4 Star Reviews for Hummer H2

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
439 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1 through 10 of 439.00
  • Top dog - 2003 Hummer H2
    By -

    Ive never had an automobile get so many stairs, and compliments. Overall best auto I ever owned.

  • Qs HUMMER - 2003 Hummer H2
    By -

    My hummer is a 2003, I bought it on 2004 used with very little mileage, since then I have enjoyed it. Took it off road and getting it dirty, hauling my travel trailer going camping on the mountains of New Mexico. About two years ago I decided stay off the dirt and rough terrain and started to customized it with bigger sound system, 28" rims and tires, chrome, and lots of more extras. (is very clean. Now Im the envy of the neighborhood, everybody have something to say about my "hummer":)

  • Obnoxious; In a Good Way. - 2003 Hummer H2
    By -

    This is the car you buy if you want people to look up to you, literally. Decent power but the gas mileage is brutal. Definetely the kind of car for showing off around town.

  • Do want to be noticed! - 2007 Hummer H2
    By -

    I purchased the Victory Edition for my wife. Very beautiful & spectacular looking SUV. Handles very well. Performance is a bit low considering its a 6.0 ltr. Needs a turbo charger or supercharger in order to live up to its name. Ride is comfortable in the front.

  • Great at what it is supposed to be. - 2008 Hummer H2
    By -

    The H2 is a full size offroad truck based SUV, so its 12-13 mpg city, 14- 15 mpg highway is on par with other truck based SUVs of its size, difference is that nothing looks, rides, performs like a H2. New interior is excellent, my kids love it, and those who dont like it need to understand that there are plenty of other SUVs that eat gas as much as it does, just those vehicles are not American, so they are not a target. Great Vehicle for what it is, not when compared to a Prius. Hummer deserves to live on, and for some, it will forever.

  • Limited Victory Red Edition - 2004 Hummer H2
    By -

    Drives great and handles like a charm. I loved this car up until it hit 95,000 miles, then it became a money pit and the market is so upside down (not GMs fault) that its hard to make sense what to do with it. It treated me well with no breakdowns for 3 years, then the instrument gauges quit one by one, the water pump went out, the a/c recirculation does not work well, the electric mirrors quit, the windshield gasket vibrates above 60 MPH. Repairs on high mileage cars are expected but it seems like everything on the H2 costs between $500-$1000 to get fixed. Probably wont spend $65,000 on another Hummer. They are really worth about $50,000 at most fully packed with all the good stuff.

  • Theres nothing like it! - 2006 Hummer H2
    By -

    Having owned some very extravagant & exotic vehicles, there is nothing like a Hummer H2! Im embarrassingly proud to own such a magnificent & unmistakable machine! Id never even ridden in, let alone driven one before I bought online, sight unseen 2000 miles away - no disappointments! If youre looking and thinking about owning one - take the leap of faith and treat yourself!

  • Fun to drive - 2007 Hummer H2
    By -

    I like it but am disappointed with the quality. After only 3000 miles and none of it off road, all the paint came off the nerf bar brackets and the chrome is pitted. There is rust leaking out around the screw heads on the exterior chrome luxury package upgrades as well. The driver seat is too plush with little stiff padding. If you weigh 200 pounds or more you will be sitting on the actual outer seat frame. If you are tall, you will have to lower the seat all the way to not hit your head.

  • MPG Isnt As Bad As You Might Think! - 2008 Hummer H2
    By -

    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!

  • Like No Other! - 2008 Hummer H2
    By -

    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.

Hummer H2 Reviews By Year:
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