Overview & Reviews

The Hummer H2 debuted in 2003 as an attempt by Hummer and parent company General Motors to offer something a bit more practical than the exotic, designed-for-military-use H1. Relatively practical though it may have been, the Hummer H2's large size and U.S. military Humvee-inspired styling still made it stand out like a sweaty heavyweight prizefighter attending a Friday-night knitting class. It was extremely capable when taken off-road and easy to customize with factory options and dealer accessories. When examined solely on these merits, the H2 seemed like the ultimate pick for an SUV.

Unfortunately, it was burdened with some design flaws that make it ill-suited for everyday use. Though smaller than the original Hummer, the H2 was still quite bulky and heavy. This posed a problem on many fronts, from the obvious drain on fuel mileage to the more mundane trickiness of parallel parking or driving into a tight parking garage entrance. The truck also suffered from a less-than-competitive amount of cargo space, tight headroom, a short list of luxury features and, with the exception of the later versions, mediocre interior materials.

GM shut down Hummer in the midst of bankruptcy and a tidal shift in public perception of the brand. As such, there was only one H2 generation. Those with a true need for Herculean off-road ability in open terrain or those just smitten with its distinctive styling will find the H2 endearing. For everyone else, there are better choices available for a large, luxury-oriented SUV.

Most Recent Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 was produced from 2003-'09. It unmistakably aped its bigger H1 brother's styling, though nearly all of its hardware came from other GM truck products. There was also a model known as the H2 SUT introduced for 2005, which replaced the cargo area with a truncated pickup-style bed. It was equipped similarly to the regular H2.

Originally powered by a 6.0-liter V8 good for 316 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque and coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission, the H2 was upgraded to a 6.2-liter 393-hp V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission for 2008. As such, these are the pick of the litter given the Hummer's inherent weight.

Power was directed to the truck's meaty tires through a full-time dual-range transfer case. Advanced features included a driver-selectable rear differential locker and a drive-by-wire throttle setup that changed sensitivity when low-range gearing was selected.

Limited changes over its first few years included the arrival of an optional DVD-based navigation system in 2005, though the in-car electronics of early Hummers will feel quite antiquated today. Aside from the powertrain upgrades for '08, Hummer addressed the criticism that the H2's original cabin was poorly made and not befitting a vehicle with its price tag. The revamped cabin debuted with new seats, a redesigned dash and better materials, switchgear and electronics interfaces. Model year '09 saw the arrival of optional second-row captain's chairs and a new third-row-seat storage option that freed up more interior space.

In our reviews, we've found that the Hummer H2 had few equals in off-road situations. Thanks to nearly 10 inches of ground clearance, 42-degree approach and 38-degree departure angles, generous wheel travel and a protected underbody, the H2 could roll over just about any type of terrain without getting stuck or damaged. On tight trails, however, it could be difficult to maneuver, as its body was quite wide.

In urban environments such as densely packed city streets, the H2's width was a distinct liability. Its considerable height also created large blind spots and prevented it from being parked in some garages. Inside, the H2 offered comfortable seating for front passengers, but taller folks in the back were likely to find their heads canted to the side under the low roof. This problem didn't exist in other top large luxury SUVs of the time, which were also easier to enter and exit than the H2.

User Reviews:

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  Electrical Issues - 2004 Hummer H2
  By steveFL - April 28 - 9:43 am

  Electrical issues. AC panel does not work. Dealer replaced speedometer cluster $500+ told me that its fixed. 2weeks later ac panel not working they replaced it another $250. A week later the ac panel does not work again. So far I paid $800 out of pocket for an obvious electrical short and they replaced parts that had nothing to do with the problem.

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  Hummer 2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By william fincher - October 16 - 10:00 am

  gas mileage is not the best, however the vehicle requires only regular gas. The vehicle is fun to drive and performs better than expected as far as comfort and handling

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  Yellow Lemon - 2004 Hummer H2
  By just me - April 6 - 1:50 am

  Love to drive my HUMMER when it is not in the shop. All repairs have been minor fixes, but major irritations. I am now on my fifth TV/DVD replacement! Numerous problems with 12 volt outlets, and other electrical type problems. This vehicle has been in the shop more than 15 times and to top it off the entertainment system went out again and I am told that this model is no longer made and cannot be replaced. Now after 3 "repairs" it still only works 2-3 weeks after each repair.

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  Nice, if youre a 14 year-old kid - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Biffster - April 3 - 12:07 pm

  I was looking for a full-size SUV and it came down to either this, the H1, or the Escalade ESV. The H1 was both too pricey -- if Im going to spend $140k on a car its going to be a Porsche Turbo -- and too "trucky." The Escalade interior was JUNK and I knew it was going to be replaced soon. So that left me with the H2. I shouldve waited for the 2007 Escalade. The H2s build quality -- especially in the UGLY interior -- is very plasticky and of dubious craftsmanship. There really isnt a lot of "useful" space in the truck either. Its "boy toy" looks get a lot of comments -- from 13-year-old boys. Every adult I know (myself included) scratches their head and asks "Why?"

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  Not Very Happy - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Pambe - November 24 - 1:37 pm

  Has left my family along side of the road (to be towed) 2 times since we bought it. That was due to fuel pump going out. Has been in the shop 3 times because of the air ride suspension. Rear door handles have broke twice. And have had to had the mirror replaced 2 times because they dont heat up.

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  Almost but not quite! - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Thomas T. - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I actually decided not to buy a 2003 sage green H2 with the fully loaded Adventure Package due to the interior. The dashboard looks great but is completely made of cheap, toy like plastic. Very hollow and easily cracked. The headliner (w/sunroof option) is way too flimsy. Power from the engine was okay; I didnt expect the same performance as my 4.7L Grand Cherokee. The stereo system does not sound very good at all. Theres absolutely no front soundstage. Dont know why the tweeters on the A-pillar are aimed directly at each other!

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  cannot pass a pump - 2003 Hummer H2
  By exJeepster - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Great alternative (more affordable) to the H1. Exterior style is great; but like other reviews have mentioned, too much platic inside. I doubt it would beat a grand cherokee in a race on the highway, but thats not what its about. Hummer is a class to itself, why did they have to steal the jeep grill?

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  RECONSIDER.... - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Joannassf - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Terrible mistake, this purchase was purely emotional!!!! Our car has been in the shop three times in 1 year and has been towed three times!

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  Dont forget the Gas - 2003 Hummer H2
  By H2ER - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This thing is cool and everybody looks as you drive by but dear God does it drink gas!!!! I realize that this isnt a huge revelation but its even worse then I expected. Pulling a 19 foot boat I got 5 MPG and I average no better then 10!!!

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  Poor Int.quality & lack of cargo space - 2003 Hummer H2
  By bear2001 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  If you are going to take a trip, you have a choice, either luggage or the family. There isnt room for both. The exterior spare tire mount is both cumbersome and expensive ($1,300.+) The roof rack is functional, however you will need a ladder to acess it. Overall styling is good, but, it appears that GM relied on to much plastic and veneer. Fuel mileage leaves a lot to be desired, mixed city and highway 10.5 mpg.