2003 Hummer H2 Road Test

But like all things, simple stats cant quantify true talent. When the road gets rough the H2 is truly in a class of few. It can scale a 60% grade without breaking a sweat and then negotiate a 40 percent side slope. While I didnt get the chance to take it up a 31 degree vertical, the limited 4x4 testing I did manage to fit in proved positive. Off the pavement the H2 felt confidence inspiring, ready to tackle anything that dared cross our path.

On pavement driving was another story. If youre looking for Acura MDX or BMW X5 handling keep driving. The Hummer, with its hydroformed modular 3-section fully-welded ladder-type frame, is optimal for off-road expeditions but just isnt capable of on-road gymnastics like these car-based machines. That said driven at sensible speeds it proved quite comfortable and adequate through the corners. Its 17-inch alloy rims are wrapped in BFGoodrich LT315/70R17 tires, a good on and off-road compromise. Its independent front suspension and 5-link variable-rate coil setup in the rear complimented the long wheelbase for a smooth and relatively comfortable ride. My test vehicle came equipped with the optional self-leveling rear air suspension package, even better. All in all the H2 was easy to drive through congested city traffic and a simple procedure to parallel park - up over the curb (12-inch maximum) and down the other side if all else fails.

Just like giant highway trucks the H2 incorporates engine braking to minimize break fade and wear while descending steep slopes. As expected it incorporates 4-wheel disc brakes plus standard 4-channel ABS, further assisted by dual piston calipers with Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP).

The sophistication continues inside the much larger cabin. Larger than the original Hummer? If youve ever been in one youd know that this isnt hard. While gargantuan on the outside the H1 is close to claustrophobic from any of its four seats. The H2 on the other hand seats five in base form, while an optional third row seat can increase capacity to six (2/3/1). Why just one more person? The cargo area is partially consumed by the massive spare tire, reducing its capacity almost in half. Still I was able to pick up my 32-inch TV from the repair shop without any difficulty. Fold all the seats forward and total cargo volume achieves 86.6 cubic feet, a phenomenal 28.3 cubic feet larger than the original Hummers 58.3 cubic feet hauling capacity.

The extra room is only half the story. The H2 also improves on the styling and user friendliness of the interior. The dash looks sensational, with giant size air vents set in a metallic finish surface. The larger than life shift lever is leather and also metal finished, and doubles as a convenient armrest - although I dont think that was the intention of the designers. The gauges are beautifully detailed with metal edged bezels and set into a functional rectangular shroud. The H2s seats are large and comfortable with 8-way power adjustment up front and plenty of leg and headroom in back. Luxury features such as dual zone automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power folding mirrors and a sophisticated driver information center including OnStar in-vehicle communications and assistance service with 1-year Safe & Sound plan come standard.

Options include GMs largest ever glass sunroof, roof equipment and off-road accessories such as the overhead light rack shown in photos. Three options packages start with the previously mentioned Air Suspension Package that adds an off-road suspension, real time dampening, load leveling, manual selectable rear height adjust and an air compressor. The Outdoor Series H2 package includes chrome appearance accents, a double crossbar rack, a brush guard, an AM/FM audio system with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, tubular taillight covers, a first aid kit, a toolkit with flashlight and leather heated seats. The alternative Adventure Series H2 package includes everything in the aforementioned Outdoor package but the brush guard, first aid kit and toolkit, while exchanging the tubular taillight covers for tubular side steps.

The only fault I could find, other than its rather profound thirst for gasoline, was its interior quality. It looks great and fits together fairly well, except for the drivers side power window switchgear cluster that popped out of the armrest when I tried to raise the window (see photo gallery for evidence), but European car fans wont appreciate the hard, cheap feeling dash and console plastics. That said everything is relative. Compared to the ergonomic nightmare going on inside an H1 it is sublime.

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