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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Love My H2 - 2006 Hummer H2
By Jewel - July 9 - 7:31 amThis H2 replaced a Lexus LX470. The Hummer is easier to steer and has an unbelievably tight turning radius. Size takes a little getting used to, but it gives the occupants great visibility. About 12.5 MPG around town on regular gas. After driving my H2 for three+ months, I love it more than ever.
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The better choice - 2005 Hummer H2
By Craig - July 7 - 7:54 pmSmooth ride accelerates quickly with a high rev, but once you get going its all comfort. Great steering and with a rear cam good visibility. Get the lux package youll be happy you did. The tires are great dont bother changing them out. Interior design is great, soft leather and a wide sunroof works. Be careful driving it home the roof clearence is something to get used to. Remeber to keep the sunroof open and pay attention to the garage door height. Remeber that DVDs in the headrests keep children quiet!
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My Hummer - 2004 Hummer H2
By Mail2jb - July 3 - 10:00 amEverthing I expected and more. A blast to drive and if you can afford the $50,000 to buy one dont complain about the fuel economy. ( I get 9.2 mpg ) I get more compliments on this truck then I do on my BMW convertible or my old Mercedes ML. Most importantly, I feel incredibly safe driving my 3 kids around in it. Cant wait for snow!
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The Hummer - 2004 Hummer H2
By jrkaso - July 3 - 10:00 amThis was pretty nice ride when we took it to the mountains.
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EXCELLENT - 2004 Hummer H2
By Finley - July 3 - 10:00 amLOVE IT!THE BEST CAR I EVER OWNED! I WILL ALWAYS BUY A HUMMER.
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My Hummer - 2006 Hummer H2
By gina - June 26 - 11:07 amThe Hummer is more than everyone says. An excellent Luxury SUV. We love our Hummer and will not purchase any other SUV on the market. The ride is nice and comfortable. Plenty of room and cargo space.
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Best Vehicle I have ever owned! - 2005 Hummer H2
By orsunbear - June 20 - 8:00 pmIve owned a great number of cars and trucks over the years, but this one beats them all hands down. First of all is the interior room. I am a 65" driver and I swear I could wear a cowboy hat while driving! I have put 45,000 miles on my H2 in two years. Driving from Oregon to Las Vegas and back between homes several times a year, I can drive straight through and still arrive in comfort. Other than changing the oil (synthetic for me!!) I have never touched this vehicle or had problems. Ill be driving an H2 as long as they keep building them. If they stop, Id go buy two or three tomorrow just to insure I have one for life!!!
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excellent truck - 2005 Hummer H2
By Terry - June 19 - 1:50 pmbest built gm product ever had. drives like a small car and has guts and style. no rattles or weird noises or any service issues after 10000 miles (so far)
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Id buy another one. - 2005 Hummer H2
By Richard - June 13 - 8:00 pmThose who criticize the H2 have obviously never taken one down the highway - or off road. Pay no attention to criticism this vehicle has received from those who havent taken the time to fully understand its powers. There is nothing on the market that compares. Having owned 30 cars in 25 years - Ill tell you simply .. this is the best .. hands down. It has incredible highway skills, is fearless off road or through a blizzard and is elegant driving down Sunset Blvd. Inside the H2 with the windows up and XM Radio off, youll never even know the engine is running. My H2 secret! Drive at 60 on the highway and youll get 21 miles to the gallon!! My wife was stunned. She now want an H3.
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Not just for looks!! - 2005 Hummer H2
By Courtney - May 29 - 11:21 amI drive mine to/from work everyday and love the safe feeling of being surrounded by 6900 lbs of quality vehicle. I have had my H2 off roading in the high desert of California and it did great!! I have also been through some very hair-raising situations and "she" performed beautifully, the anti-lock brakes worked great on uneven, wet pavement and the stearing didnt diminish at all. The H2 is a status vehicle that I am proud to drive anywhere!!
