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2008 Hummer H2 Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
Also in the 2008 Hummer H2 Review:
5.
6.
Hummer H2 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Hummer H2 Review
The 2008 Hummer H2 gets a redesigned interior and more powerful engine. This premium large SUV is available as a 4-door wagon and a pickup-like SUT. Like the Chevrolet Avalanche, the SUT features a folding midgate between the cabin and cargo bed. Responding to criticism that the H2's interior trailed the competition in materials quality and overall design, Hummer updates its big SUV's passenger compartment for 2008. With the revised interior comes an available 2-passenger 3rd-row seat. Also new is a 393-hp 6.2-liter V8 that replaces a 325-hp 6.0-liter. A 6-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles for manual operation is the only transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 8000 lb, up from 6500 lb. H2s have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing for off-road use. Severe off-road equipment is available. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Also standard are OnStar assistance and leather upholstery with heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.
Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LX 570 and Toyota Land Cruiser.
Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LX 570 and Toyota Land Cruiser.
News
Redesigned H2s are now expected for 2010, two years later than earlier reported, but will still move to GM's latest "T900" large-truck architecture. Today's H2 uses the T800 platform now phasing out among GM's biggest pickups and mainstream SUVs. Sources say the replacements will be somewhat smaller, lighter, and presumably more fuel-efficient, which we hope is not just wishful thinking.
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2008 Hummer H2 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Off-road capability | Steering/handling |
| Trailer-towing capacity | Fuel economy |
| Entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Acceleration is fairly brisk around town and strong at highway speeds. Hummer estimates an 8.0 sec 0-60 mph time, which feels accurate to us. The smooth-shifting transmission is prompt to kick down for more power.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Acceleration is fairly brisk around town and strong at highway speeds. Hummer estimates an 8.0 sec 0-60 mph time, which feels accurate to us. The smooth-shifting transmission is prompt to kick down for more power.
Fuel Economy
Its over 8600-lb gross vehicle weight exempts H2s from the EPA mileage-reporting program. In our testing, the previous generation H2 averaged 11.3 mpg. Hummer estimates a 10 percent fuel economy improvement with the new engine and transmission. Premium-grade gas is recommended.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Its over 8600-lb gross vehicle weight exempts H2s from the EPA mileage-reporting program. In our testing, the previous generation H2 averaged 11.3 mpg. Hummer estimates a 10 percent fuel economy improvement with the new engine and transmission. Premium-grade gas is recommended.
Ride Quality
A bit jittery over small bumps and floaty over big ones despite meaty tires and 3-ton heft. Little difference between coil- and optional air-spring suspensions, though the latter's self-leveling feature helps with heavy hauling and towing.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.4 |
A bit jittery over small bumps and floaty over big ones despite meaty tires and 3-ton heft. Little difference between coil- and optional air-spring suspensions, though the latter's self-leveling feature helps with heavy hauling and towing.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Massive weight and tall build mean marked cornering lean, though no worse than most large SUVs. Steering feels light at low speeds, yet maneuverability is hampered by jumbo 43.5-ft turning circle (vs. Ford Expedition's 38.7 ft). Not overly sensitive to crosswinds, despite blocky shape, but straightline stability is compromised by huge tires that tend to follow road grooves. Good brake pedal feel and modulation.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 4.2 |
Massive weight and tall build mean marked cornering lean, though no worse than most large SUVs. Steering feels light at low speeds, yet maneuverability is hampered by jumbo 43.5-ft turning circle (vs. Ford Expedition's 38.7 ft). Not overly sensitive to crosswinds, despite blocky shape, but straightline stability is compromised by huge tires that tend to follow road grooves. Good brake pedal feel and modulation.
Quietness
Cabin is generally peaceful, though there's marked wind noise above 65 mph. Engine noise is well muffled.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.8 |
Cabin is generally peaceful, though there's marked wind noise above 65 mph. Engine noise is well muffled.
Controls
Large, unobstructed gauges are easy to read. Available navigation/audio unit uses a sensible touch screen design and is not hard to learn.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Large, unobstructed gauges are easy to read. Available navigation/audio unit uses a sensible touch screen design and is not hard to learn.
Details
H2's new interior design is a welcome upgrade from previous versions. The cabin is assembled with good materials with abundant soft-touch surfaces.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.6 |
H2's new interior design is a welcome upgrade from previous versions. The cabin is assembled with good materials with abundant soft-touch surfaces.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
High step-up, but running boards are available. Overall room is good, and the seats are comfortable. Visibility is hindered by thick roof pillars and rear headrests, though an available rearview camera helps.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8.6 |
High step-up, but running boards are available. Overall room is good, and the seats are comfortable. Visibility is hindered by thick roof pillars and rear headrests, though an available rearview camera helps.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Headroom is fine, but legroom is tight if front seats are set far back. The seat itself is comfortable but too narrow for three adults despite H2's girth. Wagon's optional 3rd row seat is difficult to access and best suited for children. SUT's power midgate window is useful for ventilation.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Headroom is fine, but legroom is tight if front seats are set far back. The seat itself is comfortable but too narrow for three adults despite H2's girth. Wagon's optional 3rd row seat is difficult to access and best suited for children. SUT's power midgate window is useful for ventilation.
Cargo Room
Hummer claims wagon versions offer almost 90 cubic feet of cargo space, but the load floor is high and obscured by the spare tire mounted on a massive swing-away rear carriage. The optional 3rd-row seat takes up a large chunk of that room. It folds flat--but not flush with the floor--and can be removed. The 2nd-row 60/40 seatbacks do fold flush into the floor. SUT's midgate adds versatility, but the tailgate is very heavy and very high off the ground. With the split rear seat folded and midgate in place, SUTs offer about 30 cubic feet of interior cargo room.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 7 | 5 | 8.5 |
Hummer claims wagon versions offer almost 90 cubic feet of cargo space, but the load floor is high and obscured by the spare tire mounted on a massive swing-away rear carriage. The optional 3rd-row seat takes up a large chunk of that room. It folds flat--but not flush with the floor--and can be removed. The 2nd-row 60/40 seatbacks do fold flush into the floor. SUT's midgate adds versatility, but the tailgate is very heavy and very high off the ground. With the split rear seat folded and midgate in place, SUTs offer about 30 cubic feet of interior cargo room.
Value within Class
Hummer's biggest model is incredibly capable off-road and reasonably well-behaved on-road. For 2008 the H2 becomes a more civilized creature, with more power and a much more welcoming interior. Impressive towing capacity adds to the package. For shoppers uncomfortable with Hummer's aggressive styling and with few off-road aspirations, any number of large trucks match the H2's overall utility and trump it for passenger space and fuel economy.
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.4 |
Hummer's biggest model is incredibly capable off-road and reasonably well-behaved on-road. For 2008 the H2 becomes a more civilized creature, with more power and a much more welcoming interior. Impressive towing capacity adds to the package. For shoppers uncomfortable with Hummer's aggressive styling and with few off-road aspirations, any number of large trucks match the H2's overall utility and trump it for passenger space and fuel economy.
Total Score
| Wagon | SUT | Class Average |
| 57 | 55 | 68.6 |
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 55 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 80 |
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2008 Hummer H2 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base SUV 4-door wagon | $56,690 | $52,155 | $900 |
|
|
|||
| Base SUT 4-door crew cab | $56,735 | $52,196 | $900 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
|||
| H2 | $2000 cash back or 2.9%-7.9% financing. | Customer | 06/02/08 |
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
6.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control, locking rear differential, 2-speed transfer case.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar assistance system w/one year service, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning w/rear controls (SUV), tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 8-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof (SUT), Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, rear radio controls, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, folding midgate w/power rear window (SUT), roof rails, roof marker lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, skid plates, trailer hitch, 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
|
$1,555
|
$1,291
|
|
First aid kit, tool kit w/portable lamp, rubber floormats, roof rack, brush guard, air-inflater kit, load-leveling air suspension.
|
||
|
Luxury Preferred Equipment Group 1SC
|
||
|
SUV
|
$6,410
|
$5,320
|
|
SUT
|
$4,000
|
$3,320
|
|
Power sunroof (SUV), folding 3rd-row seat (SUV), upgraded leather upholstery, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, upgraded Bose sound system, DVD entertainment system, rearview camera, floormats, additional chrome exterior trim, polished alloy wheels. Deletes in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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||
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Silver Ice Limited Edition
|
||
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Base
|
$4,495
|
$3,731
|
|
Unique exterior trim, LT305/60R20 all-terrain tires, chrome alloy wheels. Requires Luxury Preferred Equipment Group 1SC.
|
||
|
Black Essentials Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,250
|
$1,038
|
|
Black: roof rack, roof-rail handles, side steps.
|
||
|
Chrome Essentials Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,295
|
$1,075
|
|
Chrome: roof rack, roof-rail handles, side steps.
|
||
|
Chrome Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$470
|
$404
|
|
Additional chrome exterior trim. Requires Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
SUV
|
$1,550
|
$1,333
|
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,720
|
$1,479
|
|
Deletes in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Requires Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB or Luxury Preferred Equipment Group 1SC. Requires rearview camera w/Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
Rearview camera
|
||
|
Base
|
$890
|
$765
|
|
w/navigation system
|
$295
|
$254
|
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,295
|
$1,114
|
|
Requires upgraded Bose sound system. SUV requires power sunroof. Deletes in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
|
||
|
Upgraded Bose sound system
|
||
|
Base
|
$495
|
$426
|
|
Folding 3rd-row seat
|
||
|
SUV
|
$860
|
$740
|
|
Heated washer fluid
|
||
|
Base
|
$250
|
$215
|
|
Universal garage door opener
|
||
|
Base
|
$105
|
$90
|
|
Carpeted floormats
|
||
|
Base
|
$200
|
$172
|
|
Smoker's Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$15
|
$13
|
|
Ash tray, lighter.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Tool kit
|
||
|
Base
|
$215
|
$185
|
|
Includes portable light, first aid kit.
|
||
|
Grille brush guard
|
||
|
Base
|
$525
|
$452
|
|
Wrap-around brush guard
|
||
|
Base
|
$675
|
$581
|
|
w/Adventure Group
|
$150
|
$129
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
Base
|
$295
|
$254
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Air suspension
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,275
|
$1,097
|
|
Load-leveling suspension, air-inflator kit.
|
||
|
Polished alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$900
|
$774
|
|
Requires w/Adventure Preferred Equipment Group 1SB.
|
||
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Hummer H2 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Hummer H2 4-door wagon | Hummer H2 SUT 4-door wagon crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 122.8 | 122.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 203.5 | 203.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 81.2 | 81.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 78.5 | 78.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 6614 | 6614 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 86.6 | 30.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 32.0 | 32.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 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 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 6.2 /376 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 393 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 415 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-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 | Hummer H2 SUT 4-door wagon 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 | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Hummer H2 Review:
5.
6.
Hummer H2 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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