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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H2 When you absolutely have to get there - 2006 Hummer H2
By Rich - May 10 - 10:46 pmHaving owned my 2006 H2 for over a year, I can safely say, that this is the best truck I have ever owned, if you think having a truck that performs better than intended off road, and in emergency situations is important. Also, ariving in style is not a problem! If you have to worry about gas, well then go buy that Festiva, for every day *(I have one! 43mpg) and you can average 27MPG! Overall, I like the vehicle for what it stands for, and its performance.
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Much Improved - 2008 Hummer H2
By Bodyimager - April 6 - 5:03 pmIn 2006, I purchased a new H2. I really grew to like this SUV, using it for the daily commute, long family trips, and for hunting/hauling the ATV. Like all H2 owners, you deal with its shortcomings for the privilege of driving a SUV "Like no other." Then came the 2008 re-do. I saw one at test track in Disneys Epcot, then rented one in Denver. I was amazed at the changes. As a result of being so impressed, I recently purchased a new 2008 lux model, had the dealership add chrome bits from the trade-in, and I love it. I took a chance on the Sedona leather and it looks great. I highly recommend the new model.
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Better than expected - 2006 Hummer H2
By Roger - April 5 - 8:26 amI too have only recently purchased my one-owner Hummer H2. I admit I had some reservations concerning its towing ability and gas mileage. But surprizingly I have average 14.5mpg (2807.2 gal used/40920 miles accrued =14.5mpg). This Hummer is also equipped with the dealer installed Radix Supercharger(63%-123% more power from 2k-6k rpm),base being 325hp, It doesnt require a mathematician to figure out that at 6k rpm its capable of making nearly 600 HP! So power is plentiful. And the vehicle handles beautifully,alot better than the GMC 2500 I traded. And of course with this much power at a given whim, I needed the extended warranty. And off roading is a breeze,just watch your throttle position.
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Great - 2004 Hummer H2
By bigcal - March 29 - 10:00 amJust got my H2 and loving every minute of it. The gas milage is not as bad as everyone thinks 13mpg everyday driving. When i first saw the H2 i was like this is gonna be clunky and sluggish and real loud tires. To my suprise its very nimble with a great turn radius for a vehicle its size with a smooth ride with min noise inside the cabin. Overall a great vehicle!!!
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Best vehicle ever - 2005 Hummer H2
By hummer owner1 - January 5 - 2:25 pmThis is a fun head turning vehicle with very few flaws. Handles great, looks great, and is safe to drive
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2004 Hummer H2 - 2004 Hummer H2
By rich - December 9 - 3:03 pmI finally found something I like to drive.Ii live in cleveland,ohio. and the roads are tore up. Also we have some heavy snow falls too. Driving the Hummer H2 on the highway is a joy. It has plenty of power and it rides very smoothly.
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The best car Ive drivin - 2004 Hummer H2
By Jose Fernandez - November 15 - 2:00 amThe H2 has to be one of the best SUVs Ive have ever drivin and own.Its a monster,powerful,safe,and fun to drive and I like the body shape alot better than the old one.I all I got to say is that its taller,bigger,and safe.
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First Hummer - 2008 Hummer H2
By K McGuire - November 5 - 8:22 pmMy first Hummer. I choose it over the Escalade. The new interior is quality in design and comfort. Touch screen navigation, XM radio is easy to use. Back-up camera was an important addition. The six speed 6.2L is great for our trips to Vermont.
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Huge Improvement - 2008 Hummer H2
By DonClaudio - October 4 - 8:43 pmI traded my 06 H2 against the 08 model and I really can say that the H2 has finally grown up. The new 6 speed automatic is a perfect match for the new 6.2l engine. Brake feel has improved as well and the steering is more direct now. Fuel economy is improved by 15% compared to the 06 H2.
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2 Thumbs Up - 2007 Hummer H2
By HCW - September 21 - 9:34 pmThe H2 exceeded my expectations. The mileage is average, 15mpg. Accleration is comparable of a 3/4 ton truck. Towing is great. One barely notices the difference with a 8200# load.
