2003-2007 Hummer H2 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Hummer H2. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Hummer H2.

2003-2007 Hummer H2 Review

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.

Year to Year Changes

2004 Hummer 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 Hummer 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 Hummer 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 Hummer H2: A rearview camera is newly optional for 2007 on this military-styled SUV from General Motors' Hummer brand. The SUT seats five and replaces the wagon's enclosed cargo bay with a 3-ft-long cargo bed.

2003-2007 Hummer H2 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Trailer-towing capability	Steering/handling

	Fuel economy

	Noise

	Entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Value for the Money
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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Hummer H2 wagon	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	2

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	7

Room/Comfort (rear)	6

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	2

Total:	43

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2003-2007 Hummer H2 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The A/C may quit or may occasionally blow warm air due to a bad low-pressure switch. (2003)

Electrical problem: 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)

Fuel gauge: 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: The nozzle may keep shutting off during refueling due to the vent opening being collapsed inside the tank. (2003)

Keyless entry: 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)

Sunroof/moonroof: 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: 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)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$750

Alternator	$345

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$3,100

Brakes	$890

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing

Constant Velocity Joints	$2,700

Exhaust System	$850

Radiator	$880

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,800

Timing Chain or Belt	$960

NHTSA Recall History

2003 Hummer H2: Ignition key in some vehicles could be removed with shift lever in position other than "park."

2003 Hummer H2: Windshield wiper motor could fail, due to improper manufacture.

2003-04 Hummer H2: 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: Pin could shear off, resulting in loss of steering control.

2004-05 Hummer H2: Second-row center occupant seat routing may make it difficult to position lap portion of belt around hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants.

2004-05 Hummer H2 w/Bosch hydro-boost brake assembly: Hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate, which could result in leakage and increased steering/braking effort.

2006 Hummer H2: Power steering hose may not meet specification and could fracture during extreme steering maneuvers.

2006 Hummer H2: Tire and loading information label may show inaccurate vehicle capacity weight.

2003-2007 Hummer H2 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2003
H2	$26,500-28,000	$24,600-26,000	$17,500-18,500

2004
H2	$30,200-32,000	$28,100-29,800	$21,100-22,400

2005
H2	$34,200-36,500	$31,800-33,900	$24,300-25,900
H2 SUT	$35,500-37,500	$33,000-34,900	$25,200-26,600

2006
H2	$38,300-40,500	$35,600-37,700	$27,200-28,800
H2 SUT	$39,500-41,500	$36,700-38,600	$28,400-29,900

2007
H2	$43,000-45,500	$40,400-42,800	$31,400-33,200
H2 SUT	$44,200-46,000	$41,500-43,200	$32,300-33,600

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2003-2007 Hummer H2 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door wagon	crew cab

Wheelbase, in.	122.8	122.8

Overall Length, in.	189.8	203.5

Overall Width, in.	81.2	81.2

Overall Height, in.	77.8	78.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	6400	6400

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	86.6	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	32.0	32.0

Seating Capacity	6	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.5	40.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	39.7	39.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.6	38.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

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.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V8	6.0 / 364	316	360	4-speed automatic: --	4-speed automatic: 10.7

ohv V8	6.0 / 365	325	365	4-speed automatic: --	4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive

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Also in the 2003-2007 Hummer H2 Review:

Hummer H2

Hummer H2 Road Test

Hummer H2 Reliability

Hummer H2 Prices

Hummer H2 Specs & Safety

Hummer H2 Photos

Hummer H2 Full Review