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 is awesome! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By aag - January 6 - 12:35 am

  The H2 is very fun to drive, handles well, and makes its own tracks when needed. Front visibility on the highway is excellent because of height. Off road, the H2 is a monster and totaly within its element. Traction and power are awesome. My H2 has also been very reliable and averages about 11 MPG. The kids love it, especially the DVD player inserted in the headrests. Further, the fellow H2 and H1 owners that we have met are a great group to be with during the annual Hummer events.

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  Love my H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By HF - January 6 - 12:22 am

  This is the most awesome vehicle I have ever driven, It is very comfortable and has a very smooth ride. The best SUV on the market by far.

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  Fun Truck!!!! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Tree - January 1 - 7:24 pm

  I love this truck! I traded in my 330ci convertible BMW for it and havent looked back since. The ride is incredible. You wont believe it until you drive one. The only downfall is the gas mileage, but you dont buy this truck if you need economy mileage.

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  Hummerific - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Pookysmooth - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love it. I came from a Lexus LX470 which of course is more refined, quieter, smoother, more reliable, and also a great off roader, but it was not fun. This is an absolute blast to drive. I always wanted and H1 but thought its size and interior was not usable. This was the perfect blend between Hummer H1 and a livable usable vehicle. Feels like a load, but drives nicer than I thought it would. Has great character and my kids love it. I guess I am a big kid and that is also why I like it. Hummer and Gm did an excellent job in a short amount of time. Hope the reliablilty is livable.

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  H 2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By KVNCB - December 21 - 11:37 pm

  This is the best suv that i have ever owned. I have driven suvs for about fifteen years. It has an awesome presence and stance. It is well recognized in public. It is very comfortable and the sound system is awesome. Good job gm! The power is excellent and the cabin is very quiet.

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  Fun in the snow! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By J Duckett - December 18 - 3:02 pm

  Unbelievable drive through horrible whiteout conditions!. No slip, no slide . Safety a plus in this SUV.

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  Hummin Right Along in NJ - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Teresa - December 18 - 9:53 am

  Smooth and powerful drive. Plenty of lux features that make it a pleasure to drive. Passenger room to be envious of! Lack of space for cargo in "truck" with spare tire placed inside. Great option is the third row seat. Comfortable for children and adults alike.

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  Who Would Think? - 2005 Hummer H2
  By PJ - December 17 - 4:46 pm

  We never thought that this vehicle would satisfy so many of our needs. We just returned from a 1800 mile trip through some of the worst weather and traffic conditions and our Hummer H2 took us to NY and back in comfort and style. Not to mention how safe we felt. Other cars seem to stay away and those big rigs give respect. We cruised at 70 to 80 MPH and averaged 13.7 MPG. In the ad they say "Like nothing Else" - its hard to explain but you get the feeling like youre Capt. Kirk commanding the Star Ship Enterprise. Its wonderful! If you need one vehicle to do everything, the H2 is it. We drove it for over 30 hours roundtrip and felt refreshed when we arrived. I would buy this H2 again.

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  Best SUV in this class - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Echo3skywalker - November 29 - 11:23 am

  This is without a doubt the best SUV in its class. For those who have their doubts, this car must be driven to be appreciated. I have driven Land Cruisers, Suburbans, 4Runners, Escalades, Navigators (borrowed them from family, didnt own them all! :)) and the Hummer has to be my favorite out of them all. Superior handling, drivability, comfort, enjoyment, everything! I would hands down suggest this vehicle to anyone looking for a large SUV. It is simply the best.

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  Not Very Happy - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Pambe - November 24 - 1:37 pm

  Has left my family along side of the road (to be towed) 2 times since we bought it. That was due to fuel pump going out. Has been in the shop 3 times because of the air ride suspension. Rear door handles have broke twice. And have had to had the mirror replaced 2 times because they dont heat up.