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Premium large SUV; Built in USA
  • 4-door wagon
  • crew cab
  • longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $13,500 – $42,000*


2005 Hummer H2


2004 Hummer H2


2005 Hummer H2


2003 Hummer H2

Pros:
  • Trailer-towing capability
Cons:
  • Entry/exit
  • Fuel economy
  • Noise
  • Steering/handling

For better or worse, the H2 carries over many big-Hummer styling cues and makes a unique image statement. It’s highly capable off-road, and fairly civilized on-road, but limited cargo room leaves the H2 short on utility. Seating comfort and capacity can’t match other big SUVs. Similar money can buy any number of more-luxurious, more refined competitors. Look for a less-exaggerated model with more interior room, comfort, and practicality plus superior workmanships and greater fuel economy.

Overview

Launched for 2003, this new “junior” Hummer borrowed styling from its military-based big brother, but was designed as a more-civilized, less-costly SUV. Like the larger, original Hummer–now called the H1–the H2 was built by AM General in Indiana. However, it was designed in conjunction with General Motors, which now owned the Hummer brand. H2s were sold through selected GM dealerships, most of them Cadillac franchises.

Compared to a Chevrolet Tahoe, the H2 was 9 inches shorter in length, but its wheelbase was nearly 7 inches longer and it was more than 2 inches wider. It was also some 1300 pounds heavier. Standard seating was for five occupants, with a single-passenger third-row seat optional. The H2 took its 6.0-liter V8, four-speed automatic transmission, and major chassis components from GM’s full-size pickup trucks. All-wheel drive was standard: designed for severe off-road use with low-range gearing, specific throttle-pedal and traction-control settings, for on- and off-pavement activity. A locking rear differential was installed, too.

Luxury sport-utility vehicle competitors included the GMC Yukon/Denali and Toyota Land Cruiser. An H2 could tow as much as 7000 pounds. Standard features included antilock four-wheel disc brakes, chassis skid plates, GM’s OnStar assistance system, power front seats, a split folding second-row seat, and 17-inch wheels. Side airbags were not available. Options included heated leather front and second-row seats, a sunroof, chrome appearance package, and an Adventure package with self-leveling rear air-spring suspension.

Yearly Updates

2004 H2
A navigation system became available for 2004, part of a combination radio/navigation unit that put the video screen in the audio faceplate. During 2004, engine output rose to 325 horsepower.
2005 H2
An SUT offshoot of the original H2 wagon joined for 2005, with a pickup truck-like cargo bed. Seating five like the regular H2, it replaced the wagon’s enclosed cargo area with a 3-foot-long, 5-foot-wide open cargo bed. The SUT had GM’s midgate wall behind the rear seat. Fitted with a power-retractable window, the midgate folded along with the back seat to extend bed length to 6 feet.
2006 H2
A Pacific Blue Limited Edition package for 2006 bundled Hummer’s audio/navigation system with DVD entertainment, carbon-fiber interior accents, and special blue paint. Also included were a roof rack, roof-mounted off-road lights, and brush guards for the grille and taillights. Hummer launched a new, smaller H3 model this year, which would also be the finale for the mammoth H1.
2007 H2
A rearview camera became optional for 2007 on this military-styled SUV from General Motors’ Hummer brand.
2008 H2
The 2008 Hummer H2 got a redesigned interior and a more powerful engine. Hummer updated its big SUV’s passenger compartment for 2008, and a 2-passenger 3rd-row seat became available. Also new was a 393-hp 6.2-liter V8 that replaced a 325-hp 6.0-liter. Maximum towing capacity was increased from 6500 lb to 8000.
2009 H2
The H2 gained the ability to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel, and 2nd-row bucket seats were newly available on the wagon. A wireless cell-phone link, heated steering wheel, and power-tilt steering column were newly available.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive

Initial H2s held a 316-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. During 2004, the V8 increased to 325 horsepower. In 2008, a 393-hp 6.2-liter V8 paired with a 6-speed automatic replaced a 325-hp 6.0-liter V8.

ohv V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.0/364
Engine HP 316
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 360
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 NA

 10.7
ohv V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.0/365
Engine HP 325
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 365
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 NA
ohv V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.2/376
Engine HP 393
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 415
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 NA

1. Hummer H2 exceeds the weight limit for vehicles tested in the EPA fuel-economy program.

Road Test

Hummer claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in about 10 seconds, which would place the H2 among the slower full-size SUVs. Indeed, acceleration is fairly strong at lower speeds; but highway merging or passing takes patience. The transmission shifts smoothly, and usually kicks down quickly for more power.

Naturally, fuel economy earns no prizes. Gross vehicle weight above 8600 pounds exempts the H2 from the EPA’s mileage-reporting program. Our test H2 averaged just 10.7 mpg, even with mostly highway driving. An H2 SUT managed only 10.4 mpg. Hummer recommends regular-grade fuel.

Ride quality is a bit jittery over smaller bumps, but three-ton curb weight and large tires help iron out larger ones–though with some bobbing and body reverberations. Little difference is noticeable in the ride between coil- and air-spring suspensions, though the latter includes self-leveling, which is beneficial when carrying or towing heavy loads.

Steering feels light at low speeds, but close-quarters maneuverability is hampered by a 43.5-foot turning circle (versus Ford Expedition’s 38.7 feet, for example). Massive weight and tall build induce noticeable body lean in turns, though no more than in the typical full-size SUV. Despite its blocky shape, the H2 is not overly sensitive to crosswinds. However, huge tires tend to follow road grooves, which can contribute to mediocre straight-line highway tracking. Brake-pedal feel is good in routine use, but mushy in simulated emergency stops. The standard front tow hitch is useful when guiding a trailer.

Tire roar is evident even at moderate speeds, joined by pronounced wind noise above 65 mph. On the plus side, engine sounds are well-muffled.

Borrowed from Chevrolet’s Tahoe, the main instrument cluster is clear and unobstructed. Radio and climate controls, set toward the middle of the H2’s wide dashboard, have cryptic markings. Overall, the interior follows an “industrial” design theme, with plenty of hard plastic molded in square shapes–punctuated by huge “bug-eye” air vents–that does not look or feel appropriate for the vehicle’s price. The available navigation/audio combo is a sensible, relatively easy to use mating of map screen/navigation functions with radio controls.

Front head, leg, and shoulder room are good, but the steering wheel sticks out rather far and is offset to the right of the seat’s center. High step-up into the interior is required, but running boards and hand grips help. Base cloth seats are a bit too soft for best long-distance comfort, despite standard power lumbar adjustment. Optional leather seats are a bit firmer, and heated. Thick roof pillars, rear headrests, and an intruding spare tire, which blocks one-third of the back window, hinder visibility.

Rear head room is fine, but leg space is tight if front seats are pushed more than halfway back. Although the seat is comfortable, three adults would overlap shoulders, despite the H2’s wide girth. The wagon’s optional single third-row seat is difficult to get to, suitable only for one child. The SUT’s power midgate window adds some open-air feel to the cabin.

Wagon cargo volume totals 86.6 cubic feet. The load floor is high, and standard full-size spare tire sits upright in the cargo area, weighs some 100 pounds, and eats up lots of luggage space. If installed, the optional single third-row seat takes up most of the rest. That seat tips forward or removes to open up more space, but the H2 still can’t match even compact SUVs for utility. Second-row 60/40 seatbacks fold flat, but seat bottoms must be tipped forward first. Cabin storage is unimpressive: map pockets, small glovebox, modest console box, and two cupholders. Three small but handy overhead bins are sacrificed with the optional sunroof. The SUT’s midgate adds versatility, but when folded it sits several inches above the cargo floor, hampering slide-in loading of long objects. Also, the SUT’s spare tire sits on a massive swing-away rear carriage and the tailgate is very heavy and high off the ground.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Hummer H2 wagon

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 2
20%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 2
20%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 7
70%

Other

Value - 2
20%

Total: 43

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
122.8 189.8 81.2 77.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
86.6 32.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.5 39.7 41.3 38.6
crew cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
122.8 203.5 81.2 78.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
32.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.5 39.7 41.3 38.6
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The A/C may quit or may occasionally blow warm air due to a bad low-pressure switch. (2003)
Air conditioner
Description: Erroneous diagnosis of a parasitic drain may be due to the control head for the dual-zone heating and A/C system staying powered up for up to four hours. (2003-08)
Fuel gauge
Description: The engine may not start or may stall because the tank is empty yet the gauge shows fuel remaining, or the fuel gauge will not show full after refilling due to sulfur corrosion of the fuel level sender and if after treating with Fuel System Cleaner PLUS the problem remains, the sender may need to be replaced. (2003-06)
Fuel pump
Description: The nozzle may keep shutting off during refueling due to the vent opening being collapsed inside the tank. (2003)
Keyless entry
Description: The remote keyless system quits working and there was a campaign to reprogram the electronic module inside the passenger door and this fix will be made at no charge regardless of time or mileage. (2003)
Audio system
Description: When using a portable music player (e.g. iPod) there may be noise in the car’s speakers whenever the vehicle’s power adapter is used and a ground loop isolator (from Radio Shack) is required between the device and the power outlet to prevent the noise. (2003-07)
Steering noise
Description: A clunk in the steering column that is both felt and heard on rough roads or off-road can be eliminated with an improved upper-intermediate shaft. (2003-06)
Sunroof/moonroof
Description: Water leaks at the sun roof requiring replacement of the kinked drain hoses with updated parts. Wind deflector rattles at cruise are due to deflector screws coming loose. (2003)
Transaxle leak
Description: Shifting problems, loss of power, or inability to move at all may be due to a transfer case leak at the output shaft and, after repair, a longer driveshaft yoke must be installed. (2003)
Electrical problem
Description: If the OnStar system quits or won’t come on (no power), but comes back to life if the fuse is removed for five minutes, the vehicle communications interface module must be replaced or else the problem will recur. (2005-06)
Electrical problem
Description: The DVD monitors in the front seat headrests may quit working because the video feed cable comes loose requiring installation of cable clamps. (2005-08)

Recall History

2003 Hummer H2
Description: The windshield wipers may fail due to a faulty windshield wiper motor module. Dealers will inspect the windshield wiper module cover, and replace the windshield wiper module cover free of charge.
2003 Hummer H2
Description: Ignition key in some vehicles could be removed with shift lever in position other than “park.”
2003-04 Hummer H2
Description: Brake hydro-boost housing may be out of spec and O-ring seal may fracture, slightly affecting steering effort when braking or parking.
2003-06 Hummer H2 w/certain Fabrech aftermarket replacement Pitman arms
Description: Pin could shear off, resulting in loss of steering control.
2004-05 Hummer H2 w/Bosch hydro-boost brake assembly
Description: Hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate, which could result in leakage and increased steering/braking effort.
2004-05 Hummer H2
Description: Second-row center occupant seat routing may make it difficult to position lap portion of belt around hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants.
2006 Hummer H2
Description: Power steering hose may not meet specification and could fracture during extreme steering maneuvers.
2006 Hummer H2
Description: Tire and loading information label may show inaccurate vehicle capacity weight.
2006-08 H2 equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system
Description: A short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke, increasing the risk of a fire. Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 16, 2014.
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