2009 Hummer H2
- 2008 Hummer H2
- Used Hummer H2
Based on analysis of 62 H2 reviews and test drives.
Hummer H2 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Hummer H2 ranks 9 out of 9 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 62 published reviews and test drives of the Hummer H2, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2009 Hummer H2 has stellar off-road performance and head-turning style. But a worsening economy and skittish consumers have contributed to a catastrophic decline in sales for Hummer.
The 2009 H2 is an American icon that may be on its way out. Cars.com notes, "Rarely has a brand fallen from grace as quickly as GM's Hummer nameplate has. It was only a few years ago that Hummer was GM's very own version of the U.S. Mint - a veritable money machine for the automaker, which was riding the popularity of large luxury SUVs." As GM moves forward with plans to close many Hummer dealerships and sell the brand, Cars.com adds, "The goose, it appears, has stopped laying golden eggs."
High gas prices from the summer of 2008 all but killed the Hummer brand, and deepening economic woes are leaving many buyers wondering if they need such an expensive, thirsty vehicle. However, reviewers say that if you take the H2 for what it is -- a flashy off-roader, not an efficient mini-van alternative, you'll be happy with the purchase.
What will make many prospective H2 buyers happier are the deals they may be able to get. GM recently announced that it had finalized a deal to sell the Hummer brand to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, a Chinese company. While it is unclear what Chinese ownership will mean for Hummer's born-in-the-USA image, it appears that, for the time being, the military-inspired SUVs will soldier on. The sale is unlikely to stop incredible deals that many Hummer dealers are offering as GM moves to close dealerships and consumers move on to more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Of course, whatever money you save at the dealers will be spent at the gas station -- even if gas prices are low. Based on the H2's cruising range and fuel capacity, the H2 should get a little over 11 mpg in mixed driving. Many reviews note that the H2's sheer mass can be tough to drive, especially in tight quarters. Fuel economy and size aside, the H2 is enormously appealing to many reviewers, thanks to its aggressive exterior styling, macho persona and go-anywhere capabilities.
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- "Hummer's biggest model is incredibly capable off-road and reasonably well-behaved on-road. Impressive towing capacity adds to the package. For shoppers uncomfortable with Hummer's aggressive styling and with few off-road aspirations, any number of large trucks match the H2's overall utility and trump it for passenger space and fuel economy. " -- Consumer Guide
- "Used to climb mountains, the H2 will impress, but if your only climbing is social, it'll be an expensive ascent." -- Car and Driver
- "Its bulky exterior dimensions are at odds with the cramped rear seating and limited cargo room, and its dismal fuel economy will put greedy smiles on the faces of oil execs. For daily use, SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will be much more pleasing to own and offer additional cachet and prestige as well. " -- Edmunds
- "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 far less fuel-thirsty, you'd be better served with the new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid or GMC Yukon." -- Kelley Blue Book
H2 Performance - 7.6 (Good)
The Hummer H2 is built to go off-road. The Chicago Sun-Times says, "When one thinks of the ultimate off-road vehicles, three names immediately come to mind . . . Jeep, Range Rover and Hummer -- not necessarily in that order." Experts say the same engineering that makes the H2 so capable off-road provides a ride that isn't uncomfortable, but isn't sedan-smooth, either. continue
H2 Exterior - 7.2 (Good)
The 2009 Hummer H2's bold facade is popular with reviewers, even if some predict that it may turn off some consumers (while turning others on). Edmunds says, "Patterned after the stalwart military transport Humvee, the H2's dimensions and Tonka-like profile give it the aura of a playground bully." How comfortable you'll be with the H2's military looks depends on how comfortable you are standing out. continue
H2 Interior - 7.2 (Good)
Most reviewers say that after a 2008 redesign, the Hummer H2's cabin is finally in line with its price tag. For 2009, features like second row captain's chairs and a heated steering wheel are available. Still, reviewers say that other SUVs offer more spacious and practical cabins. continue
H2 Safety - NA
The 2009 Hummer H2 has not been rated in government crash tests, but has safety features in line with competitors'. continue
H2 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Hummer H2 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The H2 comes with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. continue
