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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  Hummer H2 - Good Fun - 2006 Hummer H2
  By ortygang - November 15 - 2:08 am

  I bought an H2 used and have driven it all over California and Nevada. I take it off road and then back on the highway. It handled the rough dirt trail well and then was very smooth on the highway. I have owned many 4x4 vehicles including Toyota and Jeep and this Hummer is the best combination of everything a person would want. Dont mind the gas mileage. It gets only two to three MPG worse than the Yukon XL I have with the same engine. The fun factor is worth the extra dollars spent on gas. The interior is typical GM quality which is good but not great. Beware underground parking - they build them too small for the H2. Otherwise - buy a Hummer - Have some fun.

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  Very Satisfied - 2006 Hummer H2
  By DeBest - November 6 - 5:59 pm

  I have owned the vehicle for a short time but it has been very enjoyable and been a pleasure working with the dealership

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  Best SUV Ever - Cant ask for much more! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Dayna - November 6 - 1:50 am

  My husband and I bought this car a year ago right before we found out I was pregnant. This car is great for hauling a child around, plenty of room for a stroller, the DVDs that the H2 has as an upgrade is going to come in handing in a couple months and it feels safe when you drive. I have no complaints. Great family automobile.

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  Hummer H2 One Sweet Ride - 2006 Hummer H2
  By J T - October 17 - 5:30 pm

  A classic vehicle - serious utility. Performance is so much better than my Chevy HD crew and my Suburban. It looks a little small inside but my trip to shoot clays with the boys and the dog in a box fit fine. Clean up is reasonable. It would be closer to perfect if some of the grill, rear bumper and trim were metal. Aftermarket parts avail. BEST - its Made in the USA!!!! Imports kill our economy and cost your neighbors jobs. Wise up or sell out to China!

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  Mudding - 2005 Hummer H2
  By H2 - August 16 - 2:26 pm

  I like the feel of secureness. Being able to go over and trhough things with no problem. I enjoy going mudding. It handles so well. Very comfortable to travel in. I have put over 20,000 miles in less than 6 months. Its worth it

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  New Toy - 2006 Hummer H2
  By Bigdog - July 30 - 10:41 am

  This was a purchase that was a dream three years ago... before gas prices went through the roof! Other than the need for a fuel tanker following you the SUV is everything you would want in a new vehicle. Comes with every bell and whistle you would want! From my driving experience it is a dependable auto that takes a few days of driving to get use to the front view difference. There is a blind spot on the car however and this could become an issue if your not carful! Anyway great unit to drive and if something changes I will add something else. I have only had the car for three weeks!

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  Love It! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Donna - July 14 - 2:29 pm

  I love this vehicle and so do my childern. I feel safe and the interior of the vehicle is very comfortable and the ride is also. GM makes a great auto

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  Id buy another one. - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Richard - June 13 - 8:00 pm

  Those who criticize the H2 have obviously never taken one down the highway - or off road. Pay no attention to criticism this vehicle has received from those who havent taken the time to fully understand its powers. There is nothing on the market that compares. Having owned 30 cars in 25 years - Ill tell you simply .. this is the best .. hands down. It has incredible highway skills, is fearless off road or through a blizzard and is elegant driving down Sunset Blvd. Inside the H2 with the windows up and XM Radio off, youll never even know the engine is running. My H2 secret! Drive at 60 on the highway and youll get 21 miles to the gallon!! My wife was stunned. She now want an H3.

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  STRONG - 2005 Hummer H2
  By CAMPMAN - May 18 - 8:22 pm

  Though the fuel consumption could be a lot better, and some of the interior components are a little weak (housing around the shifter, for example, feels lightweight) overall the H2 is a great vehicle. Comfortable, safe, and very capable of either highway cruising or driving off-road. Overall, the experience so far (3 months later) has been a great one.

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  H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By mari - May 13 - 4:48 pm

  I love my H2. My mileage was about the same as other large SUVs (approx. 12 miles per gallon). The vehicle handles very well and drives smoothly. The only negative is on the 2004 model the spare tire is on the inside and takes away space. (2005 models come with the spare on the outside)