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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  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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  Great at what it is supposed to be. - 2008 Hummer H2
  By Gman - May 17 - 9:12 am

  The H2 is a full size offroad truck based SUV, so its 12-13 mpg city, 14- 15 mpg highway is on par with other truck based SUVs of its size, difference is that nothing looks, rides, performs like a H2. New interior is excellent, my kids love it, and those who dont like it need to understand that there are plenty of other SUVs that eat gas as much as it does, just those vehicles are not American, so they are not a target. Great Vehicle for what it is, not when compared to a Prius. Hummer deserves to live on, and for some, it will forever.

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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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  The Worst Designed Vehicle of All Time - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Petrolhead - April 5 - 7:04 pm

  For some reason I allowed my family to buy this monstrosity. Th H2 has been completely unimpressive, right from the start I hated the H2. It cost nearly $60000 and came with no features that werent on every SUV for half the price. The H2 is also the worst vehicle from a drivers perspective that Ive ever driven. The gas mileage is unbelievably bad, I didnt know that a family SUV can get 8 mpg in the highway. When you get inside youll find cheap, flimsy plastic, and a huge spare tire where your cargo and a third row seat is in a good SUV. We were only able to sell it after 18 months for about half what the car cost and then got a used Land Rover LR3. The LR3 is a billion times better.

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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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  Limited Victory Red Edition - 2004 Hummer H2
  By icecoldbeer - December 22 - 2:46 pm

  Drives great and handles like a charm. I loved this car up until it hit 95,000 miles, then it became a money pit and the market is so upside down (not GMs fault) that its hard to make sense what to do with it. It treated me well with no breakdowns for 3 years, then the instrument gauges quit one by one, the water pump went out, the a/c recirculation does not work well, the electric mirrors quit, the windshield gasket vibrates above 60 MPH. Repairs on high mileage cars are expected but it seems like everything on the H2 costs between $500-$1000 to get fixed. Probably wont spend $65,000 on another Hummer. They are really worth about $50,000 at most fully packed with all the good stuff.

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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!