2003 Hummer H2 Review

In truth, Hummer's new H2 is no baby unless you're thinking of an elephant. It weighs over three tons. But at less than half the price of the military-inspired, rather Spartan H1, the newcomer is surprisingly agile, comfortable, versatile and it's guaranteed to turn heads and provoke stares wherever you travel.


In truth, Hummer's new H2 is no baby unless you're thinking of an elephant. It weighs over three tons. But at less than half the price of the military-inspired, rather Spartan H1, the newcomer is surprisingly agile, comfortable, versatile and it's guaranteed to turn heads and provoke stares wherever you travel.
Actually, the H2 is full of surprises. If you've driven its bigger brother, you're prepared for a noisy, take-no-prisoners off-roader that's more at home chasing Saddam's Palace Guards than it is on city streets. Not so the H2. Like most full-size SUVs, its buyers are unlikely to venture off anything more challenging than a rutted, gravel byroad. They can take comfort in knowing, however, that if they do head for the toolies, the H2 will take them there and bring them back, arguably better than a Mercedes-Benz G500 Gelandewagen or the latest Range Rover. Meanwhile, they'll cruise very comfortably, enjoying the stares of everyone who sees them.
H2s are built for General Motors by AM General in South Bend, Indiana. Although the new model was extensively tested on challenging off-road venues, the AM General factory folk have replicated some of off-roading's legendary obstacles back home in Indiana. Head out from the brand-new H2 assembly plant, located a rock's throw from the H1 factory, and you can dive into an exact copy of the dreaded Moab "Golden Crack." Teetering on three or even two wheels, precariously balanced on a deep rock crevice that looks as though it could swallow a lesser vehicle, you lightly touch the throttle and the H2 walks out as nice as you please. Its undersides are well protected with skidplates, brushguards and solidly welded, protective, cage-like shields, so if you slam down on an obstacle, the only thing rattled is your pride.
Author: Ken Gross
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