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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  Loven my Hummer - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Sundi - April 13 - 2:00 am

  When purchasing this vehicle, you know what kind of gas mileage youll be getting, and it does get a little better.I feel very safe in my H2,in all driving conditions. I have not found to have many blind spots, actually less than my Sebring. It will climb almost anything.I love it.

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  BEST CAR EVER!!!!!! - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Joe Mamma - April 13 - 2:00 am

  BOLTH HUMMERS ARE THE BEST CARS EVER!!!!!!!!

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  HEAD TURNER !!!!!!!! - 2003 Hummer H2
  By mr t - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE EVERY THING ABOUT MY METALLIC RED H2. IF I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE IT WOULD BE AS MOST SAY THE INTERIOR ROOM IS A BIT LACKING. OH WELL, I DRIVE MINE BY MYSELF MOST OF THE TIME ANYWAY !!!! PLENTY OF ROOM UP FRONT, BACK SEATS A BIT CROWDED

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  H2s are great - 2004 Hummer H2
  By cincih2 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I had a Yukon Denali prior to purchasing the H2. The H2 rides as good as the Denali and handles better, in my opinion. But you can not fully appreciate the H2 unless you take it off road. If you purchase a H2 make sure to attend at least one of the dealerships Hummer Happenings that is an off road event. They are required to have at least two off road events a year.

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  the greatest suv - 2003 Hummer H2
  By stroker55 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has an outstanding appearance inside and out. Very reliable,gives you a feeling of safety. I have not spent a single moment regretting the purchase of this wonderful vehicle.

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  You Gotta Love It - 2003 Hummer H2
  By H2Happy - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Had mine a week. It drives great, looks great, feels great. No a/c problem here. Boze system sounds good, but admittedly not great. Sufficient power to merge onto freeways though some may wish for more. Gas mileage 11 to 15 mpg, but look what your buying -- a Hummer! It handles easier and parks easier than a Suburban. The inside mounted spare tire is not the distraction I thought it would be, although exterior swing mounting is available. Watch out, though, it is 82 inches high with luggage rack (check your garage door). Its not a Yukon, or an Escalade -- good grief, if thats what youre after buy one of them. This is a HUMMER.

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  cannot pass a pump - 2003 Hummer H2
  By exJeepster - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Great alternative (more affordable) to the H1. Exterior style is great; but like other reviews have mentioned, too much platic inside. I doubt it would beat a grand cherokee in a race on the highway, but thats not what its about. Hummer is a class to itself, why did they have to steal the jeep grill?

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  the tank - 2004 Hummer H2
  By sugardad212 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  this is by far one of the worst cars ive owned. The exterior isnt that bad, but the interior is what gets to me the most. It is not as luxury as some of the other cars i can get for 50k. The handling is not very agile, and it needs to have a fully independent suspension like the h1. Acceleration is flat out horrible. It has a big engine, but all the weight slows it down. This vehicle is not very good onroad, but let me tell you it is a beast offroad, but whos actually going to go offroading on this thing anyways?If somebody wanted to offroad with a vehicle they should stick with the jeep.

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  comments - 2004 Hummer H2
  By koulouris - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I love it it is a very safe vechile.

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  fun fun fun - 2004 Hummer H2
  By clay Irwin - March 24 - 2:00 am

  ccorvette,a viper 4wd all rolled up into one awesome suv! I had a number of sports cars and suv and never had so much fun driving.let me suggest one thing! options! dont leave out any of them! I cant begin to tell you how important they are! there is nothing worst then buying an auto and wishing you had added or wanted an option, it will haunt you, if your going to spend 55k to 64k on an auto do it right the first time or dont do it. every optin that hummer provides is awesome and adds a heck of alot more excitment, I have left no option out on mine and even added a couple of small after market options on my h2.all I can say is have fun! fun! fun!