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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  What were they thinking? - 2003 Hummer H2
  By SUVGirl - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Based on the non-negotiable price ($55, 000 fully loaded), the vehicle is underpowered, the ac doesnt cool & the stereo didnt have any kick. As a woman, I felt safe in the vehicle, but it was overshadowed by the inability to accelerate and merge. Dont get me wrong, the truck looks and it "climb" over things, but how many times will I actually take it off road? Maybe twice. Stop production and re-engineer the vehicle before it is deemed with a wicked nickname (ex. Ford Exploder). I understand the H2 is heavy, but the engine should have been properly sized.

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  Hummer hummmmmms - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Terrance Farrell - February 18 - 10:15 pm

  I have driven my H2 to Texas and back two times this year. I prefer to drive it than fly if the distance is equal or less to Texas from Georgia. What a wonderful ride and I like the idea that can see traffic problems way ahead of all others except prehaps the 18 wheelers! My wife drives an LX470 and it feels like a sedan to me now that I have put over 20,000 miles on my H2.

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  Wasted Money - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Greg Ocoa - February 6 - 6:09 pm

  I own a 2004 H2 that has had numerous quality issues - the starter, both mirrors, significant rust on the bumpers, speedometer issues, rear latch issues, water leak issues and the list goes on. I drive the majority of highway miles. Hummer has showed little care or concern for my ongoing issues. I will not buy another GM product, EVER!!

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  THE BOMB - 2004 Hummer H2
  By cheryl rabah - February 1 - 2:00 am

  i love everything about this vehicle,including the gas milage-cant afford- dont buy it.-this vehicle seperates the big dogs-from the little ones- i am proud to drive the hummer-

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  My H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Steve Gray - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Please dont buy one! I like being different.

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  Car has inordinate amount of rust - 2003 Hummer H2
  By leone7 - January 30 - 5:04 am

  Car is rusted underneath the car including brake discs, side steps and even inside where rear seat attaches. I have had the car a little over three years. I do not take it off road. I am older and do not have pets or kids in the car. The air pressure device that helps opens the rear hatch broke and the door fell on my head. The plastic rear handle fell off ($500), the interior plastic panel on the door fell off. Last year the windshield wiper motor froze and not from the weather ($600) I like the car and would get another except for all the rust. They had a hard time putting new brakes on because of it.

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  Us and our Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By WALLEYE - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We have gotten as high as 17 miles to the gallon of gas, the average is about 9 to 10 miles to the gallon, pulling a trailer. Like the view from inside, you can see everything. Front seats could be a little bit more comfortable. Otherwise it kinda lives up to its name.

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  Like being a kid again... - 2004 Hummer H2
  By James - January 19 - 11:22 am

  Remember being a kid and loving those Tonka toy trucks... well I feel like Im driving one and I love it! Family is really enjoying it too!

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  Best all aroun Suv - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Janis - December 30 - 2:37 am

  I am very happy with this vehicle. Have driven other Suvs Cadillac Escalade etc. and feel with the hummer you get more bang for the buck. Love the roomy interior and although it is a large car, I dont feel I have to many problems parking. Fuel is a draw back but the Cadillac escalade only gets an average 13.9 and runs on premium I am getting 11.00 and use regular. Except for fuel mileage I absolutely love this vehicle.

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  H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Mickey - December 27 - 9:33 pm

  I love the look and feel of this vehicle. I have had no mechanical problems with the vehicle and gas mileage was what I expected from this type of vehicle.