By KBB.com Editors
It would seem the downturn in large SUV sales, high gas prices and environmental activism hasn't done much to discourage die-hard HUMMER enthusiasts. With the termination of the H1 (the civilian version of the military vehicle), the 2008 HUMMER H2 is now the flagship of the HUMMER line, offering consumers a capable off-road mini-tank with enough visual appeal to satisfy the most egregious attention hound. Truth be told, the H2 is not terribly roomy, nor does it offer much in the way of cargo space, especially with the optional third-row seat in place. If you're looking for a big SUV that is comfortable, roomy and sophisticated, you'd be better served with the new Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon.
If you love a bold vehicle that turns heads and makes a big statement, you'll love the 2008 HUMMER H2. Short front and rear overhangs come in handy when off-roading.
Its impressive off-road capabilities notwithstanding, the image-driven H2 demands varying degrees of compromise in areas like utility, efficiency and accessibility when compared with most similarly-sized SUVs.
The H2's major interior makeover touts a new dash, upgraded seating and an available split-folding full third-row seat. New standard features include rear air conditioning, electronic stability control, head curtain airbags and a new 6.2-liter V8 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Driving Impressions On the open road, the powerful H2 moves right along, seemingly oblivious to the laws of aerodynamics. The big HUMMER is surprisingly stable and the position of the wide 17-inch...
tires at the vehicle's outermost corners means you get minimal body roll and fairly respectable handling. This accolade, however, must be taken in context, since we are talking about Sport Utility Vehicle handling, not that of a sports car. For off-road adventuring, including steep hill encounters and boulder-climbing, the transfer case can be locked, creating a perfect 50/50 distribution of power. A four-channel anti-lock brake set-up and traction control module help limit wheel-spin on slippery or unstable ground, and can even route power to a single wheel when necessary.Skid Plates
The H2's massive front and rear shields, or "skid plates," look as good as they function.
Stylish Dash
The new instrument panel design is far more functional and attractive than that of the original H2.
Interior
The H2's interior clearly was never meant to see the battlefield. Inside, the H2 has a usable interior with a handsome new dash, contoured bucket seats and redesigned door panels. Interior plastics are greatly improved this year with a noticeable improvement in gap tolerances. Despite its large size, the interior of the H2 is snug in the areas of rear-seat legroom and cargo space. A new optional split-folding third-row seat replaces last year's single-seat option.
Exterior
The H2 borrows the basic look and feel of the original H1, but pulls it off with a lot more polish. The doors are neatly flush with the rest of the body panels and their hinges are hidden from view. Not all of the H2 parts have been sent to civility school -- the hood features exposed latches, lift handles and fasteners, just like the H1. The H2 foregoes the turbocharged diesel engine in favor of a more traditional gasoline V8, but retains the H1's high ground clearance, huge wheels and tires and short front and rear overhangs.
The H2 comes well equipped with a 393-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, full-time four-wheel drive, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, locking rear axle, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), engine oil cooler, rear defroster, 33-gallon fuel tank, illuminated entry, power windows, power locks, automatic headlamps, dual heated power mirrors, auto-dimming mirror, head-curtain airbags, rear air conditioning, XM Satellite Radio, dual eight-way power seats, heated front and second-row seats, skid plates, cruise control, tilt wheel with touch controls, traction control, stability control and a rear wiper/washer.
Options for the H2 are numerous and include a brushed-aluminum light bar, spot lights, leather seats, touch-screen navigation, Bose Surround Sound audio, power moonroof, air suspension, split-folding third-row seat, tool kit, rear backup camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, remote start, exterior front and rear guards and a number of off-road, luxury and appearance packages.
The H2's new 6.2-liter V8 engine delivers a 20-percent increase in horsepower over the old 6.0-liter unit. Teamed to a new six-speed automatic, the H2 offers improvements in noise, vibration and harshness as well as fuel economy. Though plenty powerful, if the H2 were fitted with the Chevrolet Tahoe's Active Fuel Management system it might deliver better fuel economy. Towing capacity increases to 8,200 pounds.
6.2-liter V8
393 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
415 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used HUMMER H2 vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 281 Ratings for the 2003 - 2009 models.
Review this carBy DEJ (MA) on Sunday, May 05, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 155,900
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Comfortable plush interior, with durables tough ex"
Cons: "None perfect for what it was created,"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Excellent snow vehicle the only true tracking vehicle in terrible road conditions that will get you through in comfort"
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By RolandG (TX) on Saturday, March 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 34,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Greatest vehicle ever made"
Cons: "None"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Purchased new 2008 SUT Black with Sedona red interior, has all the whistles & bells. The hype of high gasoline consumption is no more than jealousy and political manipulation, any truck with the same weight will consume the same amount of gasoline or worse, I keep it as our holiday and weekend driver because they make them no more, so I maintain low mileage 34.000. I love this truck on road and off-road, going often to Moab off-roading and take it for hunting in the winter makes it a blast unleashing its full potential where it was intended for. Still drives and looks like brand new. No problems at all, no vehicle out of the show-room will drive you in comfort and style on far trips, besides pleasing you conquering some of the most unforgiving trails in Moab and enjoy nature at its best. Sadly politics put a stop on one of the most extraordinary vehicles ever build. Soon most will be driving Fiats and other Dinky-Toys, looking back at the glorious days when landmarks like the Hummer made the American dream a reality."
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By Muffit (TX) on Wednesday, February 06, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Comfortable"
Cons: "Gas mileage"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Very comfortable, lots of room, would buy another one in a heart beat! Drives like a dream, feel very safe in it, love how high it sits up, makes me easy to see and makes others easy for me to see!"
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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By LS (CA) on Friday, December 28, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 121,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Extremely comfortable---"
Cons: "Gas is not the best"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Love this vehicle all but the Gas about 10.4mpg. But it is comfortable, feel safe and parks easy in small parking spots believe it or not. Thought about selling it because of gas, but about paid for. Have to way out the difference of new carpayment and gas bill. I ignore those that think it pollutes the air etc in California. Did my own research and found that a car half the size, compact owned by a very reputable car company has a car that has emissions far worse than this one. My Hummer also passes smog test with flying colors! So do your research. Again, great vehicle and you cannot buy them anymore "("
5 people out of 5 found this review helpful
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By Human (VA) on Friday, December 14, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Fun"
Cons: "Perception from poorly educated folks."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"The 2008 H2 is a great vehicle. I have owned 3 landcruisers (excellent), jeeps, and Mercedes sedans. This vehicle has the best of each and belnds it with its own unique style (admittedly it is a love or hate thing - but there is truly nothing else like it). Awesome family rig for beach/woods/mountain travel - I am getting 14 mph in mix of mostly city and some highway - a little better than my landcuiser. We love it."
5 people out of 5 found this review helpful
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By H2=Fun (NC) on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I own this car
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Funny to drive"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I own a 07 H2 Hummer, 3rd row seat, lux package, White, leather seats, with all the bells and whistles. Hummer's slogan "Like Nothing Else" They weren't kidding. It's very roomy, comfortable, handles great, I feel extremely safe driving in the city or on the Hwy. I bought my first H2 in 03 owned it for 5 yrs. traded it for a new crossover luxury car which there wasn't much MPG difference, needless to say, I regretted selling my H2. I liked the 2010 Prototyped Hummer and had all intentions of purchasing one, unfortunately 09 was the last year for Hummer. I bought my 07 in 09 "Love IT" Hummer's will be classics in 1/2 the time."
9 people out of 9 found this review helpful
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