Differences between 03-07 and 08-09

[jsbihn]

Hey all,
I am curious to what people have found to be the differences in the early model H2s (03-07) and the later models (08-09)?

I know that the engine was changed to make for more power and better gas mileage, and I know that the dash boobs were replaced too. Just wondering what else might have changed or improved?

[Indy]

Starting 08, the rear spare was standard on the outside on the SUV. ALso the front and rear bumpers were silver. Transmission becamea 6 speed with manual selection option. 3rd row seats now for 2 people, due duw the relocation of the rear tire. Rims had a different design with the Hummer logo painted gray. Engine is different and interior, like you mentioned.

[tyler1bo]

Front grille on 03-07 had the HUMMER letters in between the holes..'08+ have them under. '08+ also has the little GM Badge of Excellence beside the H2 emblem on the doors..(I believe that's what it's called). Just to add some more differences

[s_c5519]

I have had an 05, 07, three 08's and one '09... The 08-09's: Huge difference in the ride quality, much smoother and quieter. As good as a new Escalade, the '09's with the less knobby tires are even quieter and smoother than the 08's.... Quieter inside the cabin in general and fewer rattles, squeaks and creaks. Not as much plastic in the interior... Better/smoother shifting response in the tranny. Engine much smoother...

[[__--MUD--__]]

05 or 06 and up has the **** upper control arms...No clue why some ******* engioneer changed that. Probably wanted to save $0.05.

Eliminated pass front door key cylinder around 04.

[jsbihn]

Ok, so what I am reading is that the platform is the same, and just about everything is the same, it is just that the 08-09 had some smoothing out?

So basically everything that a 08-09 has could bolt into a 03-07?
And also, there isnt a "generation" change on them. Just the typical "oh hey we found out there are some problems with this and that from the first years, so lets fix them now" revisions?

[Indy]

99.99% of all people can't tell the difference of an 08+ or an 03-07. The main change was the engine-tranny and the interior. Those you can't upgrade to, unless you want to spend some serious money. Personally, I like the more rugged style of the 03-07 interior. It is more suitable for a Hummer, more rugged. They should have upgraded the materials on 08 but kept the more classic look inside. If you want to spend 2x the money for a better engine and transmission and like a more Escalade interior, by all means go for the newer one. If you want to save some money and don't mind "only" 320 hp and a more classic interior, nothing wrong with the 03-07 models.