KansasCity.com's view
The civilian Hummer H2, especially in electric yellow, spins heads, stops traffic and attracts admirers as effectively as a bug zapper. The H2 is related to the military Hummer in name and appearance only. The only thing they share is a pair of tow hooks. When it comes to patrolling the streets, however, the H2 arouses curiosity faster than a Ferrari.
The H2 is sold exclusively through 150 Hummer dealers, many of which will have new facilities. Prices start at $48,800.
Based on two different driving experiences with the H2, one at the factory test track and one here in Kansas City, I would say this truck may be a stroke of genius. It was designed by General Motors, and positively drips Hummer DNA. It has the look, and cache, of the military vehicle, yet it has all of the requisite accouterments of a luxury SUV. Despite the monster tires with off-road tread, the ride is surprisingly quiet and smooth. Inside, the optional leather seats are sumptuous and comfort items, such as a power sunroof, Bose stereo, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear-seat audio controls are there to make your journey pleasant. If you want to do serious brush bashing, it does that quite well, but I suspect few owners will put their vehicles to the test.
How did the H2 come to exist? GM licensed the Hummer name from AM General, maker of the military Hummer, supplied the design and parts to AM General, who in turn built a new plant in Mishawaka, Ind. The plant can build roughly 40,000 H2s a year, which means they will be relatively exclusive.
The interior design is as chunky as the exterior. The seats are similar to those of a GM SUV, but to me the seat cushions felt a bit short. The instrument panel is unique to this vehicle, but it uses gauges and controls borrowed from other GM trucks. Ditto for the steering wheel and shift lever, which come from the Chevy TrailBlazer.
Negatives are few: The low, flat roof cuts down on headroom, and the full-size spare tire mounted inside the vehicle takes up precious cargo room. The optional third-row seat is big enough for just one person, again because of the tire, and there is almost no luggage space with this seat in place. ItÕs disappointing that a truck this big holds so little cargo, but the real Hummer is even worse in this regard.
The H2 rides on a shortened version of GM’s 2500-series three-quarter-ton pickup truck chassis. The center section has been boxed for stiffness, while the front and rear sections have shorter overhangs for off-road maneuverability. The H2Õs 122.8-inch wheelbase is 6 inches longer than a Chevy Tahoe, yet overall length is 9 inches less. Side rails offer rock protection.
Optional side steps make getting in and out easier and they can be removed for off-roading by taking out a handful of bolts. Front and rear tow hooks are standard, as are front and rear receivers for trailer hitches. The front hitch would be handy for backing a boat down a ramp or parking a trai ler in a campground.
The engine is GM’s 6.0-liter V-8, and it cranks out 325 horsepower and 385 foot-pounds of torque. A unique electronically controlled throttle changes sensitivity when the low-gear transfer case is engaged, giving the driver a throttle that is easier to modulate in difficult off-road conditions. Full-time four-wheel drive is standard, and the driver has seven driving modes from which to choose. An Eaton electronic rear differential lock permits climbing over large rocks or up steep grades. The traction control system applies the brake to any slipping wheel, enabling the H2 to move if only one wheel has grip.
EPA fuel economy numbers are not required for vehicles in this segment, but in a week of mixed city driving I averaged 10.2 miles per gallon.
Early in the summer I drove an H2 over huge rocks, up steep slopes and through nearly two feet of water. We wallowed through muddy ruts that were as much as 15 inches deep. The H2 aims to deliver Òmore capabi ity than you will every need,Ó according to GM, and in this case it certainly did.
At some point in the future, the H2 will also get an open truck bed and a smaller Hummer H3 will be built. The H2 is just the beginning of brand that looks like it could flourish.
Price
The base price is $48,800, including destination charges. The test vehicle was equipped with the Lux package, priced at $2,575, and it includes AM/FM radio with six-disc CD changer, heated leather front seats, chrome appearance package, tubular assist steps and custom carpet floor mats. A power sunroof and third-row seat brought the sticker price to $52,870.
Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles.
Point: The Hummer H2 looks rugged, yet it is equipped like a luxury SUV. The ride is reasonably smooth, wind and road noise are moderate and the styling is a hit. It is capable of serious off-road work should you want to try it.
Counterpoint: Fuel economy is pretty poor, headroom is limited by the sunroof and the luggage space is compromised by the interior mounting of the spare tire.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 6.0-liter, 325-hp V-8
Transmission: automatic Four-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 122.8 inches
Curb weight: 6,400 lbs.
Base price: $48,800
As driven: $52,870
Mpg rating: 11 mpg estimated
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