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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  Hummer Forever - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Stormin Norm - May 24 - 6:04 pm

  Consider what the h2 is for, and its not commuting! Is it slower than a mustang and suck enough gas for 3 honda civics? You bet. But on the fun index, it ranks off the charts! Participated in a off-road excursion with Hummer group for first time and was awestruck by the vehicles abilities! Nothing else can touch this. Takes you to places and scenery you would never otherwise be able to see. Without this off-roading experience, you cant possibly appreciate what this vehicle can do. Even after traversing some of the roughest terrain imaginable, the truck is completely silent and squeak free. Remember to consider what this truck is designed for. Good as a daily driver except for gas.

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  STRONG - 2005 Hummer H2
  By CAMPMAN - May 18 - 8:22 pm

  Though the fuel consumption could be a lot better, and some of the interior components are a little weak (housing around the shifter, for example, feels lightweight) overall the H2 is a great vehicle. Comfortable, safe, and very capable of either highway cruising or driving off-road. Overall, the experience so far (3 months later) has been a great one.

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  H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By FOOTFXR52 - May 18 - 12:43 am

  I have had everything from mercedes to porsches to tahoes and 3/4 ton diesel suburbans and i never regret trading my sl 500 for this 05 h2. I have had it off road and it is extremely capable even in the hands of rookie off roaders as we had at our last dealer sponsored get together in a cypress swamp after 3 days rain. The dealer service has been exceptional. And my wife recently asked to take it from florida to n. Carolina to mississippi back to n. Carolina and back to ocala, fl. The kicker? She chose it over her mercedes ml 55 amg!!

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  Enjoy Your Short Stay!!! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Artie - May 16 - 7:05 pm

  I have to tell you this truck is a joy compared to my 1994 H1. I traded my H1 for the 2004 Infinity QX56 and the roads here in New England were destroying this truck. My Qx56 felt like the suspension a 10 year old truck after one New England winter. I was seeing 10mpg for the Qx56 and 9 mpg for the H1. My new H2 averages 11mpg city and as high as 18 on highway at 60mpg. This truck really is fun to drive. The touch screen nav,large sunroof,Xm radio,heated seats,power mirrors really make this truck a pleasure to drive. For a guy who really has owned most cars and trucks out there, this H2 is my favorite. I traded my Mercedes SL600 sport for it!!! Life is too short.....enjoy!!!

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  H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By mari - May 13 - 4:48 pm

  I love my H2. My mileage was about the same as other large SUVs (approx. 12 miles per gallon). The vehicle handles very well and drives smoothly. The only negative is on the 2004 model the spare tire is on the inside and takes away space. (2005 models come with the spare on the outside)

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  Hummerlicious2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By GYNGUY - May 4 - 5:55 pm

  This truck has been fantastic! The pwer and quality are fantastic! Gas milage is better then reported! Im getting 13.5 Miles to the gal. City driving. All in all im very happy with this purchase!

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  My HUMMER - 2005 Hummer H2
  By fxracer223 - May 1 - 2:52 pm

  My purchase of my HUMMER H2 was the best vehclie i have ever bought because of the stylist exterior and interior.This was the only vehcile that i had that people would actaully stop to look at and the handling and preformance is just excellent.

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  H2 Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Lenny - April 30 - 9:59 am

  The truck is better than I expected. The fuel milage is a small drawback price to pay, for driving this machine.

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  Nothing else like it. - 2005 Hummer H2
  By hummer h2 - April 28 - 1:11 am

  My H2 is fun to drive. Fuel is obviously a killer--but I cant believe that I would ever get tired of driving my H2. Its a unique vehicle.

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  hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By hummer2005 - April 24 - 11:00 pm

  Its a great truck to own. It is worth the gas to have and enjoy.