2008 Hummer H2 SUV Review

The H2 is a large SUV that debuted in 2004. A pickup truck variant, the SUT, was released in 2005. The H2 is a scaled-down descendent of the original, military-inspired Hummer H1. It was nominated for “North American Truck of the Year” in 2003.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

What a difference a year makes. We faulted the 2007 Hummer H2 for its sub-par capabilities, sparse interior, unreliable record, and total lack of safety features. But GM has made some fantastic improvements. With its re-vamped interior, more powerful engine, and effective safety features, the H2 is set to give the Land Cruiser a run for its money. While reliability and fuel efficiency concerns remain, we have no qualms about recommending it for anyone who needs its militaristic capabilities.

What’s New For 2008:

The H2 is more powerful and refined for this year. The V8 engine has seen an increase of 68 hp, making for a total of 393 hp. It can now tow over 8,000 more pounds. The interior has been redesigned from the ground up, with new seats, climate control, DVD player, and new instrument panels. Also new are a number of modern safety features, such as side airbags, stability control, traction control, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring, and seat belt pretensioners.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the H2 3 stars for mechanical quality and 3.5 stars for design. Problems with the H2 include failing AC, failing OnStar, inaccurate fuel gauges, closed fuel nozzles, water leaks, transaxle leaks, and faulty keyless entry. It’s been recalled eight times for issues including failing wiper motors, fracturing O-rings, and cracking brake components. Expect below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

Crash test scores are not available. The H2’s safety has been considerably upgraded for 2008. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, and stability and traction control come standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Improved safety
+ Upgraded interior
+ More powerful

Cons
– Unreliable
– Notoriously bad gas mileage
– Limited visibility

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Toyota Land Cruiser has a standard third-row seat, but lacks side airbags, navigation, has less towing capacity, and over 60 less hp. The Cadillac Escalade has 70 more hp, but costs a couple thousand more. The BMW X5 costs a thousand less, but lacks navigation, a CD changer, and can’t tow as much.

What Others Are Saying:

“With the demise of the H1, the H2 is the biggest Hummer around and remains large enough to fill daddy’s shoes.” – Forbes

“According to its detractors, the H2 represents everything that’s wrong with SUVs. We agree. The H2’s immense charisma has vanished as quickly as hopes for rapid fire nation building you-know-where. All that’s left (automotively speaking) is a huge, slow, thirsty, ungainly five-year-old truck based on an eight-year-old platform. Sure, the H2 is great off road- as long it’s a double wide path. Meanwhile, you might as wear a freshly-bludgeoned baby seal as drive this big rig. How great is that?” – The Truth About Cars

“Based on GM’s line of full-sized SUVs, the H2 is now the big dog in the Hummer catalog as the paramilitary H1 becomes special-order only. Freshened with a new interior and 6.2-liter V-8, the all-beef H2 remains a go-anywhere heavyweight, but now has more luxury and passing power.” – Car and Driver

Read more about the 2008 Hummer H2 SUV at the Hummer manufacturer web site.