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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  Owner - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Rocky Mountain Homes - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the vechicle. The small windows are a little problem but nothing you wont get over. Enjoy:)

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  Marlenes Black 2004 H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By RmeStKitts - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Nothing Else Like It !!!!

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  10 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By sangita - November 23 - 2:00 am

  great ride,comfort,view,luxury and SAFER than any other vehicles on the road.

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  HUMMER H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By R ROCCO - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY HUMMER. IT IS SAFE, DRIVES GREAT. MILAGE IMPROVES AFTER BREAK IN. CAN HAUL ABOUT ANYTHING.

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  Bummer Hummer H2 - 2003 Hummer H2
  By hummerh2 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Whatever you do, DONT buy a Hummer H2! We did and are we ever sorry now.

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  Family Vehicle - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Edwsilver - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We have driven this vehicle from Denver to Vermont and back. It was comfortable and fun to drive. We enjoy showing it off and look forward to driving it in the Rocky Mountains this winter.

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  MOSTLY HAPPY - 2003 Hummer H2
  By LPACHECO1 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  MOSTLY SATISFIED WITH MY PURCHASE OF THE 2003 HUMMER 2, PURCHASED IN AUGUST 2003. HOWEVER ALREADY GETTING A SQUEAKING NOISE IN THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR PART OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, NOISE LEVEL FROM WIND SEEMS TO BE EXCEPTIONALLY LOUD COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD AREA. ALSO REAR WINDOW ALMOST SEEMS LOOSE. P.S. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS VEHICLE 4 WHEELING EITHER, PRETTY MUCH BABIED. OTHER THAN THOSE ISSUES, VEHICLE IS GREAT TO DRIVE.

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  its more than expected - 2003 Hummer H2
  By jgraber - November 8 - 2:00 am

  There is nothing else like it. If your looking for fuel mileage buy a toy one. If you are looking for the ultimate on/off road vehicle, buy one. Its a UAV not a suv. Urban Assault Vehicle.

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  AWESOME - 2003 Hummer H2
  By CHARLIE - November 5 - 2:00 am

  THIS HAS TO DATE BEEN ONE OF THE SHARPEST VEHICLES IVE EVER OWNED. NOT ONLY SHARP TO LOOK AT, BUT A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. THE POWER ALONE, MAKES MY FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 SEEM LIKE A 4CYL. HANDLING IS PRETTY IMPRESIVE. I HAVE YET TO OFFROAD THE VEHICLE, BUT MY DEALER HAD AN OFFROAD EVENT AND FRIENDS SAID THAT THE H2S STOOD PRETTY GOOD UP TO THE H1S. I GIVE IT 2 THUMBS UP!!!

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  the dealer made the car - 2003 Hummer H2
  By hummer1 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Not only do I know own the biggest head turning vehicle know to man at the moment, but the store that i bought it from was the best, When I bought it, the sales guy took me on their own test track to give me a "crash course" in off-roading, they were very helpful and professional