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2008 Hummer H2
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THE AUTO PAGE
By
JOHN HEILIG
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Hummer H2
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
Horsepower/Torque: 393 hp @ 5700 rpm/415 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual mode
Wheelbase: 122.8 in.
Length/Width/Height: 203.5 x 81.2 x 79.2 in.
Tires: LT 315/70R17
Cargo volume: 30.7/86.6 cu. ft. (3rd row seat backs up/2nd and 3rdrow seat backs down)
Fuel economy: 10.6 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 32.0 gal.
Sticker: $63,640 (includes $900 destination charge and $8,130 inoptions)
The Bottom Line: The Hummer H2 is an impressive vehicle, instyle, size and performance. The price is high, as is the fuel cost. But ifyou’re looking for a vehicle that will impress people when it’ssitting in your driveway, or if you definitely need a vehicle that has theoff-road attributes of the H2, then this is the vehicle for you. However,you can get almost similar capabilities from a lot of other vehicles thatwon’t hurt your wallet as much.
There’s no doubt that the Hummer H2 is an impressivevehicle. First, it’s iconic Hummer styling jumps out at you fromwherever you are. While I’m not a fan of the original Hummer H1,which was based on the HMMV military vehicle, the H2 is my favorite of thebrand. Based on the Chevrolet Tahoe platform, it’s a more practicalsize while maintaining a more civilized presence.
Besides its greater civility, the H2 offers excellent off-roadcapabilities. It has high road clearance for fording streams, four-wheeldrive capability, great power, excellent approach and departure angles thatmake climbing hills easier, and a presence that shouts “I can doit” at you.
For example, the H2 has a 9,7-inch ground clearance with its17-inch wheels and tires, it has an approach angle of 39.8 degrees and adeparture angle of 37.1 degrees (important if hyou’re ascending ordescending steep slopes), and can climb a 60 percent grade or negotiate a40 percent side slope. It can ford 24 inches of water at 5 mph. These areserious off-road numbers.
There’s no doubt that the H2 is a Hummer. The classic hoodshape, the profile of the vehicle, and the chrome-plated seven-slot grille(adapted from Jeep) are all Hummer signatures.
Inside, it’s a different story. Where the original Hummer offeredfew creature comforts, our H2 tester had deep tan leather seats thatcradled the driver and passenger, a dash that made sense with radio andnavigation controls that are intuitive, XM radio (find that in an H1), androom for 7-8 passengers, depending on how friendly they are.
Under the hood is a 6.2-liter Vortec V8 from the GM stable that deliversan impressive 393 horsepower, which is more than enough for a vehicle thatweighs more than three tons. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic with amanual mode. There are 415 lb.-ft. of torque and the H2 can tow 8000pounds.
In order to fully appreciate the manual mode you should use the paddlelocated behind the steering wheel on the left side (the one on the rightcontrols audio volume). But, the steering ratio is high enough that youcan’t keep your hands on the wheel in the right position to use thepaddle correctly. On our test hillclimb, whenever we wanted to upshift ordownshift, the paddle was usually either at the top of where the wheel waslocated, or at the bottom. So we returned to automatic, which reallydidn’t detract from the performance that much.
There’s an enormous amount of cargo volume in the rear.With the third row seat backs up, the H2 has 40 cubic feet of capacity.Fold down the 2nd and 3rd row seat backs and that climbs to 86.6 cubicfeet. Our original travel plans were to use the H2 to clean out mysister’s house, but we rescheduled and used a different vehicle. TheH2 definitely would have offered us the carrying capacity.
What I didn’t like about the H2 was its pitiful fueleconomy – 10.6 mpg. This was achieved in a normal driving environmentof suburban streets with some Interstates. If we had added a lot moreInterstate miles I’m certain economy would have gone up, but not bythat much.
One other relatively minor complaint was related to the size.When I drove up to my friendly ATM machine, I couldn’t reach down topush the buttons and get my money out. On my next trip, I had to (sigh) getout of the H2 and actually walk over to get my money.
Second row seating offers excellent leg and headroom. The thirdrow is better than the third row in most SUVs, but it still isn’t ascomfortable as the front row, but what did you expect?
Our tester had a bottom line of $63,640, which is a lot ifyou’re only interested in impressing the neighbors. That includedmore than $8,100 in options and a hefty $900 destination charge.
Still, the H2 is a great vehicle if you want excellent off-roadcapabilities, good carrying and towing capacity, civilized interiorcomfort, and traditional Hummer styling.
© 2008 The Auto Page Syndicate
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