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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  Humming along - 2005 Hummer H2
  By mjleblanc - November 8 - 5:45 pm

  Perhaps the best SUV I have ever owned, can really go just about anywhere. Maintenance and repairs are costly, given the thievery rampant in the dealer/manufacturer scheme of hourly bilking. Gas mileage is the same as my Suburban. Love the car!

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  Gotta have one - 2005 Hummer H2
  By CPO TOYS - November 7 - 10:11 am

  What an awesome vehicle. This is my 2nd H2. The power is great, the ride is comfortable even on the long drives. The only item I wish the 2005 model would come with is adjustable pedals. You can buy after market exhaust, airfilter and a chip to boost the HP, but hold on to your hat, it will move. People who complain about gas mileage, shouldnt own one then. I average 11-12 per gallon.

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  Very Satisfied - 2006 Hummer H2
  By DeBest - November 6 - 5:59 pm

  I have owned the vehicle for a short time but it has been very enjoyable and been a pleasure working with the dealership

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  Best SUV Ever - Cant ask for much more! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Dayna - November 6 - 1:50 am

  My husband and I bought this car a year ago right before we found out I was pregnant. This car is great for hauling a child around, plenty of room for a stroller, the DVDs that the H2 has as an upgrade is going to come in handing in a couple months and it feels safe when you drive. I have no complaints. Great family automobile.

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  If You Like Attention, Get an H2 - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Alzy - November 1 - 11:38 pm

  So far the H2 has been really fun to own. It is the biggest beast on the road, and you feel like a king overlooking your empire when riding around. Get used to people staring at the ride and asking you about it. The engine is powerful enough to move the 6700 pound vehicle with no problem. It rides like a truck, but the handling is surprisingly nice. Mirrors can automatically turn down to assist with parallel parking. I think the interior is nice, although I may not have the most refined tastes. Were getting 11.5 mpg. We can afford it, but you still think about it from time to time. It uses regular gas, which helps offset the cost. Overall, if you like attention, consider the H2!

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  Hummer H2 One Sweet Ride - 2006 Hummer H2
  By J T - October 17 - 5:30 pm

  A classic vehicle - serious utility. Performance is so much better than my Chevy HD crew and my Suburban. It looks a little small inside but my trip to shoot clays with the boys and the dog in a box fit fine. Clean up is reasonable. It would be closer to perfect if some of the grill, rear bumper and trim were metal. Aftermarket parts avail. BEST - its Made in the USA!!!! Imports kill our economy and cost your neighbors jobs. Wise up or sell out to China!

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  Big Safe Children Transporter - 2005 Hummer H2
  By hummermom - October 4 - 8:35 pm

  I have 4 sons (6,10,12,14), Needless to say we carry lots of STUFF .... baseball, band equipment and lots of friends. The gas mileage leaves something to be desired but for the type of driving I do (short trips) Its really not that painful. I fill up about every two weeks. I love my H2 and it makes me feel very safe carrying my precious cargo!

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  happy - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Ashlee - September 26 - 10:00 am

  it is the best i ever had

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  Limited Edition Victory Red - 2004 Hummer H2
  By unclehal - September 6 - 5:00 pm

  What a pleasure to drive...wonderful on long trips. Around town, I always turn heads. Everytime I get an oil change..the mech s always come around. Super visibility for driver, good gas milage for this weight car..12 in town and 15 on the road. Dont care about the rise in gas prices. I will pay it. just riding around in this car makes me feel better and so its worth it. You only live once...so have fun. Thats what this vehicle promises and delivers!!!

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  Great Car and Fun = HUMMER - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Samuel - September 3 - 5:09 pm

  I just bought this car a few months ago, and believe me it is for real like nothing else. It is a car that it will take you anywhere, from a dinner in a fine restaurant to the mountains. The perfect partner for any adventure.