2002 Hummer H1: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

AM General started selling civilian versions of the U.S. Army's runabout vehicle in 1992. Two years ago, AM General was purchased by General Motors. While we classify the Hummer H1 as a full-size sport-utility vehicle, it is actually a Class 3 truck. This means that it has a gross vehicle rating of over 10,000 pounds and does not have to meet all safety guidelines mandated for smaller vehicles (for instance, it has no airbags). For 2002, body styles are trimmed to a 4-dr wagon and a 4-dr "open top" with a soft cover for the roof and cargo area. Both seat four people in two front bucket seats and two rear bucket seats. The lone powertrain is a GM-built 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. ABS is standard as is a 4WD system that can be used on dry pavement. Former options that are standard for '02 include run-flat tires, CD changer, highway touring tires, and central tire inflation, which allows drivers to inflate or deflate the front and rear tires from inside the vehicle.

COMPETITION

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buys are the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

Recommended are the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon. For a few more bucks you can get the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish they got a few more miles per gallon.