The H2 is built under contract by AM General at a specially constructed plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, USA. Although it shares GM's GMT820 truck platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, those vehicles differ in many ways and are constructed in three other GM plants. The H2's final frame assembly is made up of 3 sections: The front uses a modified GM 2500-Series utility frame, the mid-section is all new and is completely boxed, and the rear section uses a modified GM 1500-Series frame which is upgraded for the 8,600 pound (3629 kg) gross vehicle weight. The 2008 Hummer H2 does 0-60 in 8.2 seconds.
H2 sales were initially strong, but fell to 28,898 for 2004 and 23,213 for 2005. GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced on June 3, 2008, the closing of several truck and SUV plants saying high fuel prices have produced a rapid and permanent change in consumer preferences. Wagoner also said GM is looking at possibly selling its Hummer unit after reviewing the SUV brand that is based on military vehicles. The H2's MPG is not posted with the EPA, but is known to be lower than the H3's 13 miles per gallon. The brand has become the symbol to many members of the public of a gas-guzzling large U.S. vehicle.
The H2 was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003. The H2 appered in the video game Midnight Club 3. Hummer launched a special 2009 Black Chrome Limited Edition version of the truck.
Engines:
- 2003–2007 6000 6.0L (366in³) V8
- 2008- 6200 6.2L V8
The H2 has a massive truck frame and has a wider-than-average track firm that may offer stability against overturning compared to some of the more common light truck SUVs, although objective tests have not been performed by the government or other outside parties due to its specialized vehicle class. It is marketed as both a general purpose vehicle and as an off-road vehicle. Because of mass marketing by GM, it is primarily used as a passenger vehicle on typical roads. Along with the Ford Excursion, the H2 is also a very common vehicle for a limousine conversion.