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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  GMC ruined these vehicles. - 2003 Hummer H2
  By twz - April 15 - 2:00 am

  At the dealership, there was already rust forming on the undercarriage. The salesman was not polite and respectful at all. The ground clearance simply is not enough for true off roading. The inside is nothing more than a blazer or a suburban. The use of plastic for the bumpers is not up to par with the price tag. For the price range, aluminium should be used for the construction. A 6.0L engine should be paired with more than 8 cyl. To top it off, you cant get it in a standard!

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  rusty - 2003 Hummer H2
  By dimarb - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Waited 16wks for my H2. Have the truck 3months and put 400 local miles on it. Get 10.3mpg. Easier to handle then my Suburban geat ride but the whole under carriage is rusting out in such a short time.

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  10s - 2004 Hummer H2
  By rick riemers - April 1 - 10:00 am

  love the truck a must have!

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  get a hummer - 2004 Hummer H2
  By whatever23 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Just get one they are awsome I got one and I am so happy with it.

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  its da bomb - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Holla - March 30 - 2:00 am

  i like it. the hummer is a beauty and i enjoy driving it.

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  HEAD TURNER - 2003 Hummer H2
  By MUHLBACH - March 23 - 2:00 am

  ALTHOUGH THE GAS MILEAGE IS SIMILAR TO MY EXCURSION I AM A NUT FOR A FINE RIDE. THIS VEHICLE IS A THRILL. I AM ALSO EXPECTING MY FIRST SPEEDING TICKET ANY DAY NOW. OUR FAMILY LOVES THE HUMMER H-2.

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  Nothing compares to you - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Glicker - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 6 SUVs over the last 15 years and this Hummer is the best ever. I bought one of the first Hummers in PA and heads still turn when I drive it. It rides better than my Range Rover,Is more comfortable than my 2001 Suburban and out-handles the M320 my wife owns. At 75 mph down the highway it drives like a lux. coupe I will never drive a different vehicle in the PA mountains.

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  H2 an awesome vehicle - 2003 Hummer H2
  By stogyboy - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. good ride and fun.

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  Hummer Talk - 2003 Hummer H2
  By SoCalHummer - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Love driving this vehicle. Simular creature comforts to the Cadillac Escalade however, some creature comforts have been lost that are small but needed like a place to hang your jacket or load from the cleaners since there are no hooks anywhere and the center console is small inside and not functional such as light or plug in or tissue holder, no light in glove box.....little things My only other item is the acceleration is poor along with mileage. this thing need an additional 100 horsepower from the factory.

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  Fine Machine - 2003 Hummer H2
  By ottojag1 - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle after owning 2 2001 Suburbans. Drove in complete comfort from WI to FL. (27 hours straight) Averaged about 12 mpg or about four hours between gas stops. Seating was very comfortable but the storage, even with rear tire mounted on the back of vehicle, was slight. Could use more enclosed storage compartments similar to those on the Suburban. Overall it is easy to park and very capable of everyday use.