accounted for that isn't with ever EV...

[@AdmiralJT]

Cobalt slave mines arent thatttttt bad.

[@letsgoOs1002]

@@RyTrapp0 I am only referring to hummer ev and all EVs.

[@nitroxylictv]

@@AdmiralJT Children mining lithium? Nah who cares lets go get a pumpkin spice late with extra soy milk. Dont forget your macbook! Im wearing my yellow flannel today.

[@hugeslacker]

@@nitroxylictv Without the children to mine where will we be?!

[@LucasOliveira-tt2ll]

thank you for bringing those pimp my ride moments into those heavily modified Hummers. Very associated with the lavish style of hip hop artists that today upscaled their choices into Bentley Bentayga and the king of cars, the Escalade

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Cool! Thanks for sharing it. ✌️

[@claudiobizama5603]

The H2 and H3 are such a 2000s time capsule. Would love one, only for nostalgia's sake. It's a challenge to keep them roadworthy though.

[@MultiMel0]

Here in Australia there was only one hummer in my area, one day I say the guy getting out of it at the shops. I don’t know if he was just tiny in comparison to the car or if a five foot nothing guy really thought that giant car would help his image

[@scottmilner1708]

Great video. A huge reason for the H2's popularity in the US can be tied directly to the US tax code. Because of their excessive weight they basically fell into the same category as farm equipment, which meant you could write off a substantial part of the vehicle's cost. Anyone who owned a small business like a sole proprietorship or LLC (and it didn't even have to be a farm business) could use that loophole. That allowed a bunch of self-employed people to drive a relatively expensive pseudo-monster truck for a few hundred bucks a month out of pocket.

[@somerandomness4285]

I still remember being like 5 or 6 years old and seeing a yellow H2 turn past my mom's car and it had chrome spinners and I was so lost as to how it was moving but the wheels weren't lol

[@CaptainHoratioPugwash]

One of the greatest things about the current Hummer EV is that, true to it's heritage, it's very inefficient, even for an EV.

[@laurenmosley9532]

I always felt like post 9-11 patriotism is what really rocketed Hummer's popularity. They give that freedom fries vibe.

[@notorioustori]

Love this guy! He deserves this showcasing!

[@enriquemarquez2589]

Thank you to bring back good memories of the 2000s and the Hummer was a big icon in that times. 💯👍🙌

[@pantherplatform]

Thanks to all those young men and women who got their arms and legs blown in the name of the military industrial complex.

[@TheMsdos25]

Ooof

[@pantherplatform]

(blown off)

[@chillsdesign]

Mattress Firm America's largest Mattress retailer has an interesting bankrupt story, they are still in business but have gone through quite the changes. I was a national sales specialist in their traveling sales department known as e&e (Events and Expositions) that department itself was a roller coaster of scandal. Long time subscriber and fan of the series!

[@hugeslacker]

I came across this video because I just bought an 07 h3 to replace my aged 99 jeep cherokee. gm did a great job with the h3.. the straight 5 is fairly fuel efficient for its time, easy to work on, reliable... and the interior is, well... its not bad. its sturdy, holds up over time, isn't the worst to look at.. its what you want in a mid price suv. I was originally looking at 4runners but people want way too much money for them. I bought the h3 cheaper than a 4runner of the same year with twice the miles on it would sell for. I have a feeling that the h3s are going to go up in value like the h2s have.

[@looneytoastywolf]

Duuude I remember how popular hummers were, I loved all the cool mods and designs people did on the hummers, I got to ride in some :D it was fun af also got to ride in a hummer limo to Universal Studios! Good memories ♡ Anyhoo great video as always BSF♡♡♡

[@marciej5861]

I drove a HMMVEE in the military in the mid-1980s; it was fun. The civilian version, however, was a repulsive symbol of conspicuous consumption.

[@nonna_sof5889]

And did you try to convince the new guy to go find the keys?