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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  RECONSIDER.... - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Joannassf - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Terrible mistake, this purchase was purely emotional!!!! Our car has been in the shop three times in 1 year and has been towed three times!

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  I love my new hummer H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By lou roc - January 29 - 2:00 am

  there is no car better than this one that i just bought i think everyone should consider in buying one or at least check it out it wont hurt and they wont regret it either.

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  aris review - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Ari Zimmerman - January 26 - 2:00 am

  very good car it pretty reliable and boy is it big and it looks nice everyone staring at you

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  Great trcuck - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Adam White - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most fun cars i have owned in years. I own a BMW 740il and a 2004 Cadi Escalade ESV. My Wife and Children love to drive in the H2. It does only get between 10 & 11 miles pere gallon but my escalade only gets 12. If your concered about the gas your realy not interested in the H2 and what it has to offer. I love to drive this truck and I will buy another H2 or H1.

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  Love my Hummer - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Shirley Turnbow - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My husband gave me my H2 as a surprise Christmas gift and I absolutely love it. I love the way it drives, tight like a sports car. A lot of fun to drive and own.

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  great - 2004 Hummer H2
  By hummerH2rules - January 23 - 2:00 am

  this is the best thing anyone has come up wit

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  Turns heads - 2004 Hummer H2
  By stogyboy - January 22 - 2:00 am

  By far the most fun I have had driving a car. I used to drive a Lincoln TownCar and this is easier to park. Other cars move out of the way when you change lanes. I Love It. Great in the snow. I did have to have the steering box replaced. But got a caddy as a loaner, not really a good thing because I had to buy the CTS for my wife because she liked it so much.

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  H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By stang01gt7 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Well I really like the new H2 I have one and love it. Yeah it gets like 10 mpg but if can afford it in the first place u can afford the gas. People are always asking questions so if u dont like random people asking u really stupid ?s its n ot for u as much as i like it my mom likes it more and drives it more then i do so Hubbys your wife will take it and like it more then u

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  Happy Owner - 2004 Hummer H2
  By PL Yon - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Very Fun car to own.

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  Love my H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By mike3119 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Proud owner of a 2004 H2 LUX. Absolutely pleased with the SUV, no issues at all - great in the snow!