The AM General High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), better known as the “Humvee,” became a pop culture icon in the early 1980s thanks to its unique design and departure from traditional military vehicles.
It quickly earned a reputation as an indestructible, all-terrain beast, symbolizing ruggedness and military prowess.
While the Humvee might not be the go-to choice for modern military operations—having been produced as early as 1979—it still holds its ground as a powerful off-road vehicle.
Whether you’re navigating treacherous trails, preparing for survival situations, or even tackling tough farm work, the Humvee is more than equipped for the job. With a 1 and 1/4-ton capacity, this truck’s durability and versatility remain unmatched in certain tough environments.
For those looking to own a piece of history or use the Humvee for practical, extreme applications, it continues to offer a rare combination of strength and adaptability.
If you’re considering adding one to your collection or need advice on using one for off-roading or survival, you might want to check out these resources:
Top Off-Roading Vehicles for Extreme Trails
How to Maintain a Humvee for Personal Use
Humvee History
The U.S. military has a longstanding tradition of sticking with vehicle designs far longer than private-sector companies typically would.
For example, consider its fleets of jets: the KC-135 tanker and B-52 bomber were developed together, entering production in 1955, with production concluding in 1964, according to Air and Space Forces Magazine.
The U.S. Air Force expects both to remain in service for three to four more decades, Air Force Times said.
Similarly, the M4/M16 rifle has been in use since around 1960, and the M1 Abrams tank has served as the primary battle tank since 1979, according to The Firearm Blog.
In terms of wheeled vehicles, the military has relied on the same basic designs for decades, well beyond their intended lifespans, Global Security said.
The Willys MB, a light, low-profile vehicle designed for quick reconnaissance, was the precursor to the well-known Jeep brand and has proven functional. However, even effective designs eventually reach the end of their usefulness.
The military aimed to replace several different types of vehicles with one broad platform to lessen the strain on supply chains. Many of these vehicles had been in service since World War II and were still operational for over thirty years.
It’s important to note that there are two categories of vehicles in the military’s inventory: standard vehicles, or “General Support Assets” (GSAs), which are replaced regularly, and tactical vehicles, like the Humvee, which remain in service until a new design is officially approved and acquired.
Tactical vehicles are replaced in large quantities—often thousands across the military. The military is known for being slow to approve and implement new designs, which is why we are still using Humvees as primary tactical vehicles after more than forty years.
The modifications made to the Humvees over the years have often resulted in them being heavily loaded with armor, weapons, turrets, missiles, and any other equipment that can be mounted on them, according to CSIS.
For more information on upgrades to the Humvee fleet, click here.
Legacy Powertrain
One of the most important aspects of modernizing the aging Humvee fleet has been the powertrain upgrades. When AM General first designed the Humvee, it was powered by the 6.2L Detroit Diesel engine, which was notably underwhelming in terms of performance.
Known as one of the slowest diesel engines of its time, the 6.2L was naturally aspirated and struggled to meet the demands of a vehicle built for tough, off-road environments.
The 6.2L engine produced 185 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, which, while decent in its era, is considered rather sluggish by today’s standards—especially for a vehicle tipping the scales at about 6,000 pounds.
This lack of power meant that the Humvee’s top speed was limited, making it less than ideal for high-speed maneuvers or long-distance travel.
At some point, the military transitioned to the more powerful 6.5L Detroit Diesel engine. While the 6.5L is essentially a bored-out version of the 6.2L, the key upgrade was the addition of a Borg-Warner turbocharger. This change gave the Humvee a much-needed performance boost, improving its overall power and responsiveness.
Sources like Half-Mast and PS Magazine noted that the turbocharger made a significant difference, transforming the driving experience.
Another notable aspect of the original Humvee design was the Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission, a rugged three-speed gearbox commonly paired with large engines of the era. While this transmission is known for its durability, it’s best suited for those who don’t need to exceed 55 mph, especially when paired with the 6.2L engine.
For those interested in the technical evolution of the Humvee and how these upgrades have impacted its performance, here are some helpful resources:
Humvee Powertrain Upgrades: What You Need to Know
The Evolution of the Humvee Engine: 6.2L vs. 6.5L
Understanding Turbochargers and How They Improve Vehicle Performance
Powertrain Modernization
The most recent upgrades to the Humvee have included a 6.5-liter engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
While the exact transmission model remains a bit unclear, sources like Milvet Benefits and News suggest it’s likely derived from the 700R4 or 4L series, both known for their reliability and performance.
These upgrades, while a significant step forward, still don’t entirely solve the Humvee’s power deficit. Even with a turbocharged engine and more capable transmission, the Humvee struggles to keep up with modern vehicles in terms of speed and efficiency.
However, these changes do make the vehicle more capable, especially in off-road and heavy-duty applications where raw power isn’t always the most critical factor.
Interestingly, new military Humvees are still being produced as of 2022. These newer models feature even more desirable turbocharged engines and stronger transmissions, which allow for higher top speeds and better overall performance.
According to AM General, these upgrades are part of an effort to keep the Humvee relevant for modern military needs.
Civilian Sales of the Humvee
Off-road enthusiasts have long held the Humvee in high regard, and for good reason: it is recognized as a reliable contender in off-road performance.
AM General manufactured a civilian iteration of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) under the brand name Hummer. The original H1 model was essentially a modified version of the HMMWV, enhanced with standard amenities such as carpeting, comfortable seating, and air conditioning, according to AM General.
Upon its market introduction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the H1 was notably expensive, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $52,950 in 1992. Adjusted for inflation, this equates to approximately $105,220 today. It is essential to note that this price reflects a base model, substantially lower than the expectations of most potential buyers at the time.
The original H1 was not primarily intended for the off-road community. The involvement of high-profile celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was a significant advocate for civilian H1 sales and purchased the first two units off the production line, underscores its target demographic, Motortrend said.
The H1 was predominantly driven by affluent individuals with little interest in off-road capabilities. Meanwhile, dedicated off-road enthusiasts continued to explore the limits of more accessible vehicles, such as Jeeps and other common 4x4s.
However, the landscape has evolved. The Hummer brand has lost its prominence over the years; the subsequent H2 and H3 models were produced alongside other mass-market light-duty vehicles from General Motors and resemble more traditional boxy SUVs, according to the Edmunds Hummer Overview.
Where Can You Buy A Humvee?
Humvees began being auctioned off by the government back in 2014, with a batch of about 4,000 surplus Humvees going on sale via IronPlanet, one of the largest auction organizations in the U.S.
The most concerning aspect of this situation is that, prior to the legislative changes in 2014, surplus Humvees were frequently dismantled for parts and subsequently sent to scrap yards. Consequently, there existed a limited number of military surplus Humvees in circulation prior to 2014, with the majority being utilized in the film industry.
Nonetheless, there remains a substantial inventory of these vehicles available, with additional units expected to be made accessible in the near future.
As of right now, there are ample examples of Humvees for sale on IronPlanet, like this one.
How Do I Get My Humvee Titled, Tagged, and Registered?
Securing an official title for your vehicle is one aspect, but the process of registration and obtaining a tag can be more complex. Tactical military vehicles are typically exempt from local vehicle inspection and smog inspection requirements; however, standard road vehicles are not.
If you intend to register your Humvee in California, the process may become challenging depending on the model year.
For vehicles old enough to be grandfathered in—such as diesel models manufactured before 1997—registration may proceed without many obstacles. Conversely, newer models must meet emissions standards, which can be a cumbersome requirement. Fortunately, there are alternative pathways available to facilitate getting your vehicle on the road.
Title and Register Your Humvee Out-of-State!
The most straightforward solution may be to forgo the inspection program entirely. While I can’t recall the specific tactical term for this approach, its merits are clear.
You can achieve the best of both worlds with the Dirt Legal Military Street Legal Registration Service. Our team specializes in obtaining new titles and registrations for Humvees and other tactical vehicles by collaborating with reputable DMVs in states that do not mandate inspections or emissions testing for these types of vehicles.
Additionally, for those residing in high-tax states such as California, our program can significantly lower your overall expenses.
Until recently, acquiring a Humvee was a challenging endeavor due to their limited availability. However, with the military now producing a substantial supply, the opportunity to own one has significantly improved.
While the buying process may initially appear complex, it becomes straightforward with the right guidance, particularly with the assistance of Dirt Legal.
Click here to find more information on Dirt Legal and how we help to facilitate and simplify your journey to ownership.
