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2004 Hummer H2 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2004 Hummer H2 Review:
2004 Hummer H2 Review
A navigation system is newly available for the "junior" Hummer. The H2 borrows styling from the H1, its military-based big brother, but is designed as a more-civilized, less-costly SUV. The H2 is built by AM General in Indiana from a General Motors design and is sold through GM dealers. It 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 more than 2 inches wider and some 1300 lb heavier. 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 and a locking rear differential. Standard features include ABS, 17-inch wheels, and chassis skid plates. Maximum towing capacity is 7000 lb. OnStar assistance, power front seats, and a split folding 2nd-row bench seat are included. 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. The newly available navigation system is part of a combination radio/navigation unit that puts the navigation screen in the audio faceplate.
News
The H2 was a hot seller in its first year, but high fuel thirst and record gas prices have lately deflated demand and swollen dealer inventories. GM says it can still make money on lower sales, yet recently offered a 48-month lease with nothing down, nothing due at signing, and a free first month's payment. That sounds fairly desperate to us, so if you've been waiting for an H2 deal, now might be the time to act.
All this puts extra sales pressure on the 2005 H2 pickup, the SUT (Sport Utility Truck), arriving this June. Basically identical to the wagon ahead of the rear doors, it substitutes a 4-x-3-foot cargo bed that can be extended to 6-feet long by lowering a midgate. The related Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT have this too, but the Hummer adds remote power operation for both the midgate and its drop-down rear window. A locking hard bed cover will be optional along with rubber bed mats, a removable cargo box and other accessories.
Neither H2 should see any major near-term changes, but GM has long since confirmed an even smaller Hummer for 2006. Though recently previewed as a concept 2-passenger pickup, this H3 should bow as a 4-dr wagon, with a 4-dr SUT coming later. Judging by the concept, H3 should be over a foot shorter and some 7 inches narrower and lower than H2 on a wheelbase of about 119 inches. It should also be somewhat lighter, though heavy fuel thirst may remain a deal-breaker for some prospects. Like the concept, the showroom H3 will be a body-on-frame design based on the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup. The concept used a Colorado/Canyon 3.5-liter inline 5-cyl engine turbocharged to 350 hp. The production model may use something else, but will certainly include dual-range 4WD with locking front and rear differentials to maintain Hummer's go-anywhere reputation. Look for H2-type styling and interior accommodations on a somewhat smaller scale. An H3 pickup would likely retain the concept's novel side-access bed doors. Rumor has it that H3s will price from $30,000 to $40,000. We should have more news soon, so keep checking back with us.
All this puts extra sales pressure on the 2005 H2 pickup, the SUT (Sport Utility Truck), arriving this June. Basically identical to the wagon ahead of the rear doors, it substitutes a 4-x-3-foot cargo bed that can be extended to 6-feet long by lowering a midgate. The related Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT have this too, but the Hummer adds remote power operation for both the midgate and its drop-down rear window. A locking hard bed cover will be optional along with rubber bed mats, a removable cargo box and other accessories.
Neither H2 should see any major near-term changes, but GM has long since confirmed an even smaller Hummer for 2006. Though recently previewed as a concept 2-passenger pickup, this H3 should bow as a 4-dr wagon, with a 4-dr SUT coming later. Judging by the concept, H3 should be over a foot shorter and some 7 inches narrower and lower than H2 on a wheelbase of about 119 inches. It should also be somewhat lighter, though heavy fuel thirst may remain a deal-breaker for some prospects. Like the concept, the showroom H3 will be a body-on-frame design based on the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup. The concept used a Colorado/Canyon 3.5-liter inline 5-cyl engine turbocharged to 350 hp. The production model may use something else, but will certainly include dual-range 4WD with locking front and rear differentials to maintain Hummer's go-anywhere reputation. Look for H2-type styling and interior accommodations on a somewhat smaller scale. An H3 pickup would likely retain the concept's novel side-access bed doors. Rumor has it that H3s will price from $30,000 to $40,000. We should have more news soon, so keep checking back with us.
2004 Hummer H2 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Trailer-towing capacity | Steering/handling |
| Fuel economy | |
| Noise | |
| Entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
At 0-60 mph in about 10 sec by Hummer's claim, H2 is among the slower full-size SUVs. Acceleration is fairly strong at lower speeds, but highway merging or passing takes patience. Transmission shifts smoothly, usually kicks down quickly for more power.
| H2 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
At 0-60 mph in about 10 sec by Hummer's claim, H2 is among the slower full-size SUVs. Acceleration is fairly strong at lower speeds, but highway merging or passing takes patience. 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 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 |
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 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 4 | 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 feels 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 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 3.3 |
Massive weight, tall build induce body lean in turns, though no more than with typical full-size SUV. Steering feels 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 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.3 |
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. New navigation/audio combo a sensible mating of map screen, navigation functions, and radio controls for relative ease of use. 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 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 5 | 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. New navigation/audio combo a sensible mating of map screen, navigation functions, and radio controls for relative ease of use. 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 wheel 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 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.6 |
High step-up, but running boards, hand grips help. Good head, leg, shoulder room, but steering wheel 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 tight for three adults, despite H2's girth. Leather-upholstery option includes heated seat. Optional 3rd-row seat difficult to get to, suits one child.
| H2 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Head room fine, but leg room tight if front seats adjusted more than halfway back. Seat is comfortable, though tight for three adults, despite H2's girth. Leather-upholstery option includes heated seat. Optional 3rd-row seat difficult to get to, suits one child.
Cargo Room
Rated at 86.6 cu ft, but H2 has a high load floor and a standard full-size spare tire that 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 are tipped forward. Still, H2 can't match even compact SUVs for utility. Cabin storage unimpressive: map pockets, small glovebox, modest console, just two cupholders. Three small but handy overhead bins sacrificed to optional sunroof.
| H2 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 7 | 5 | 7.4 |
Rated at 86.6 cu ft, but H2 has a high load floor and a standard full-size spare tire that 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 are tipped forward. Still, H2 can't match even compact SUVs for utility. Cabin storage unimpressive: map pockets, small glovebox, modest console, just two 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 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 2 | 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 wagon | H2 SUT | Class Average |
| 42 | 40 | 50.4 |
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 23 | |
| Average Score | 50 | |
| High Score | 63 |
2004 Hummer H2 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/13/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door wagon | $49,395 | $45,196 | $850 |
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 telematics system w/one-year service, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt 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, outside-temperature indicator, 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 rails, 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 all-terrain tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,639
|
$2,190
|
|
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
|
$3,525
|
$2,926
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, folding 3rd-row seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, floormats, chrome tubular side steps, aluminum roof rack, chrome mirrors and door handles.
|
||
|
Victory Red Limited Edition Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$6,510
|
$5,403
|
|
Power sunroof, first-aid kit, tool kit, brush guard, chrome alloy fuel-filler door, taillight guards, chrome step plates, self-leveling air suspension, chrome alloy wheels, Hummer mountain bicycle. Requires Lux Preferred Equipment Group1SC. NA w/Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Trailering Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$150
|
$110
|
|
Front hitch extension, front and rear hitch covers, 7- to 4-pin connector.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,395
|
$1,200
|
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,995
|
$1,716
|
|
w/Adventure or Lux Group.
|
$1,570
|
$1,350
|
|
Deletes cassette player from standard radio. Downgrades 6-disc CD changer of Adventure or Lux Group to single CD player.
|
||
|
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.
|
||
|
Folding 3rd-row seat
|
||
|
Base
|
$500
|
$430
|
|
Carpeted floormats
|
||
|
Base
|
$200
|
$146
|
|
w/Adventure Pkg.
|
$51
|
$37
|
|
Includes cargo mat.
|
||
|
Rubber floormats
|
||
|
Base
|
$149
|
$109
|
|
|
||
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.
|
||
|
Uplevel Chrome Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$550
|
$402
|
|
Chrome alloy hood handles and fuel-filler door. Requires Chrome Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
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
|
|
Black or color-keyed grille
|
||
|
Base
|
$400
|
$292
|
|
Wrap-around brush guard
|
||
|
Base
|
$675
|
$493
|
|
w/Adventure Group
|
$150
|
$110
|
|
Roof rack
|
||
|
Base
|
$400
|
$292
|
|
Roof-mounted cargo box
|
||
|
Base
|
$550
|
$402
|
|
Crossbar cargo basket
|
||
|
Base
|
$998
|
$729
|
|
Requires roof rack.
|
||
|
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.
|
||
|
Chrome alloy fuel-filler door
|
||
|
Base
|
$180
|
$131
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Air suspension
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,175
|
$1,011
|
|
Self-leveling rear air suspension, air-inflator kit.
|
||
|
|
||
2004 Hummer H2 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Hummer H2 4-door wagon | Hummer H2 SUT crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 122.8 | 122.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.8 | 203.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 81.2 | 81.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 77.8 | 78.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 6400 | 6400 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 86.6 | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 2200 | 2200 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 32.0 | 32.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.5 | 40.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 | 39.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.6 | 38.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V8 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 6.0 /364 | 6.0 /364 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 316 @ 5200 | 325 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 360 @ 4000 | 365 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | NA/NA | 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 | Hummer H2 SUT crew cab |
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 2004 Hummer H2 Review:
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