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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  H2 is a great fun machine - 2005 Hummer H2
  By bbbkbk - May 23 - 10:00 am

  If it is fun and plenty of room you want H2 is all that and more!

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  Very Satisfied - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Terry - May 8 - 10:50 pm

  I love driving my H2 Hummer, theres no other car like it!! The day we picked up the Hummer from the dealer, I sat in the passenger seat and fell asleep, which I rarely do. It was that comfortable. Im seeing more and more ladies drive a Hummer. And to think, I was looking at the Lexus SUV, I would have been sorry.

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  Hummer Class - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Mike Conners - May 6 - 8:28 am

  The Hummer is not for everyone. If you are worried about gas prices, you do not need one or can afford one. Hummer is for those that want attitude in a vehicle. This is not your Dads vehicle. When you own a Hummer, you control the road, not vice versa. Drive with authority. This is the most exciting vehicle on the road today. Make sure to get out of the way.

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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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  Really enjoying the H2 - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Green Rider - April 2 - 9:09 pm

  I am a recent H2 owner, after years of mostly sports cars... Ive never had a vehicle that was anywhere near as enjoyable as the H2. People really seem to respond to a ride in the big truck, everybody wants you to drive, and everybody wants to ride around. Its comfortable, its cool, it feels safe & snug for such a big beast. Does the H2 get good mileage? no. is it 1-2 MPG around town better than my 3/4 ton silverado? yes. And easier to park. The ride is more luxury SUV than pickup, and the experience of riding around in the humm has no match. I had considered the possibility of getting alot of negative attention, but so far people just loooove this thing. Drive politely!

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Luxury - March 30 - 7:23 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It has great visibility, extremely comfortable, and makes me feel safe on the road. Would add a couple of features next time: Tire pressure indicator and back-up screen.

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  Best Beast on the Road. Nuff Said. - 2005 Hummer H2
  By HummerBoy4Life - March 28 - 12:41 pm

  Im a 17 year old boy that owns a Hummer. This is my first car, which I got for Christmas in 05. I have driven many types of vehicles from Jeeps to Land Rovers off road and on road, and the best all round performance goes to my Hummer H2. While the H1 Alpha does indeed have the H2 beat in overall offroad performance, it doesnt even compare on the road. Smooth, quick, and luxurious, what more can you ask for? Throw in the Corsica Touring Exhaust and you have a vehicle that sounds as mean as it performs. Not to mention that Im an audio enthusiast and the H2 is the only vehicle with a large enough alternator from the factory to power 4 Kicker amps with 4 Kicker dual 16 inch subs.

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  H2 SUT Farm Truck - 2006 Hummer H2
  By jim - March 26 - 2:21 am

  I was looking for a new farm truck for my organic mountain farm, so I went to the SF car show in 2005. After looking at every 4x4 at the show, I saw the H2 SUT. After much research, I bought it. WOW, what a truck!! No longer do I drive in fear of rolling over in steep terrain. I can haul over 3/4 ton, carry large pipes on the roof, and lumber. My neighbors are impressed that I can travel the rough mountain roads at speeds that they say would break the suspensions of their trucks, and in comfort! On paved roads, I can often outcorner sports cars driven by "regular" drivers. The cornering is impressive! Same MPG as my old pick up. Switch to ehtanol and Id be 100% happy!

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  2005 H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Patrick - March 15 - 5:09 pm

  If you are looking for a vehicle that gets attention this is the one. If you are looking for something practical, go buy a Denali. I had a 2003 Denali XL before, got tired of it and traded for a 2005 H2. I like the way it handles, but the power and ride is not as good as the Denali. Also, it has limited cargo room and you loose a lot of storage space in the vehicle. A few other annoying items include the nav screen that point toward the passenger, no six disc changer, and a bouncy ride. I probably will go back to a 2007 Denali XL as soon as they come out.

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  Its not all that - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Ruxpin - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The H2 missed the mark. Its grossly underpowered, the sound system is lack- luster at best. Regarding AC, you can get colder by standing in front of an open refrigerator. I understand this is AM General attempt to tame a "wild beast" .. It seems several engineers were absent from design meetings .. (power-plant engineer, HVAC engineer, sound system engineer).. The new Hummer has been presented in a kinder and gentler way. It has attitude in terms of looks, but nothing to back it up ..(engine, AC, sound system).. Sales goals for this vehicle should be revised down sharply.