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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  The Best SUV Ive ever had - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Terri - March 7 - 11:40 pm

  You are totally safe in this beast. Thats the reason I bought it which to me outweighs the gas mileage. My kids love it too. Handles great and the visibility is excellent. Makes a tighter u-turn than some small cars. If you look underneath all you see is solid cast iron which I think they are changing in the newer models(for better gas mileage, too bad). And most of all its fun to drive especially off road. My husband thought I was crazy to get the Hummer but he was surprized the way it handles. I think hes a little jealous now. I like having the tire in the back for added safety too. Oh by the way its fun to make your own parking space on those crowded occasions!

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  Well worth it - 2006 Hummer H2
  By engineer - January 30 - 7:02 am

  After buying a new H-3... I felt a bit slighted when I sat in a H-2. The search began for a late model used with warranty. I bought the H2 and it was love at first sight. Dont be foolish and buy new... you can buy a certified used for about 20K less and have the same warranty without the depreciation. I bought mine loaded with only 10K miles for $39K MSRP was $58K. Enough said. The drive and comfort cant be compared to any other vehicle. I get 13.5 MPG around town and was only getting 15 with MY H-3. The interior is very spacious however there is a lot of wasted space in the rear. The wind noise is loud at highway speeds and the low roof takes a bit of getting used too.

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  My girlfriend LOVES my Hummer! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Hum1 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Very fun vehicle to drive, rides as nice or nicer than my Expedition, big comfy seats, well placed ergos, panoramic view. Its like driving a tank in a parade every day. Onstar is a nice amenity to have. This is a vehicle you just love to own. It makes your commute fun...what more could you want?

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  Outstanding - 2007 Hummer H2
  By Shant - August 10 - 2:00 pm

  The driving is great and since the car is yellow everybody has to look when I come. Some sports cars always try racing me since I have to Borla exhaust on. If you hear my car coming from far away you will think itÂ’s a muscle car. The car is great and it still hasnÂ’t given me any problems. I have a neighbor who has 3 of these Hummers and none of them have given him any problems

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  h2 - 2003 Hummer H2
  By toyota man - August 8 - 10:00 am

  The H2 is a fun, cool vehicle to drive if you like attention and one of the biggest vehicle on the road. Lot of interior room, except in thrid row seat. Power is ample and diesel sould be an option. Make one fit somehow. Has some blind spots. Great for road trips, hard to park in small spaces.

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  Fun car... at first - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Chris - May 31 - 12:16 pm

  I have had my Hummer for 3 years. I bought it because my friend let me drive his when it first came out. I fell in love with the comfort and looks. 2 years later my friend was taking an offramp in his H2 and there was a muffler on the road. The H2s inside wheel went over the debris and the Hummer rolled. He was wearing his seatbelt and is not a fast driver, but the roll made him paralyzed. His incident has scared me and Im now looking for a large safe car like the Volvo S80. Something with a lower center of gravity that is less likely to roll. My H2 was very fun to drive at first, but I grew out of it after a couple months.

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  WHEN YOU GO TO HUMMER YOU CANT GO BACK - 2005 Hummer H2
  By ALNESEF - March 24 - 10:00 am

  GREAT 4X4 WICH GETS ME IN AND OUT OF THE DESSERT. GOOD HANDILING ON THE FREEWAYS WITHOUT THE NOISE OF THE H1, ALL THAT AND GREAT STYLE AND APPERANCE WHEN I DRIVE INTO ONE OF MY CONSTRUCTION SITE. THANKS

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  Bug Catcher - 2004 Hummer H2
  By John Wernick - March 21 - 8:58 am

  This has GOT to be the worlds MOST EXPENSIVE BUG CATCHER! Or, in the winter when it is snowing or freezing rain, be sure to have GALLONS of windshield antifreeze along with...youll need it! I must admit that we did not install a bug deflector on the hood, so I dont know if that would improve the situation or not. Other than not being too aerodynamic, it handles wonderful, goes anywhere, pulls anything, power galore! Pulling a motorcycle trailer, expect about 9 m.p.g., otherwise about 13 to 14 m.p.g.

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  005 Hummer H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Kevin - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Drives excellent, Attention Getter. You either love it or Hate...and the Tree Huggers Hate it., of course. I wave when they go by.

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  Im one of the first to drive - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Osymandis - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive 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.