Background: If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the Hummer H2 must be blushing. Hummer is General Motors' newest division sporting two large, militaristic-looking sport utility vehicles, the H1 and H2. While GM has received mountains of press (positive and not-so-positive) since obtaining the rights to the Hummer brand in December of 1999 from AM General, nothing prepared the world's largest automaker for what was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show last month by Avanti Motor Corp., a tiny, independent carmaker. Seems Avanti (a small car company by industry comparison but actually one of the largest independent ones around) is bringing back the Studebaker name from the past and assembling a limited number (150) Studebaker XUVs (extreme utility vehicle) for future sales. Problem is, GM contends the Studebaker of new resembles the trendy Hummer H2 in more ways than one and slapped a trademark infringement lawsuit against Avanti during the show. Back-and-forth legal rumblings take time to worm through the system, and this difference of opinion is not going away soon. A federal judge will hear the case in mid-June. Dealers are selling the $50,000 H2s as fast as they receive them, despite sluggish overall economic times and nary an incentive program. Environmental groups are in an uproar because of the vehicle's 11 miles per gallon fuel economy. Speaking of dealers, by the end of the 2004 calendar year, all Hummer showrooms must be stand-alone franchises featuring dedicated off-road courses with 60-degree hills for potential customers to tool climb before purchasing. The first such dealer, Bergstom Hummer, opened in Milwaukee last year. When Hummer H1s first went on sale a decade ago, GM allowed dual dealerships to get the fledgling division off and running. Currently, the Daily Herald circulation area is home to three Hummer dealers, one in Libertyville, Naperville and Schaumburg. This is a vehicle for those who really enjoy off-roading off the beaten path. The four-door H2 is capable of tackling 20 inches of H20 while climbing over 16-inch rocks. The H2 is built not far from the Daily Herald circulation area in a new 630,000-square-foot assembly plant in Michawaka, Ind. near South Bend with the ability to crank out 40,000 units annually. The first H2 rolled off the assembly line a year ago in March as a 2003 model-year offering. Its even larger sibling, the limited-production H1, is built right next door. AM General began offering a civilian version of the HUMVEE (an acronym for Hi Mobility Multi- Purpose Wheel Vehicle) in 1992 after assembling the military-only version since 1983. The HUMVEE gained a following during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s. While General Motors has given no official word, unofficially a smaller H3 version is in the planning stages and an H4 version may be out sooner than later to capitalize on the strong Hummer nameplate.
Engine: The sole powertrain is a 6.0-liter, overhead valve V-8 gasoline engine delivering 316 horsepower and 360 ft. lbs of torque. It's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with an electronically-controlled full-time four-wheel drive. General Motors offers this same powertrain in the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Silverado. The H2 can trailer up to 7,000 pounds. The fuel tank holds 32 gallons of fuel. A series of dashboard buttons operates the transfer case for selecting "4-hi open," "4-hi locked," "4-low locked" and "4-low locked and rear differential locked."
Price: Starting price for a 2003 Hummer H2 checks in at $48,455. Our test version included an air suspension package ($2,440), leather seating surfaces with heated front seats ($1,400), GM's largest sunroof ($1,395), chrome appearance package ($450) and a few more little goodies which brought the bottom line to $55,725 including $735 destination charge. Those with serious H2 aspirations need to expect to fork over a little more cash since the laws of supply and demand are in effect. Comparatively speaking, the Studebaker XUV lists for about $75,000 while the Toyota Land Cruiser starts at $ $53,405. The H2's big brother, the Hummer H1, starts at about $106,000.
Standard features: The $50,000 H2 comes relatively well equipped with rear window defroster, rear window wiper, roof rack, intermittent front wipers, eight-way power front seats, cloth interior, split-folding rear bench seat, heated power side mirrors, power locks, power windows, speed-proportioned power steering, cruise control, dual zone air conditioning, cassette and compact disc player, AM/FM radio with nine speakers, front and rear reading lights, height adjustable driver's seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Interior: With a 10.5-inch ground clearance, and 35-inch tires (the largest of any GM passenger vehicle) H2 is equipped to handle off-road treks, but requires a big jump up to hop inside (assist steps are optional). Strategically placed grab handles, including one above the diminutive glove box, help the hoisting effort. The H2 seats five riders and has an option for a third row seat accommodating one more person. That does the larger H1 one better since big brother only seats four riders. The full-size spare tire occupies much of the rear cargo area. The interior possesses lots of cheap-looking plastic materials on flip-top storage covers and other areas. This is a common observation of other GM products and something GM management has promised to soon rectify through its entire lineup. While drivers sit up high, road perception is not quite as good as what's found in other SUVs because of less see-through glass and more solid metal. The large spare tire sitting up in the cargo region's left side blocks some rear view mirror perception. The parking brake is foot-operated. Both cruise control and windshield wiper controls are found on the turn signal stalk. The ignition cylinder is found on the right side of the steering column. The busy instrument panel includes a secondary digital gear shift indicator and message window along the bottom. In between front bucket seats is a large, square storage bin hinged on the right side. The straight-across dashboard has four large, circular vents. In back, the 60/40 split seats fold forward, after which the backrests fold down flat opening up more cargo room. A nice touch are headrests that automatically flip backward once seat backs are lowered, eliminating the need for removal and storage. Don't let the big exterior fool you because even with the second-row folded down, cargo capacity is not as roomy as other full-size SUVs.
Exterior: Owners will have little trouble locating their H2 in the shopping mall. This is anything but a look-alike vehicle. An ordinary household box serves as a design inspiration, and the straight windshield and rectangular side windows add to the theme. The hood, hinged in front pulls up from the front fender area. A vent on the hood looks intimidating, but it's just for show. Obviously, H2 is based on a truck platform (a three-piece, fully welded ladder-type structure), not a body-on-frame car design. The long, narrow front grille includes seven independent vertical chrome bars flanked by round headlights. The black, exposed, tethered fuel tank cap is found on the rear left fender similar to the Pontiac Aztek design. The rear cargo door is hinged at the top, opening up from the bottom. The H2's dimensions can be a bit deceiving. When compared to the Chevrolet Tahoe, H2 measures three inches taller and two inches wider, but 9 inches shorter. The H2 is actually one-inch taller than its H1 counterpart, but five-inches narrower. Short overhangs found in front and back provide high approach and departure angles, allowing the vehicle to drive into and out of a hole without potential hangups. Because of the high ground clearance, most Hummers are available with one of two step assist options to help riders in and out. The H2's underbody protection of a transfer case and fuel tank shields enhance off-road ability.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 122.8 inches
Overall length: 189.8 inches
Overall height: 77.8 inches
Overall width: 81.2 inches
Curb weight: 6,400 pounds
Safety: Dual front air bags, remote keyless entry, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, theft deterrent system, rear door child safety latch and traction control come standard. The traction control system has the ability to gain traction through a single wheel, if necessary. The passenger-side air bag can be deactivated when small children or adults are occupying the seat. GM's satellite-linked communication system linking occupants with 24-hour manned centers, come standard in both H1 and H2.
Warranty: The H2 is covered by GM's three-year/36,000-mile (whichever comes first) drivetrain and basic warranty. The corrosion warranty is for six years or 100,000 miles.
Final thoughts: After a year on the market, H2 still creates a buzz. This vehicle garners attention from all walks of life. This vehicle does not provide the rough-ride of its H1 counterpart and has earned the title "King of the SUVs." The H2 travels from zero to 60 miles per hour in an impressive 9.9 seconds while the H1 lumbers in at 16 seconds. The H2's handling is quite good considering the vehicle's girth, but expect some bouncy characteristics when traversing railroad tracks. For those wishing to make a statement (whatever that may be), the H2 certainly makes one. From a practical standpoint, other SUVs carry more than five people for a smaller starting price. |