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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  2nd review addition-same vehicle - 2004 Hummer H2
  By linda fincher - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Love the vehicle One recommendation I would have for other owners is I changed my oil to a synthetic and with Mobil One I have increased my mileage to almost 12 mpg in town. And give the vehicle credit for only requiring regular gasoline.

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  love my hummer - 2003 Hummer H2
  By kimberz - October 15 - 7:14 am

  Alot of folks tryed to steer me away from purchasing a used first year production hummer. I ignored it and minus a couple of electrical "bugs" I have had to work out, it is a mechanically strong, reliable vehicle. As usual, GM delivers excellence that lasts for years to come. With a little patience, if you love H2s, they are a "sound" investment. All used vehicles will come with minor issues to be resolved. I have owned mine now for 2 years and have done less dollars in repairs than my tires have costed me. By the way, Cooper STT M/S are a couple hundred dollars more, but worth investing in on an all wheel drive...mine with rotation at oil change have lasted me 50,000 and they look TOUGH!

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  AM General - 2009 Hummer H2
  By Raider - October 9 - 4:46 pm

  Best vehicle ever for a family in 4X4 country. Alaska dishes out some rough conditions, but AM General built a vehicle that handles them with ease. With 9 airbags & seating for 7, safety is assured.

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  The best SUV! Like nothing else! - 2008 Hummer H2
  By SD90 - May 29 - 9:51 am

  Ive only had this H2 for a month, but I love it so far. It puts a smile on my face every time I get in it! The gas mileage is better than I expected with the new 6.2L / 6 speed transmission. Im getting 16 mpg city driving, and 19 hwy, (Imp mpg, I am in Canada!) Its about the same as my 07 Ram 3500 Diesel, (NOT the dual rear wheel) For you that want to figure it out, my last fill up, I went 230 km on 34 L. It was on the highway between 100-110 km/h. The interior is much more refined than the 03 - 07 models. The exterior doesnt have to be changed at all! It still looks like nothing else on the road. You feel very safe while driving in the H2. I love it!

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  Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Pat Ayers - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a lot of trucks but this is the best one ever.The only problem is how will I ever be happy with anything else.I do not believe they can ever build any better vehicle.So where do I go next? Pat Ayers

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  THE BEST SUV - 2003 Hummer H2
  By ryan maloy - April 9 - 10:00 am

  the BEST SUV of all time. get one as fast as you can

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  i love it - 2003 Hummer H2
  By hummer mom - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my vehicle, and yes i was one of those people who bought mine without a test drive. But, O have to say that i was pleasently surprised by the ride. I also have an Expedition and the Hummer is a lot better ride. I enjoy everything about this vehicle (except the gas mileage). I think the sound system is great and I do agree that the inside is a lil too plastic for my taste but it doesnt bother me that much. I think anyone out there that is looking for a awesome SUV in this price range should consider nothing else but the H2.

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  Hummer Rocks !! - 2009 Hummer H2
  By lakewood - April 6 - 11:25 am

  By far the most fun vehicle weve owned. The kids LOVE it. Many people smile and wave or give us the "thumbs up". 14 MPG mixed conservative driving - as good or better than many large pickups or SUVs. Too bad politics are against the large SUV because it is so practical for large families. May as well have one thats really cool too.

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  Love my H2 - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Happy Hummer owner - February 4 - 1:51 pm

  After owning Expeditions, Tahoes etc. this is by far the best SUV Ive purchased! Im extremely pleased with my Hummer in every way. I added a K&N induction system to improve power, but now the truck is a perfect 10 in my book.. I recommend the lux package with the sunroof and DVDs.

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  Very Best SUV ever! - 2006 Hummer H2
  By linda peluso - December 16 - 12:44 am

  Best, safest, super great looking and most dynamic vehicle we have ever owned and will chose to own nothing but an H2. Aside from the fact that it is not a fuel efficient truck, this is a challenge most certainly, and that it is missing a rear view camera which should be a mandatory factory installation, this truck is a must see and drive and get to know! Thanks GM!