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 Hummer - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Tom Friars - August 17 - 6:18 pm

  Excelent, Great ride, fit and finish excellent, performace great, Not that bad even on the gasoline, I have been averaging about 12 MPG, not bad.

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  Mudding - 2005 Hummer H2
  By H2 - August 16 - 2:26 pm

  I like the feel of secureness. Being able to go over and trhough things with no problem. I enjoy going mudding. It handles so well. Very comfortable to travel in. I have put over 20,000 miles in less than 6 months. Its worth it

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  I love our Hummer - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Robert mulhern Jr - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It has proven to be everything I expected it to be-fun to drive, attention getting, and very hot sitting in my driveway!!

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  Hummer H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Jeff Hasbrouck - August 9 - 8:04 pm

  Great to drive. Awesome turn radius. Smooth suspension (equipped with air suspension), full time 4X4 and a very comfortable and roomy interior. Very happy with my purchase.

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  LOVE mY H2 - 2006 Hummer H2
  By jockboy570 - August 6 - 1:13 am

  Ive owned many different cars and SUVs from BMW 7 series, Range Rover 4.6 HSE and driven a Ford Excursion. The hummer beats them all hands down. No worries about the gas mileage, Excursion got worse than the Hummer. I avg 11mpg and if youre paying $60K for a vehicle whats another $20 per month in gas. No problems at all after 1st year of ownership.

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  New Toy - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Bigdog - July 30 - 10:41 am

  This was a purchase that was a dream three years ago... before gas prices went through the roof! Other than the need for a fuel tanker following you the SUV is everything you would want in a new vehicle. Comes with every bell and whistle you would want! From my driving experience it is a dependable auto that takes a few days of driving to get use to the front view difference. There is a blind spot on the car however and this could become an issue if your not carful! Anyway great unit to drive and if something changes I will add something else. I have only had the car for three weeks!

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  $11K rebate - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Boxster-S - July 26 - 10:24 pm

  With that GM Employee Discount we could not pass up this vehicle. We intended to consider the H3 but had the good fortune of also driving the H2. Entirely different vehicle! As much as I liked the H2 my wife and two sons absolutely love it. It continues to grow on me. We cannot wait to take it off roading, towing our Ricon and then there is the snow that is dumped on us here. :)

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  Love it! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Truman - July 19 - 10:00 pm

  Ive never had an off-road (or any other) SUV, and the H2 drives like the best car Ive ever owned! Im only getting 10-13 mpg, so I would like to know how others are getting up to 20. Of course, I also love the attention everywhere I drive, too.

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  The H2 - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Josh Lunsford - July 19 - 10:51 am

  I love the H2 I am only 16 years old and I love it. I can take it off- roading when I want or I can have a nice ride around town in luxury. It will turn heads. It is the best vehicle I have ever had.

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  Love It! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Donna - July 14 - 2:29 pm

  I love this vehicle and so do my childern. I feel safe and the interior of the vehicle is very comfortable and the ride is also. GM makes a great auto