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:

• 

  H2 is a great powerful vehicle - 2004 Hummer H2
  By JOE - August 27 - 11:39 am

  Owning an H2 is great. Everyone notices it and Ive never been stuck or even skidded in the snow. The only issue is its size. Sometimes its hard to park or find a lot big enough in downtown urban areas.

• 

  Hummer H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Hummer H2 - July 20 - 10:44 am

  Bought this H2 new and love it. It has been one of the best vehicles that I have ever owned. My wife drives it as the daily driver, I know that she and my family are safe while in it. I would be more than happy to get another one after this one. I have not added any bling, but I thinking of added a few things, but not to go over- the-top. Overall satisfaction on a scale of 1-10 (8.9).

• 

  06 H2 4D SUV Adventure - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Ding - June 7 - 10:50 am

  This H2 is the fifth addition to our fleet of family vehicles and has become my favorite daily driver ever since. I wanted to buy the H2 since it was introduced in 03 but I cant believe I waited that long to finally decide to buy one last January. I feel safe driving it around town and on the highways. Ive driven it along rough roads inside our ranch and boy, how I love how it handles, rock solid. I average 12.5 miles on combination of city and hi-way driving and it is a lot better than the 9 mpg I get from my Ramcharger. I will not replace it with any other car except with another H2.

• 

  Pleasantly Surprised - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Intellicam - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my H2 for nine months. What a great experience. The interior is world class, the ride is incredible, handling is well above the normal suv style. I CAN GO ANYWHERE!!!!! Sure, they get less than average gas mileage, but if you are upset over the mileage, you couldnt afford it in the first place!! Besides, gas is so cheap in the U.S. I spent a month in France and Germany. $4.00 to $6.00 a gallon there. No wonder they hate America!!

• 

  Best 4WD I have ever owned! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By joseph hoffman - March 8 - 2:56 pm

  Outstanding vehicle!I have owed many 4WDs but this one is by far the best! Please see improvement section for only flaw known to date. GM made an outstanding decision to acquire the Hummer brand I most constantly educate non-owners that it is not a rehacked Suburban. I hope to acquire an H1 to keep it company!

• 

  Give this Hummer a 10! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By chris - January 24 - 11:19 pm

  Stand out design, extremely comfortable driving experience, go anywhere off road performance and not one issue... my experience has been a 10!!

• 

  H2 experence - 2003 Hummer H2
  By m kennedy - January 12 - 5:22 pm

  1 trouble free for over 3 years 2 uses regular fuel which keeps cost of refill down 3 large 32 gal full tank for long distances 4 i would like to have a better downward fuel filling angle to prevent nozzle from falling from car 5 on remote outside mirrors i would like to be able to program them to fold automatically after parking vehicle

• 

  Awesome - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Bentley - December 21 - 5:33 am

  When the H2 first came on the market, I knew I had to own one. This SUV has not disappointed my expectations. Fun to drive, extremely reliable, and indestructible. A little underpowered, but what do you expect with a 6000 pound "tank?" During winter months, my friends usually designate my H2 as the "designated" vehicle for ski trips, and when offer for them to drive, they never refuse. I get 13 mpg on the highway at 65 mph. I can fit four skiers inside including their skis.

• 

  Hummer H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Mike - December 9 - 3:51 pm

  The Best SUV out there. People need to top comparing the gas mileage to a car that’s ¼ of its size! I drive it really hard and get about 9 mpg in the city when driving lightly you get about 13 mpg. On Highway at speeds of 85 mph I get about 10 and speeds around 65 mph I get about 14 mpg. Its how fast you take off is where the gas goes.

• 

  fun to drive - 2004 Hummer H2
  By pbgb - December 2 - 2:00 am

  a blast to drive.rides much nicer than you would think