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2003 Hummer H2 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Hummer H2 Review:
2003 Hummer H2 Review
This new "junior" Hummer borrows styling from its military-based big brother, but is designed as a more-civilized, less-costly SUV. Like the original Hummer--now called the H1--the H2 is built by AM General in Indiana. However, it was designed in conjunction with General Motors, which now owns the Hummer brand, and is sold through selected GM dealerships, mostly Cadillac. The H2 gets its 6.0-liter V8, 4-speed automatic transmission, and major chassis components from GM's full-size SUVs. Compared to a Chevrolet Tahoe, the H2 is 9 inches shorter in length, but its wheelbase is nearly 7 inches longer and it's more than 2 inches wider. Standard seating is for five, with a single-passenger 3rd-row seat optional. AWD is standard and is designed for severe off-road use with low-range gearing, specific throttle-pedal and traction-control settings for on- and off-pavement, and a locking rear differential. Maximum towing capacity is 7000 lb. Standard features include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, skid plates, OnStar assistance, power front seats, split folding 2nd-row seat, and 17-inch wheels. Side airbags are unavailable. Options include heated leather front and 2nd-row seats, sunroof, chrome appearance package, and an Adventure package with self-leveling rear air suspension.
Competition
Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
News
Considering its price, the H2 is a pretty hot item, with initial deliveries of nearly 19,000 through the end of 2002. Suddenly, GM's 40,000-50,000 annual sales target doesn't look so wild. By contrast, big-brother H1 drew only 720 orders for the full calendar year, 48 fewer than in 2001. We suspect some would-be buyers opted for an H2 instead.
Reportedly on the way for 2005 is an H2 pickup that should be a close match with a recently previewed concept design. This "sport utility truck" would relate to the H2 wagon as the Avalanche does to the Suburban among full-size Chevy SUVs. Otherwise, H2 shouldn't see any major changes for the foreseeable future.
But watch out for 2006 and the H3, an even smaller Hummer that's also been previewed in concept form. Hard news is hard to come by at this still-early stage, but H3 is likely to emulate H2 in using plenty of GM hardware, including a heavily modified version of the corporate T360 midsize SUV platform supporting the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and upcoming Buick Rainier. Keep checking back for further details.
Reportedly on the way for 2005 is an H2 pickup that should be a close match with a recently previewed concept design. This "sport utility truck" would relate to the H2 wagon as the Avalanche does to the Suburban among full-size Chevy SUVs. Otherwise, H2 shouldn't see any major changes for the foreseeable future.
But watch out for 2006 and the H3, an even smaller Hummer that's also been previewed in concept form. Hard news is hard to come by at this still-early stage, but H3 is likely to emulate H2 in using plenty of GM hardware, including a heavily modified version of the corporate T360 midsize SUV platform supporting the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and upcoming Buick Rainier. Keep checking back for further details.
2003 Hummer H2 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Off-road performance | Handling/roadholding |
| Trailer-towing capacity | Fuel economy |
| Noise | |
| Cargo room | |
| Entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Tire roar evident even at moderate speeds, and is joined by pronounced wind noise above 65 mph. Engine noise well-muffled.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 23 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2003 Hummer H2 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/05/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon | $48,455 | $44,336 | $815 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, traction control, locking rear differential, 2-speed transfer case.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD player, rear radio controls, headphone jacks, digital clock, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage-door opener, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof marker lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, skid plates, Class III trailer hitch, wiring harness, full-size spare tire, LT315/70R17 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,440
|
$2,025
|
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, floormats, cargo mat, first-aid kit, tool kit w/portable lamp, roof rack, brush guard, air-inflator kit, self-leveling rear air suspension.
|
||
|
Lux Preferred Equipment Group 1SC
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,800
|
$2,324
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, tubular side steps, aluminum roof rack, chrome mirrors and door handles.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,395
|
$1,200
|
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
Base
|
$425
|
$366
|
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,400
|
$1,204
|
|
Includes heated front and rear seats.
|
||
|
Removable 3rd-row seat
|
||
|
Base
|
$500
|
$430
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
Base
|
$200
|
$146
|
|
Includes cargo mat.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Chrome Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$850
|
$731
|
|
w/Adventure Group
|
$450
|
$387
|
|
Aluminum roof rack, chrome mirrors and door handles. Included w/Lux Preferred Equipment Group 1SC.
|
||
|
Tool kit
|
||
|
Base
|
$215
|
$185
|
|
Includes portable light, first-aid kit.
|
||
|
Taillight guards
|
||
|
Base
|
$250
|
$183
|
|
Tubular side steps
|
||
|
Base
|
$425
|
$310
|
|
Removable side steps
|
||
|
Base
|
$450
|
$329
|
|
w/Lux Group
|
$25
|
$18
|
|
Grille brush guard
|
||
|
Base
|
$525
|
$452
|
|
Wrap-around brush guard
|
||
|
Base
|
$675
|
$493
|
|
w/Adventure Group
|
$150
|
$110
|
|
Roof rack
|
||
|
Base
|
$400
|
$292
|
|
Roof-mounted cargo box
|
||
|
Base
|
$550
|
$402
|
|
Brush guard-mounted off-road spot lamps
|
||
|
Base
|
$450
|
$329
|
|
Requires brush guard.
|
||
|
Black light bar
|
||
|
Base
|
$950
|
$694
|
|
Includes four roof-mounted off-road spot lights. Requires roof rack.
|
||
|
Aluminum light bar
|
||
|
Base
|
$998
|
$729
|
|
Includes four roof-mounted off-road spot lights. Requires Chrome Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
Air suspension
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,175
|
$1,011
|
|
Self-leveling rear air suspension, air-inflator kit.
|
||
|
|
||
2003 Hummer H2 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Hummer H2 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 122.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 81.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 79.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 6400 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 86.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 2200 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 32.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 6.0 /364 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 316 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 360 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | NA/NA |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Hummer H2 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | The 12 scheduled maintenance activities during the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty period are provided free of charge to the owners of Hummer H1 vehicles. |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Hummer H2 Review:
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