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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  H2Oh yea!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Hummer H2
  By HUMMERNUT - March 9 - 2:00 am

  Nicest, most eye-catching car Ive ever owned. A joy to drive both on-road and off. The ride quality is as good as my wifes Toyota Sequoia. The gas milage is about 13MPG, but you dont own one if gas prices are an issue!

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  Glad I Got A Hummer - 2003 Hummer H2
  By DeSmetDoc - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I loved the H2 the first time I saw it on the net early last year. Ordered one even before test driving it. Test drove one and loved it even more. Had mine for 5 months now and I wouldnt drive anything else. The drive is excellent. The mileage isnt really as bad as I expected. 10/gallon? What do you expect? It goes up to 16-17/gallon on cruise control at 55-65 mph. Got it initially for the looks: a 10, For the drive: a 10, All wheel drive is a plus: a 10, and I live in snow country: so far a 10 for that as well. If you can afford one, GET ONE!

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  Love the H2 - 2003 Hummer H2
  By H2 Bill - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I had a deposit on it for 1 year. The dealer that I worked with was really great in keeping me informed as to its progress. I had one of the first on the road and the looks of people who had never seen was was really fun! Every stop that I made was full of curious onlookers that wanted to see the interior, engine, etc. I cant tell you how many people (total strangers!) I let sit in it! No problems with it and it is very comfortable and fun to drive. Lots of great off roading experiences with it and it has unbelievable capabilities.

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  you would complain about anything - 2003 Hummer H2
  By quit_whining - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Its 6400 lbs. full time 4x4, and a V- 8, Gas milage? Why are you complaining, what did you expect its not a hybrid! If the spare is to big for you take it out who cares, not like youre going to get out and change it anyway. Compare it to a Range or Benz for $20k less, pay me the difference and Ill give you stainless steel grills and no plastic ANYWHERE!! And for the A/C thing if you dont know how to work one ride a bike. If it doesnt fit your needs dont buy it, but dont sit and complain about its design, it obviously wasnt designed for YOU.

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  Power failure. - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Wari - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Tried to start my truck after 4 days of domancy and it will not start. A truck was sent by the able On-star staff to jump start it. Searched everywhere for possible energy leak. The VCR player which was off has a small residual lighting that will take an owl to fish out. Doubt this was the reason, who knows. Has been working well since, VCR unplugged ( still love my truck regardless ).

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  Hummer 2 Crazed - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Robert Detweiler - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Rugged and fun to drive on-road and off-road.

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  FUN, COMFORTABLE & RELIABLE - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Ray Velazquez - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased...Very comfortable and reliable. As a plus Williamson Cadillacs Service Dept. is a pleasure to work with.

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  Amazing Car - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Hman - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is unbelievable to drive!!! get one now!

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  This is the best ! - 2003 Hummer H2
  By JJ1172 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  The H2 is the answer to all questions. It works, it hauls, it commutes, its manueverability is unsurpassed. It will easily pull into that stall at the market or shopping mall. And the comfort is the best. It is easy to drive and handle.

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  Hummer H2 is the best car for the money - 2003 Hummer H2
  By roman - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car! Great for money! Lots of room! Very comfortable!