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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  Bad Boy - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Salina - December 27 - 8:06 pm

  This bad boy is sleek, sexy, and COOL!! No matter what occasion...whether it be a wedding, rodeo, skiing, dancing, or just a trip to the grocery store, this truck will take you there with class. Bottom line......If you want to ride in comfort and style, and dont have any worries about gas...This is IT!!

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  from la. - 2004 Hummer H2
  By r osteen - December 21 - 12:02 pm

  my second hummer and i will get another one awesome ride instead of the saying rides like a cadillac should be rides likea hummer

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  Only downside is gas mileage - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Salman - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive SUV. Comfortable, lots of room, extra gawk factor, feel like you own the road look (actually you do!!!). Sometimes one forgets they are driving an SUV this size cos it handles so easily. Definitely better than buying any other SUV in this price range.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Mega - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is an awsome SUV.

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  Truth about Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Chris Garcia - December 18 - 11:54 pm

  Awesome truck!!!! Gets lots of attention, you must feel comfortable driving large vehicles to drive this daily. Terrible gas mileage, but the ride and power make up for it.

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  hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Lisa Klein - December 18 - 9:57 pm

  We live in Iowa, weve had about 18 inches of snow so far this year and I dont have to worry about getting around, I can drive any where and feel 100% safe. The only regret I have so far is there is no complete third row seat offered. Otherwise am completely happy.

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  h2honey - 2003 Hummer H2
  By mark swineford - December 17 - 2:24 am

  strong suv super ext.styling love the added ground clearence a real head turner we have enjoyed ownership of this suv the overall look is what pushed us to buy it over any other suv choices that are out there today

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  Favorite Vehicle of all Time - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Joyce Khoury - December 1 - 9:48 pm

  I have had a wonderful time driving my H2. I dont have to worry about winter driving, as I live in the NE. This vehicle can go through and over almost everything. I have not had any problems with it at all. I feel safer driving my H2 than any other vehicle I have owned, including several SUVs and compact sports cars from two Miataa to a four Jaguars. It is reliable, and comfortable. The only problem, of course, is the gas milage! I get l2.3 mi to the gal. The worst of any vehicle I have ever owned, with a 12 cylinder Jag. coming in at about the same. I find that other drivers do not tailgate or cut in front of me anymore. And likewise I feel I have become a safer driver. H1 next!!!!

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  DJA - 2005 Hummer H2
  By H2 - December 1 - 8:13 pm

  This is the second one we have owned. We have a large piece of property with some horrible roads. My wife loves the vehicle and wouldnt want anything else. It is very durable and I feel safer with her in it. It does get horrible mileage and is as aerodynamic as a box which makes it hard to keep the wind shield clean. Other than the mileage, we are thrilled with the vehicle and the way it handles.

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  Better by you, Better than me - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Bob - December 1 - 10:40 am

  Took it in the mud and tried to get it stuck and couldnt. Nice power and much better handling than Lincoln Navigator. No where near as nice as a luxury vehicle. Hummer is sporty trying to be luxury. Navigator is luxury trying to be sporty. Both failed.