2003 Hummer H2: Road Test
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2003 Hummer H2 ▼
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- MSRP: $48,455
- Invoice: $44,336
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Our road test for the 2003 Hummer H2 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Hummer H2 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Hummer H2, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Hummer H2 help you decide if a 2003 Hummer H2 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.4 |
Acceleration is fairly strong at lower speeds, but highway merging or passing takes patience. Indeed, at about 10 sec 0-60 mph by Hummer's claim, H2 is among the slower full-size SUVs. Transmission shifts smoothly, usually kicks down quickly for more power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1.9 |
Over 8600-lb gross vehicle weight exempts H2 from EPA mileage-reporting program, but our test H2 averaged just 10.7 mpg, even with mostly highway driving. Uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.4 |
A bit jittery over smaller bumps, but 3-ton curb weight and large tires help iron out larger ones--though with some bobbing and reverberation. Little difference in ride between coil- and air-spring suspensions, though the latter's self leveling helps in heavy hauling or towing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.3 |
Massive weight, tall build induce body lean in turns, though no more than with typical full-size SUV. Steering feel light at low speeds, but close-quarters maneuverability hampered by wide 43.5-ft turning circle (vs. Ford Expedition's 38.7 ft, for example). H2 not overly sensitive to crosswinds, despite blocky shape. But huge tires tend to follow road grooves, which can contribute to mediocre straightline tracking. Brake-pedal feel good in routine use but mushy in simulated emergency stops. Standard front tow hitch useful in guiding a trailer.
QUIETNESS
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.2 |
Tire roar evident even at moderate speeds, and is joined by pronounced wind noise above 65 mph. Engine noise well-muffled.
CONTROLS
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5 |
Main instrument cluster borrowed from Tahoe is unobstructed. Radio and climate controls set toward middle of H2's wide dashboard and have cryptic markings. Interior follows an "industrial" design theme. Lots of hard plastic molded in square shapes and punctuated by "bug-eye" air vents does not look or feel up to the near-$50,000 price.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7.4 |
High step-up, but running boards, hand grips help. Good head, leg, shoulder room, but steering column sticks out far and is offset to right of seat center. Base cloth seats too soft for best long-distance comfort, despite standard power lumbar adjustment. Optional leather seats a bit firmer, and heated. Visibility hindered by thick roof pillars, rear headrests, and spare tire that blocks much of rear window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.4 |
Head room fine, but leg room tight if front seats adjusted more than halfway back. Seat is comfortable, though three adults overlap shoulders, despite H2's girth. Leather-upholstery option includes heated seat. Optional 3rd-row seat difficult to get to, suits one child.
CARGO ROOM
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 6.9 |
High load floor, and standard full-size spare tire in cargo area weighs some 100 lb and eats lots of luggage space. Optional 3rd-row seat takes up most of the rest. That seat tips or removes, and 2nd-row 60/40 seatbacks fold flat after seat bottoms tip forward. Still, H2 can't match even compact SUVs for utility. Cabin storage unimpressive: map pockets, small glovebox, modest console, just 2 cupholders. Three small but handy overhead bins sacrificed to optional sunroof.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.4 |
For better or worse, the H2 makes a unique statement. It's highly capable off-road, and fairly civilized on. But other big SUVs offer more passenger comfort, capacity, and cargo space. And the same money buys any number of more-luxurious, more-refined competitors.
Total Score
| H2 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 38 | 49.3 |
Total Score: 38
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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