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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  Top dog - 2003 Hummer H2
  By Eddie - December 14 - 12:31 pm

  Ive never had an automobile get so many stairs, and compliments. Overall best auto I ever owned.

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  H2 - 2003 Hummer H2
  By db1988 - May 28 - 8:55 pm

  Working for a used car dealership, I have driven literally hundreds of vehicles. After a long drive home in a customers Hummer h2 I was sold. There is no doubt the exterior design is unique, it really stands out amongst everything else. But being in the driver seat is what sold me. It handles well, drives smoothly, the visibility is phenomenal, and the overall comfort is great. Shortly thereafter, I bought a lightly used h2. After owning it these past few years, I can say I definitely made the right choice. It feels solid in heavy snow and pouring rain, it isnt as hard to park as you might think, and every seat is adequately spacious for an adult.

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  Serious off-road capabilities :) - 2004 Hummer H2
  By slowopey - May 26 - 11:33 am

  I have owned many vehicles, but I have to say that my H2 was my favorite. I owned mine while in Kuwait, driving in high heat and rough conditions in the desert, and the H2 handled like a champ. Ive driven Jeeps, H1s, etc..., so I know about true off-roading, and while the H2 has a reputation as an urban assault vehicle, it is incredibly tough when put to the challenge. First of all, the entire under-carriage is built like a semi truck underneath, so you cant break it. You can take speed bumps at 70 miles an hour, and all you feel is a blip beneath your tires. Passengers dont even feel the bump (priceless). You must test drive hard to appreciate. Trust me, it can take it :)

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  H2 is King of the Asphalt and off road! - 2006 Hummer H2
  By inyerhed68 - April 9 - 12:12 pm

  By far the very best vehicle I have ever owned! Its a criminal thing that these beautiful machines are no longer in production. Fits All 3 of my children in the middle bench seat with ease and they love it! good sized cargo area and even more if your H2 is fitted with the spare on the outside-mine is. And removal of the single rear seat is easy out and easily put back in. My wife loves driving it as well. And.....I love to go fresh water fishing and the area I fish it not easily accessed as it has extremely soft sand and some hills to climb. No problem for my H2!....Neutral then change to low 4 in we go! Love this vehicle and its an eye catcher! All black exterior and interior!

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  Used Hummer - 2005 Hummer H2
  By rcaceres - February 26 - 5:12 pm

  I just bought a well taken care of Hummer H2. I wish I would have driven one sooner. These vehicles are fantastic. Well made, commanding, wide footprint, sure footed. Rides very well.

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  H2 HUMMER - AWSM - ALL-PURPOSE VEHICLE & FUN! - 2004 Hummer H2
  By awsmh2fan - August 14 - 4:31 pm

  Ive owned a 2004 H2 hummer since 2004 It has only 60,000 miles and its traveled to 28-states. Ive never had any major servicing problems. It gets about 13.5 miles per gallon which is the number one question people always ask. Ive enjoyed being a H2 Owner. There are 3-models of this SUV: The Basic, Adventure and Luxury Edition. Its too bad they stopped production in the U.S. Maybe it will make a return someday? Ive driven my Hummer on rocks, sand, rivers, lakes, dirt roads, and the beaches. I love it when kids wave at us when were driving in cities, small towns, and freeways. It was american made, rock solid, and it cruises very well on USA roads!

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  Hummer for Horses - 2007 Hummer H2
  By rex46 - September 21 - 10:07 pm

  We have just purchased a H2 to tow our horses to shows. Our two new horses weigh 2700# together and if they start doing the "Kentucky 2 Step" it was hard for our Jeep Grand Cherokee to steer straight. This vehicle is PERFECT, pulls without effort, easy to back up with mirrors, comfortable to ride and gets better gas mileage than the Jeep, especially when towing. Getting to the Barn in all kinds of weather is not possible with a 4WD truck because of weight balance. This vehicle is almost impossible to get stuck. I have no concerns about my wife when she is in this vehicle, it screams safety from its size only. I am a Professional Engineer, I recommend without reservation.

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  Lucky day - 2005 Hummer H2
  By best_hummer1 - July 20 - 9:30 pm

  One day i was out with my family in my Escalade and i saw a silver hummer for sale and i was just hooked to it i went around the block and tried to forget about it but my wife kept telling me just to get a test drive if i like it i would buy it and i did and i got it for about $50,000 but its worth it i bought it with 35,000 miles 2005 it was brand new at the time and it only has 50,000 miles now and its the greatest suv i have ever bought !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  still strong - 2004 Hummer H2
  By yarealman - December 2 - 2:00 am

  well i drive this in any weather Hummer does not care hot H2 cools me cold H2 warms me lot of room and with air ride it drives great i am happy

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  Just Love It. - 2007 Hummer H2
  By Spirit Dove - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This was my dream vehicle. It gets better gas mileage that my Expedition although not the best I was used to budgeting the gas. Heavy and solid vehicle and in the snow awesome. I feel so safe in my Hummer and the Arctic Blue color was a surprise. Driving it is heaven and I do get the looks. I new thought I would be able to own one. Its fun to drive!