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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  Beast!! - 2006 Hummer H2
  By mike - September 25 - 7:27 pm

  I have only owned this Hummer H2 for about a month and a half now but man is it great. I am only 20 years old and can hardly afford it but it is worth all the money. I have had so many people compliment me on it so i am very proud to say i am a HUMMER owner! This is a real 4x4, sometimes when i go to the store i will park one tire up on the curb just to let people know what it can do. So if you are in the market for a new vehicle dont make any excuses just get it!!

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  Great Fun - 2007 Hummer H2
  By Tony Davis - September 10 - 2:56 pm

  I had never ridden in the H2 before buying one, it has been fantastic and I look forward to driving it for any reason anytime and would buy another one.

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  Spend your hard earned money elsewhere - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Danshee - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Generic. Looks great, but then you sit in it and everything is generic. Hyundaiesque plastics and no room to be had. Ride isnt impressive either. Only buy this if you are so into vanity that your ego needs looks from everyone when you drive around. Youre better off buying a Suburban. Its tha same low quality product.

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  tight - 2005 Hummer H2
  By bigjada243 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I like this car a lot to cruise in , it looks good.

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  H2 the best - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Dana Gies - August 6 - 3:09 pm

  The H2 is a great SUV. The entire H2 is perfect. The mileage is the same as a suburban or truck not worse as we have both. I love the H2.

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  Hummers are NOT Bummers - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Shejm - July 10 - 7:47 am

  I purchased a used 2003 Hummer H2 Lux Pack and have never had such a great vehicle. It is the absolute best to drive. Luxury plus sporty. You can pull up at any fancy valet or go mudding if you prefer. Yes, the gas milage is bad but if you just are driving around town and not commuting the HUMMER is by far better than any SUV out there. I think the H3s are even better than all the soccer vans. Before you say I dont like Hummers drive one...you will be amazed.

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  No other car like it - 2004 Hummer H2
  By DocEK4 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  superb car Ive wanted this car for years, and Im not disappointed. Totally awesome car!

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  Hum to Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Joseph Manuel - June 2 - 7:59 am

  No regrets into leasing this hummer once in a life time opportunity. Now I can always say I owned a hummer.

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  H2 Not for me - 2006 Hummer H2
  By qtlapi - June 1 - 5:00 pm

  I had my H2 for 7 monthsafter having owned a Mercedes E350. The H2 was nowhere near comparable. The acceleration was just not there. Parking in garages was imposible and try getting in with high heel shoes. The gas mileage and the interior were very poor. The H2 was an attention getter some was positive and some was poor especially after Hurricane Wilma when there was a shortage of gas in town. I now have a BMW 650 and Im much happier. This is just an overpowering kind of an suv.

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  My wife stole my Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Thought it was mine - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought it for me buy my wife drives it everywhere... I may have to get another one.