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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  use it - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Trevor - April 11 - 7:23 pm

  its a fun head truner that easy to make different form the other on the road. H2 are not the fast but that not what you get it for, its great off road and if you get one you should use it so you can respect what its about. but at the same time its comfort level is there with any other SUV.

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  Boxy But Sexy - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Scarboy - March 27 - 11:19 am

  Overall this vehicle has met my expectations. Negatives-- It could use more front seat leg room and it would be nice if the 2nd row seats reclined. Interior jack location could have been thought out better. Windshield leaked from poor installation at factory and both front seat height adjustment switches have gone out. Positives--This vehicle will perform as advertised. It handles/performs like a sports car and almost nothing short of water submersion will stop it. If you have to get the "heck out of dodge" this is the vehicle. Just fill up the tank at every opportunity. Would definitely buy again.

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  Abbys review - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Big Gurl - March 23 - 11:15 pm

  I am really enjoying my H2 - I have a 2005 and the color is stealth gray. I enjoy the comfort and the stares as well! Anyone purchasing this vehicle must know that its a gas guzzler so dont go in blindly. The fun outweights it. I use mine as an everyday vehicle. It runs just fine!

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  I love my H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By crazyH2drvr - March 11 - 11:07 pm

  I love my H2. Its such a great truck. And let me tell you the attention it gets is way worth it. Fun to drive fun to look at and way worth the money. Gas since its expensive is kinda bad but you know that going into it. Great fun.

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  True review by owner - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Really own one - February 22 - 1:52 pm

  Traded in an 04 Escalade . The Hummer is a great vehicle . However a few flaws , windows are very small and restrict visibility . Does not do too well in mud or ice, tire change would fix . Really fun to drive . If you add the winch to the front you can not open the hood - on the back cant swing open the tire w/o removing winch . Ride on highway is great / fair on dirt roads . 4wd is a 10, brakes are a 10 . All in all I am happy with this vehicle be sure you can get in and out of it easily. I find it is kinda hard to get in and out, but I am 50 . The Black leather really shows dirt . I would buy one again .

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  a must have - 2005 Hummer H2
  By bobby - February 12 - 3:37 pm

  i had suvs all my life but nothing will compare to the animal i am driving now.not because its a hummer its because what it dose in all conditions the last northeast blizzard over 2 feet of snow did not stop this truck,or the mountains off roading

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  My Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By lapointeatlas - January 19 - 3:55 pm

  My first long trip happened to be during a snow storm. It was very comforting knowing what I was driving while I was seeing cars and truck sliding off of the Interstate. With the four wheel drive and traction control I never at any time felt like I was not in control

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  nothing else like it.. I always have one - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Laurie - January 6 - 2:25 am

  I love my H2. We call it Godzilla sometimes dinosaurus-not dinosaur. Some of the interior things should be of better quality. The backs kinda small for the size of the truck. I had more space in my minivan. I put my seat down and still have a hard time fitting in stuff. I work in home repair, by the way the truck although has the hauling capacity doesnt have the interior room. But I wouldnt trade it for anything else. I just deal with it. I am 32 and as long as I can step in and out of this thing! I will own one. I love this truck, its a muscle car and monster truck all in one.!!!

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  Fun in the snow! - 2005 Hummer H2
  By J Duckett - December 18 - 3:02 pm

  Unbelievable drive through horrible whiteout conditions!. No slip, no slide . Safety a plus in this SUV.

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  The Best Truck I Have Owned - 2005 Hummer H2
  By Flightmedic01 - November 14 - 11:38 am

  This truck is awesome to drive, a real head turner. Great performance. Very comfortable to drive/ride. Doesnt feel as big as it looks when you drive it. The problems I have had: a bolt fell out of the front suspension, dealership said a non-locking nut was used by mistake. One small area of paint peeling off of the top. They do need to offer back up sensors, because visibility is bad out of the back, especially with the rear tire rack.