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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  My second H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Lumpie - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Traded my 2003 for a 2004. I have had zero problems and the vehicles are probably the most fun I have had with any vehicle. Fuel economy is low due to size and weight and I would not suggest purchase as a grocery getter or go to work vehicle, but is acceptable when used for the purpose designed.

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  Hummer Experience - 2004 Hummer H2
  By dealmakerdirect - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The best vehicle I have ever owned. My wife loves it so much we will become a 2 Hummer family. The mileage sucks but if you have to worry about mileage dont buy the Hummer. I feel its one of the safest vehicles on the road to protect your family,and definately one of the best built. After a period of about 5 years Im sure you will want a new vehicle but by that time there will be a bigger and better replacenent

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  luvs hummers - 2004 Hummer H2
  By arm - February 18 - 2:00 am

  my favorite experience was off roading and having to pull a dodge out of a little snow and mud after the dodge owner had just finisihed shooting his mouth off for about an hour about how his truck never gets stuck

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  kewl truck - 2004 Hummer H2
  By erwin - February 18 - 2:00 am

  the best truck on the face of this earth rugged but fun great for outdoors

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  Hummer H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By lfs57 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a H2 and so far I am really having alot of fun driving it. I have no issues with the vehicle. I feel extremely safe in this vehicle . Many people told me that they are so wide and I will have a hard time driving it, but I do not find that to be true at all. I also went from chevy SUburban to this H2. It has lots of power and the interior is sort of funky. Many nice features.

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  I love MY H2! - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Howard Hoag - February 14 - 2:00 am

  Well first off, this truck does everything HUMMER prommised. I have taken it off-road and have found others who do. The support from the dealerships should you need them are very responsive. I can keep up with the H1.

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  H2, say no more - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Tim S. - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Went to purchase a truck. Saw Hummer H2. Bought H2. What more can I say. Alot. Since I have bought the Hummer, Ive had nothing but fun,fun,fun. This thing is worth every penny from style to performance. Plenty of pick-up when needed, enough room for a six foot,240 lb. man which I am. It gets looks from all ages and everyones always asking what its like. Miles per gallon is about the same as a full size truck.Only complaint is when I set steering wheel in comfortable position, I cant see speedometer without looking over. Buying the H2 is one of the best decisions Ive ever made.

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  Love my Hummer!!! - 2004 Hummer H2
  By PamF - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Female that HAD TO HAVE ONE!!! Love it. Feel very safe in it.

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  absolute horror - 2004 Hummer H2
  By ray/jim1 - February 11 - 2:00 am

  the first night I brought it home, the heater was malfunctioning. Not a good thing when the ambient temp is 21 degrees!! The interior is full of cheap plastic. The external beams are awful..I already changed the lamps to some better halogen..In summary, If you have 55000 dollars laying around and you want to buy a suv, buy a toyota!!!!

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  Hummer - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Keith Morris - February 11 - 2:00 am

  The ultimate chick magnet.