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2005 Hummer H2 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2005 Hummer H2 Review:
5. 
Hummer H2 Photos

6. 
Hummer H2 Full Review

7. 
All Hummer H2s

8. 
All Hummers


2005 Hummer H2 Review
Hummer's H2 4-dr wagon is joined by a version with a pickup-trucklike cargo bed for 2005. Both borrow styling from the military-based H1, but are designed as smaller, more-civilized, less-costly SUVs. The H2 wagon and new H2 SUT are built by AM General in Indiana from a General Motors design and are sold through GM dealers. They get their 6.0-liter V8, 4-speed automatic transmission, and major chassis components from GM's large trucks and SUVs.

The wagon has standard seating for five; a single-passenger 3rd-row seat is optional. The SUT seats five, and replaces the wagon's enclosed cargo area with a 3-ft-long, 5-ft-wide open cargo bed. The SUT features GM's midgate wall that folds along with the rear seat to extend the length of the bed to 6 ft. The midgate also has a power-retractable window. Both H2s have AWD and are designed for severe off-road use with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential. Standard features include ABS, 17-inch wheels, and heated leather front and 2nd-row seats. Towing capacity is 7000 lb. OnStar assistance and a split folding 2nd-row bench seat are included. Side airbags are unavailable. Options include an Adventure group with self-leveling rear air suspension and a navigation system.







Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are really super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buys is the Toyota Land Cruiser. Our Recommended pick is the Cadillac Escalade.
News
The H2 was a hot seller in its first year, but high fuel thirst and record gas prices deflated demand and swelled dealer inventories in early 2004. GM says it isn't worried, but it must be hoping the new SUT will take up the sales slack. No big near-term changes are expected for either H2.

GM has long since confirmed an even smaller Hummer for 2006. Though recently previewed as a concept 2-passenger pickup, this H3 should bow as a 4-dr wagon, with a 4-dr SUT derivative coming sometime later. Judging by the concept, H3 should be over a foot shorter and some 7 inches narrower and lower than H2 on a wheelbase of about 119 inches. It should also be somewhat lighter, though piggish fuel thirst may remain a deal-breaker for some prospects. Like the concept, the showroom H3 will be a body-on-frame design based on the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup. The concept used a 3.5-liter inline 5-cyl engine from those trucks, but turbocharged to 350 hp. Though the production model may use something else, it will certainly include dual-range 4WD with locking front and rear differentials to maintain Hummer's go-anywhere reputation. Look for H2-type styling and interior accommodations on a somewhat smaller scale. An H3 pickup would likely retain the concept's novel side-access bed doors. Rumor has it that H3s will price from $30,000 to $40,000. We should have more news soon, so keep checking back with us.
2005 Hummer H2 Road Test
Pros Cons
Trailer-towing capacity Steering/handling
Fuel economy
Noise
Entry/exit
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
4 4 5.1

At 0-60 mph in about 10 sec by Hummer's claim, these are among the slower large SUVs. Acceleration is fairly strong at lower speeds, but highway merging and passing take patience. Transmission shifts smoothly, usually kicks down quickly for more power.
Fuel Economy

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
2 2 2

Over 8600-lb gross vehicle weight exempts H2s from EPA mileage-reporting program, but test 2004 H2 wagon averaged 10.7 mpg, SUT 10.4-10.7. Uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
5 5 5.8

A bit jittery over smaller bumps, but 3-ton curb weight and large tires help iron out larger ones--though with some bobbing and reverberation. Little difference in ride between base and air-spring suspensions, though the latter's self-leveling feature helps in heavy hauling or towing.
Steering/Handling/Braking

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
2 2 3.4

Massive weight, tall build induce body lean in turns. Steering feels light at low speeds, but close-quarters maneuverability hampered by wide 43.5-ft turning circle (vs. Ford Expedition's 38.7 ft, for example). Not overly sensitive to crosswinds, despite blocky shape. But huge tires tend to follow road grooves. Brake-pedal feel good in routine use, but mushy in simulated emergency stops. Standard front tow hitch useful for guiding a trailer.
Quietness

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
4 4 6

Some tire roar even at moderate speeds. Pronounced wind noise above 65 mph. Engine noise well-muffled.
Controls

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
5 5 5.6

Main instrument cluster is unobstructed. Radio and climate controls set toward middle of wide dashboard and have cryptic markings. Navigation/audio combo a sensible mating of map screen, navigation functions, and radio controls for relative ease of use. Lots of hard plastic that does not look or feel up to the $50,000-plus price.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
7 7 8.1

High step-up, but running boards, handgrips help. Good head, leg, shoulder room, but steering wheel sticks out far and is offset to right of seat center. Visibility hindered by thick roof pillars, rear headrests, and spare tire that blocks much of rear window.
Room/Comfort (rear)

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
6 6 6.7

Head room fine, but leg room tight if front seats adjusted more than halfway back. Seat is comfortable, though tight for three adults, despite H2's girth. Wagon's optional 3rd-row seat difficult to get to, suits one child. SUT's power midgate window adds some open-air feel to cabin.
Cargo Room

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
7 5 7.8

Wagon rated at 86.6 cu ft, but has a high load floor and a full-size spare tire that weighs some 100 lb and eats lots of luggage space. Optional 3rd-row seat takes up most of the rest. That seat tips or removes, and 2nd-row 60/40 seatbacks fold flat after seat bottoms are tipped forward. Still, H2 wagon can't match even compact SUVs for utility. SUT's midgate adds versatility, but folded, sits several inches above cargo-bed floor, hampering slide-in loading of long objects. SUT's spare tire mounts to massive swing-away rear carriage; tailgate very heavy, very high off ground. With split rear seat folded and midgate in place, SUT has 30 cu ft of interior cargo space. Both body styles have limited small-items storage.
Value within Class

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
2 2 4.6

For better or worse, these H2s make a unique statement. They're highly capable off-road and fairly civilized on-road. But other big SUVs offer more passenger comfort, capacity, and cargo space. And the same money buys any number of more-luxurious, more-refined competitors.
Total Score

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
44 42 55.1
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
23
Average Score
55
High Score
64
2005 Hummer H2 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/11/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 4-door wagon $52,430 $47,973 $850
Base SUT 4-door crew cab $52,485 $48,024 $850
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, traction control, locking rear differential, 2-speed transfer case.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 8-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof (SUT), Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD player, rear radio controls, digital clock, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, folding midgate w/power rear window (SUT), roof rails, roof marker lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, skid plates, Class III trailer hitch, wiring harness, full-size spare tire, LT315/70R17 all-terrain tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
Base
$2,530
$2,099
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rubber floormats, first-aid kit, tool kit w/portable lamp, roof rack, brush guard, air-inflator kit, self-leveling rear air suspension.
Lux Preferred Equipment Group 1SC
SUV
$4,240
$3,519
SUT
$3,740
$3,104
Folding 3rd-row seat (wagon), upgraded leather upholstery, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), floormats, tubular side steps, aluminum roof rack, chrome mirrors and door handles, chrome alloy wheels.
Adventure Kit
Base
$325
$280
Binoculars, 2-way radios, lighter, compass, wind-resistant lighter, tire-deflators. Requires Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
Trailering Convenience Pkg.
Base
$150
$110
Front hitch extension, front and rear hitch covers, 7- to 4-pin connector.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
SUV
$1,550
$1,333
Navigation system
Base
$1,995
$1,716
w/Adventure or Lux Group.
$1,570
$1,350
Deletes cassette player from standard radio. Downgrades 6-disc CD changer of Adventure or Lux Group to single CD player.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Base
$425
$366
Satellite radio
Base
$325
$280
Requires monthly fee.
Folding 3rd-row seat
SUV
$500
$430
Carpeted floormats
Base
$200
$146
w/Adventure Group
$51
$37
Includes cargo mat.
Rubber floormats
Base
$149
$109
Bed mat
SUT
$140
$102
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome Appearance Pkg.
Base
$850
$731
w/Adventure Group
$450
$387
Aluminum roof rack, chrome mirrors and door handles. Included w/Lux Preferred Equipment Group 1SC.
Uplevel Chrome Appearance Pkg.
Base
$520
$380
Chrome alloy hood handles and fuel-filler door. Requires Chrome Appearance Pkg.
Tool kit
Base
$215
$185
Includes portable light, first-aid kit.
Taillight guards
Base
$250
$183
Chrome taillight guards
Base
$350
$256
w/Adventure Group
$100
$73
Tubular side steps
Base
$425
$310
Chrome tubular side steps
Base
$650
$475
Requires Chrome Appearance Pkg.
Removable side steps
Base
$450
$329
w/Lux Group
$0
$0
Grille brush guard
Base
$525
$452
Chrome grille brush guard
Base
$850
$621
w/Adventure Group
$625
$237
Requires Chrome Appearance Pkg.
Black or color-keyed grille
Base
$400
$292
Wrap-around brush guard
Base
$675
$493
w/Adventure Group
$150
$110
Roof rack
Base
$400
$292
Roof-mounted cargo box
Base
$550
$402
Crossbar cargo basket
Base
$998
$729
Requires roof rack.
Roof rack handles
Base
$300
$219
Requires roof rack or Chrome Appearance Pkg.
Brush guard-mounted off-road spot lamps
Base
$450
$329
Requires brush guard. NA w/Trailering Convenience Pkg., light bar.
Black light bar
Base
$950
$694
Includes four roof-mounted off-road spot lights. Requires roof rack.
Aluminum light bar
Base
$998
$729
Includes four roof-mounted off-road spot lights. Requires Chrome Appearance Pkg.
Chrome alloy fuel-filler door
Base
$180
$131
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Air suspension
Base
$1,275
$1,097
Self-leveling rear air suspension, air-inflator kit.
Chrome alloy wheels
Base
$795
$683
Requires Chrome Appearance Pkg.
2005 Hummer H2 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Hummer H2 4-door wagon Hummer H2 SUT crew cab 4-door wagon
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. 2200 2200
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.
Engines
  ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 6.0 /364
Horsepower @ rpm. 325 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 365 @ 4000
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
4-speed automatic NA/NA
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Hummer H2 4-door wagon Hummer H2 SUT crew cab 4-door wagon
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance 3/36,000 The 12 scheduled maintenance activities during the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty period are provided free of charge to the owners of Hummer H1 vehicles.
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2005 Hummer H2
Trim Level:  Base
Arrival Date:  08/13/2004
Engine: 
Bodystyle:  crew cab
Transmission:  4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $51,995
Price as Tested:  $57,450
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  2495
Mileage at End of Test:  2701
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  30.53 gals.
 

Major Options:  1SB Adventure Series (Air Compressor, Air Springs), Brush Guard, In-dash 6-CD Changer, First Aid and Super-Tool Kit, Tail Lamp Protection, Crossbar Roof Rack, Hard Tonneau Cover, Chrome Appearance Pkg. (Brushed Aluminum Crossbar Rack, Chrome Exterior Handles and Mirror Caps), Tubular Assist Steps

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  10.38 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Tom Appel This is not an unlivable vehicle, providing you know what you're getting into. Driving my daughter around this weekend I did determine the target demographic for this vehicle. Apparently the Hummer is most loved by people who will soon be in grade school.

Also in the 2005 Hummer H2 Review:
5. 
Hummer H2 Photos

6. 
Hummer H2 Full Review

7. 
All Hummer H2s

8. 
All Hummers


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