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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Give this Hummer a 10! - 2005 Hummer H2
By chris - January 24 - 11:19 pmStand out design, extremely comfortable driving experience, go anywhere off road performance and not one issue... my experience has been a 10!!
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H2 experence - 2003 Hummer H2
By m kennedy - January 12 - 5:22 pm1 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
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Awesome - 2003 Hummer H2
By Bentley - December 21 - 5:33 amWhen 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.
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Hummer H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
By Mike - December 9 - 3:51 pmThe 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.
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fun to drive - 2004 Hummer H2
By pbgb - December 2 - 2:00 ama blast to drive.rides much nicer than you would think
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Ryans Ride - 2005 Hummer H2
By Rtzz55 - November 24 - 4:00 pmOverall quality is excellent, I knew the mileage was poor before I bought it, and I would buy it again. Rides very nice. Great power. The only thing I would change is to have a little leg room in the back seat.
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2003 Hummer H2 - 2003 Hummer H2
By Maverick - October 27 - 2:42 pmThe best SUV that I have owned to date. Very, very surprised by the truck
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Im one of the first to drive - 2003 Hummer H2
By Osymandis - October 13 - 10:00 amIve been work with AM General for about two weeks now. My job is to learn how to drive the H2 on AM Generals off road course. Starting monday Ill be teaching others how to drive it off road. After getting behind the wheel of this monster, you wont want any other truck! I had the chance two days ago to take the truck to the Indiana National Dunes and try it out on my own. It ran over trees with ease, it did 100ft. dunes like speed bumps. I pulled up next to a guy in a Jeep Cherokee. I said, "Hey man, nice truck. My mom has one just like it." He then wanted to race me; so I tore hime a new rear with the H2s 6 litre V8 with 316hp.
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The King Of SUVs - 2003 Hummer H2
By My H2 Rocks!! - October 7 - 10:00 amThe power, I must talk about...to all those who say that the HUMMER nees a large engine...good luck. Before I purchased my H2, I wa talking to the dealer and he mensioned that the 6.0L was the largest engine that they could fit in the bay. What I would request is to tune the engine o about 310 hp and 380 lb/ft of tourque, this would lower its top speed, but it would increase its acceleration off the line, and give it a better ability off-road. I mean seriously whos going to be driving this thing 100+ mpg...with the H2 my prayer have been solved.
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great SUV, but safety warning - 2003 Hummer H2
By dochummer - September 30 - 2:00 amI have had month to drive my Hummer and am generally and favorably impressed. My wife will be happier when I get the spare mounted on the back end. I found one potentially serious safety problem. THe front wheels are so far forward that when you hit standing water on the road during a heavy rain, it tends to plow the water up and forward in thick sheet that completely blinds the driver. The first time it happens is scarey. One needs to be prepared for this event since you will then experience 2-3 seconds without forward vision on the road.
