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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  Xtreme SUV-Got me hummin - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Pamela Bankert - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Wicked fun to drive. Turns on a dime, Incredible stability, no jiggling, rocking or rolling around turns. Its a gas guzzler but it qualifies for the farm vehicle deduction! 10" ground clearance making those nasty mall parking berms mere childs play. One warning: if youre short, get ready to climb on the hood and roof to clean the windows and sunroof! The flat front window is a bug-magnet. You wont want your husband to catch you sliding off the hood, but if you have to-the roof handles are great for helping to get your feet back on the ground in one piece.

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  Teejs H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By TYoung - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my new H2. I live a pretty rigorous life and I enjoy the outdoors. I have done quite a bit of off roading in my hummer and its always a blast. I also own a jeep wrangler and have found that I am able to go further and deeper witht the H2. It is most definitely a luxury vehicle. It is extremely comfortable on the inside. I opted for the external tire carrier for my spare tire, and now I have plenty of room in the back for groceries and other cargo. I am very pleased with my purchase in every way!

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  Theres no other car like it - 2004 Hummer H2
  By DocEK - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Its the only car I ever wanted.

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  My H2 gave its life for me. - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Blessed - October 24 - 3:27 pm

  After kissing my little boy and heading to work, a woman ran a red light going 50-70mph. My Hummer was t-boned on the drivers side and then due to her speed, flipped onto its headlights and upside down on its roof, sliding 20 feet. The jaws of life cut me out of my totaled Hummer. I suffered only minor injuries in an accident that would of killed me in any other vehicle. I was released from the hospital in time to kiss my little boy goodnight. The emergency crew said buying the Hummer was the best decision of my life.

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  Got Bank? - 2004 Hummer H2
  By rtevans - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Once you go Hummer! Well if size matters then this is the right vehicle to buy. This is true SUV.

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  Humming along - 2003 Hummer H2
  By mejbc - September 2 - 10:00 am

  A real crowd pleaser. Handles great and is very comfortable. Steers about like any car. A lot of leg room in the back seat. Fun to drive. Great acceleration for a large vehicle.

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  The Holy Grail - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Tony Wes - July 22 - 8:58 pm

  I would never ride in or touch a Hummer until I could finally afford one. Its like the Stanley Cup. You dont touch it until you win it. That day came a few weeks ago for me and it has been incredible! Love driving it, getting looks, surprisingly easy to park and so comfortable. I recently picked up my 60 something parents from the airport and they had no trouble getting in or out and thought it rode better than their own vehicles. I have always loved the look of the H2 and and now enjoying driving it every day. There is no comparison, it is the best.

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Tonianne Bromberg - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this truck in the beginning of June and fell in love with it! It handles well it and drives better than my cadillac seville! I ran back one week later to buy it.

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  I love my Hummer2 - 2004 Hummer H2
  By pericowest - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Porsches, volvos,etc. This is WAY the most fun wheels I have ever driven (that says something as I flew 20+years for the Navy. The Hummer2 is more fun than carrier landings ( well..maybe not at night) A great fishing, off road experiance. If you want to drive it down Rodeo Drive get a different ride, The Hummer2 is for those who really want to get "out in the bush".

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  Love my Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By MJ - June 6 - 10:56 am

  I have owned my H2 for 3 yrs and it gets roughly the same gas mileage that my 2005 Chevy Tahoe gets (14 in town and 18 hwy). I dont know what the big deal is over the gas mileage (I have been researching the new Jeep Unlimited and it only gets marginally better gas mileage than the H2 [1 or 2 mpg] and for the style and luxury Ill keep my H2. No mechanical probs to speak of. Excellent ride - better than any other SUV. Turning radius is great. Bottom line is go drive one for yourself. Dont let others talk you out of it before you look at it. My husband thought he would hate it until he drove it. Needless to say, we took it home that day! Well worth the price for the SUV and gas.