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:

• 

  MPG Isnt As Bad As You Might Think! - 2008 Hummer H2
  By TSamuel - July 9 - 2:35 pm

  I just got my 08 H2 after having an 05 H2 for the last three years. I drive 25 to 30,000 miles per year so comfort, reliablity and safety are my main priorities. The new design is no different to most people on the outside but the inside 08 is far more plush, updated and comfortable. The instrument panel takes some getting use to but it really is gorgeous. The gas mileage is the same from my 05. 12 to 13 MPG. No biggie when you consider Range Rovers or Mercedes AMGs are getting about the same MPG. Its a heck of a fun ride for the family and I. Not a moment goes by that Im not feeling far more safe than the car next to me...thats for sure!

• 

  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".

• 

  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.

• 

  H2 When you absolutely have to get there - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Rich - May 10 - 10:46 pm

  Having 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.

• 

  Like No Other! - 2008 Hummer H2
  By Mike - May 5 - 12:09 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Infiniti G35 for this Hummer. I have owned the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban in th past. I chose the H2 over the Escalade and the Infiniti QX56. The ride is so smooth and comfortable. The gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired, but what do you expect?! Features in the 2008 actually do feel luxury. After driving the G35 which was a great car, I did not want to sacrifice the luxury I had become accustomed to in the G35 not a problem with the 2008 H2.

• 

  Not Very Impressed with this Vehicle - 2008 Hummer H2
  By Jason Methlin - April 22 - 10:34 pm

  Bought my first Hummer two months ago and regret it already. Poor mileage, poor performance and even worse, it has been in the shop more than it has been with me.

• 

  Much Improved - 2008 Hummer H2
  By Bodyimager - April 6 - 5:03 pm

  In 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.

• 

  Yellow Lemon - 2004 Hummer H2
  By just me - April 6 - 1:50 am

  Love to drive my HUMMER when it is not in the shop. All repairs have been minor fixes, but major irritations. I am now on my fifth TV/DVD replacement! Numerous problems with 12 volt outlets, and other electrical type problems. This vehicle has been in the shop more than 15 times and to top it off the entertainment system went out again and I am told that this model is no longer made and cannot be replaced. Now after 3 "repairs" it still only works 2-3 weeks after each repair.

• 

  Better than expected - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Roger - April 5 - 8:26 am

  I 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.

• 

  Great - 2004 Hummer H2
  By bigcal - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just 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!!!