What is it?
2003 Hummer H2
What's special about it?
Building on the hype created by last year's H2 concept vehicles, AM General finally unveiled the production H2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Fans of the concept will be happy to know that little has changed on the production truck.
The original Hummer, the one of Gulf War and Arnold Schwarzenegger fame, has always been a head-turner, but as a real-world vehicle it's very much a failure. It's just too wide, too unwieldy and too expensive. With the H2, AM General (along with its owner, General Motors) hopes to take the Hummer's core traits — outstanding off-road performance and in-your-face attitude — and put them in a more functional, versatile and obtainable package.
The H2's styling is in line with the original. It's slab-sided, purposeful and militaristic in appearance. Key styling cues include the upright windows, Hummer-style grille and brush guard, and exposed hood hinges and latches. Underneath, the H2 is based on a GM light-truck platform. Though shorter than a Chevy Tahoe by 9 inches, its wheelbase is almost 7 inches longer. It's also taller and longer than the Hummer.
The chassis was designed to provide a solid foundation for best-in-class off-road performance, while maintaining a refined, comfortable ride on pavement. Up front is an independent torsion bar suspension, while the rear features a five-link coil spring rear suspension. Critical underbody components are packaged flush with or above the framerails. This provides better protection during underbody impacts. With its standard LT285/70R17 tires, the H2 has a 39.8-degree approach angle and 35.9-degree departure angle. With the optional larger LT315/70R17 tires and air-leveling suspension, it has a 43.6-degree approach angle and 39.7-degree departure angle.
For power, the H2 uses a GM-sourced 6-liter V8 connected to a heavy-duty 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The Vortec 6000 generates an estimated 325 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. The 4L65-E provides GM's driver-selectable Tow-Haul mode when the transfer case is in the "4 HI" modes. A two-speed Borg-Warner electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, along with locking center and rear differentials, is standard. Trailering capability is said to be 6,500 pounds.
Inside, the H2 seats either five or six passengers, a big gain over the Hummer's maximum capacity of four. The H2 is also much more luxurious, with optional leather and heated seating, a powerful climate control system and a variety of audio systems available. Other than the chrome transmission shifter, most of the controls and switches are from GM's corporate parts bin. One notable omission is the availability of side airbags.
Why should you care?
Do you like trucks? And we don't mean those car-based contraptions posing as trucks, but real trucks with real truck innards. If so, the H2 is for you. Though we haven't driven it yet, this thing should be capable enough in the dirt to put Range Rovers and Jeep Grand Cherokees to shame. Gas mileage will no doubt be abysmal, and environmentalists will likely complain about the truck's very un-green mission. But with trucks getting more luxurious (and more silly) all the time, the H2 is a breath of fresh air. Very few trucks from the factory are cool. This is one of them. — Brent Romans
2003 Hummer H2
What's special about it?
Building on the hype created by last year's H2 concept vehicles, AM General finally unveiled the production H2 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Fans of the concept will be happy to know that little has changed on the production truck.
The original Hummer, the one of Gulf War and Arnold Schwarzenegger fame, has always been a head-turner, but as a real-world vehicle it's very much a failure. It's just too wide, too unwieldy and too expensive. With the H2, AM General (along with its owner, General Motors) hopes to take the Hummer's core traits — outstanding off-road performance and in-your-face attitude — and put them in a more functional, versatile and obtainable package.
The H2's styling is in line with the original. It's slab-sided, purposeful and militaristic in appearance. Key styling cues include the upright windows, Hummer-style grille and brush guard, and exposed hood hinges and latches. Underneath, the H2 is based on a GM light-truck platform. Though shorter than a Chevy Tahoe by 9 inches, its wheelbase is almost 7 inches longer. It's also taller and longer than the Hummer.
The chassis was designed to provide a solid foundation for best-in-class off-road performance, while maintaining a refined, comfortable ride on pavement. Up front is an independent torsion bar suspension, while the rear features a five-link coil spring rear suspension. Critical underbody components are packaged flush with or above the framerails. This provides better protection during underbody impacts. With its standard LT285/70R17 tires, the H2 has a 39.8-degree approach angle and 35.9-degree departure angle. With the optional larger LT315/70R17 tires and air-leveling suspension, it has a 43.6-degree approach angle and 39.7-degree departure angle.
For power, the H2 uses a GM-sourced 6-liter V8 connected to a heavy-duty 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The Vortec 6000 generates an estimated 325 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. The 4L65-E provides GM's driver-selectable Tow-Haul mode when the transfer case is in the "4 HI" modes. A two-speed Borg-Warner electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, along with locking center and rear differentials, is standard. Trailering capability is said to be 6,500 pounds.
Inside, the H2 seats either five or six passengers, a big gain over the Hummer's maximum capacity of four. The H2 is also much more luxurious, with optional leather and heated seating, a powerful climate control system and a variety of audio systems available. Other than the chrome transmission shifter, most of the controls and switches are from GM's corporate parts bin. One notable omission is the availability of side airbags.
Why should you care?
Do you like trucks? And we don't mean those car-based contraptions posing as trucks, but real trucks with real truck innards. If so, the H2 is for you. Though we haven't driven it yet, this thing should be capable enough in the dirt to put Range Rovers and Jeep Grand Cherokees to shame. Gas mileage will no doubt be abysmal, and environmentalists will likely complain about the truck's very un-green mission. But with trucks getting more luxurious (and more silly) all the time, the H2 is a breath of fresh air. Very few trucks from the factory are cool. This is one of them. — Brent Romans
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