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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  If fuel economy is your issue, bicycle - 2005 Hummer H2
  By tonka_hummer - November 12 - 12:02 pm

  I love my Hummer H2. I considered an H1, but it trades away too much comfort for utility. With a vehicle as large as the H2, I was concerned about agility and performance, but the vehicle has the right power/weight ratio to make it perform fine for my needs. The turning radius is also great - I had a full size Bronco and have driven my sons Jeep Wrangler that had smaller turning radii, but I have no concern about getting through tight areas with the H2. With the Lux package, it really feels like a comfortable luxury vehicle. I am getting 10 mpg (city) and a bit better on the highway. But who in their right mind would buy an H2 as a high mileage commuter vehicle?

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  Hummer Comments - 2005 Hummer H2
  By SES - November 5 - 12:53 am

  Fuel Economy is obviously poor. I saw a military hybrid that got great fuel economy. Its time to introduce it. My best is 11.4 MPG. Ouch!! Rear wiper doesnt make complete contact and barely clears away a light mist. Seat could be a bit more comfortable. Spare tire needs to be outside as it eats up most cargo space. Other than these complaints, the H2 is a great ride and very capable. Fun to drive and turns heads.

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  Best yet - 2005 Hummer H2
  By DAK BAK - October 23 - 2:00 am

  LOVE IT, ride is comfort like no other SUV we have had and we have owned six over the last twelve years. Performance and the turning radius are great for the size of the vehicle. Gas milage is not that deferent from the other SUVs in comparison.

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  Awsome - 2005 Hummer H2
  By SundanceKid - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, reliable and a brute off road. Handles well in snow and mud. Gas mileage sucks, but expected.

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  2005 H2 - 2005 Hummer H2
  By CDFrausto - September 19 - 2:00 am

  The H2 drives and handles like large luxury sports car. The interior is user friendly and has all the creature comforts you could want as a driver. The turning radius is phenomenal for such a large vehicle. I could best describe this as a hippo ballerina, its large, but graceful.

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  Great vechile but drinks gas - 2004 Hummer H2
  By Petes mom - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I saw a Hummer at a dealership and knew I had to have one. Fun car to drive. It definately gets peoples attention. Kids love it too, when you drive by they stare, wave and want you to blow the horn! My only complaints are the stupid spare tire in the back, you cant see anything with it there (I already hit a post) and the way it sucks down the gas (its like me with beer=)!) Other than that its a really fun (but pricey) toy to play with! I say if you can afford it go out and get one!! Wait, what am I saying?! I enjoy having a "unique" vechile. Stay safe.

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  Hummin Along - 2004 Hummer H2
  By runninnl8 - July 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle to accommodate the mountain we live on....car is awesome! Drives like a luxury car..had leakage problems with the sunroof...heard its a common thing. Aside from that, the truck rocks.

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  My 2003 H2 one year summary - 2003 Hummer H2
  By KAs - July 6 - 2:00 am

  my one year summary reflects that i am totally happy with this vehicle. yea, gas has gone through the roof but i knew the miles per sucked when i got it. It still gets the looks from others and i like that. Having something differant and cool.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Hummer H2
  By ceads - June 26 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT. Ive had a Eddie Bauer EXP, Honda Pilot, 2x Explorers and this is the best Ive ever owned. Ive owned over 30 cars and is is one of the best all around. Its just not for looks ,it is a very good truck. The Honda was in the Shop 4x the H2 "0". The Mileage is only about .5 under my Ford and the same in town . Rides better than any of the others, GETS THE LOOKS every where we go . I have the DVD system and its better than my Hondas. Im glad i traded the PILOT EX for the H2

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  Buying Another - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Kdefinis2 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I love it so much, buying the 2005 SUT in 2004.