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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Like no other - 2004 Hummer H2
By Casino56 - November 9 - 6:50 amThe Hummer handles very well for a large vehicle. Gas mileage is better if you keep it off the floor.
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Not an off-road vehicle - 2005 Hummer H2
By Gustav - November 7 - 10:04 pmoff-road, who are they trying to kid? Me, obviously! Its great for towing the boat, and turning heads, but its off road capability is not there, too heavy, weak chassis for the weight. Broken BOTH lower A arms, Both tie rod ends (dif times). Broke front shaft, and CV. Oh, yes, all on trails my bone stock restored 1967 CJ-5 has done many times. Completely embarassing to get stuck, and watch a samurai go by you! tow bills=$650. warranty has covered the breakage. want a way to "look cool" this is it! want to go off-road, keep looking, you arent there yet (numerous mpegs of same parts failing online, guess I wasnt the only one.)
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A WONDERFUL VEHICLE - 2005 Hummer H2
By ROB1111119 - November 7 - 6:16 pmGREAT VEHICLE TO OWN. FUN TO DRIVE. GREAT MILEAGE FOR THE VEHICLE. ALMOST AS GOOD AS THE h1.
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HUMMER - 2005 Hummer H2
By Jay17Quin - November 6 - 12:48 pmI have had alot of new cars and trucks, but this Hummer is the best vehicle I have ever owned.
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Hummer Comments - 2005 Hummer H2
By SES - November 5 - 12:53 amFuel Economy is obviously poor. I saw a military hybrid that got great fuel economy. Its time to introduce it. My best is 11.4 MPG. Ouch!! Rear wiper doesnt make complete contact and barely clears away a light mist. Seat could be a bit more comfortable. Spare tire needs to be outside as it eats up most cargo space. Other than these complaints, the H2 is a great ride and very capable. Fun to drive and turns heads.
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Fun in the Mud - 2005 Hummer H2
By pmz69 - November 2 - 2:00 amJust bought the H2 and took it directly into the mud. The pit was above the front reciever. It went through like it was nothing.tight traction, more then enough power, it never evened strained to get out I was so impressed.I get nithing but positive responces fvrom people that have ridden in it. I would recommend it to everyone.
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Best yet - 2005 Hummer H2
By DAK BAK - October 23 - 2:00 amLOVE IT, ride is comfort like no other SUV we have had and we have owned six over the last twelve years. Performance and the turning radius are great for the size of the vehicle. Gas milage is not that deferent from the other SUVs in comparison.
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Awsome - 2005 Hummer H2
By SundanceKid - October 21 - 2:00 amFun to drive, reliable and a brute off road. Handles well in snow and mud. Gas mileage sucks, but expected.
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Love the Looks - 2005 Hummer H2
By jklarin - October 16 - 2:00 amWell, yes, the milage blows - but lets face it, you knew the job was dangerous when you took it! Anyways, apart from the having to add on a locking gas cap and moving the tire to the outside (add $1000 there) I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this Truck. I still get envious looks from Escalade and Navigator owners... and lets face it.. thats what its all about. Im a city boy, and rarely go offroad (maybe once a year), but the Hummer is all about attitude, attitude, attitude. Oh yeah, my wife feels SUPER SAFE in it too as the only thing that could possibly do damage to us now is another Hummer or a really big truck. Love it and always getting the right of way!
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Very Good - 2005 Hummer H2
By Kayla - October 16 - 2:00 amThis is the best car i have had. I think that everyone should get one only if they have the money for it because it fun to drive.
