Like nothing else on earth - the all-new 2003 HUMMER H2

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

(RABBIT EARS PASS, Colorado) - There is nothing on earth quite like the new HUMMER H2. Sitting in the drivers’ seat of the newest most extreme SUV ever built, I wondered just how far the envelope could be pushed.

I found the limits of the Hummer H2 while perched high on a mountainside covered with snow. One slight error, and we’d roll off the edge, and meet death a thousand feet below. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. I gave careful inputs of brake, but not throttle.

Easing the mass of the all-new 2003 HUMMER H2 over the crest, and onto more suitable roads for the ride back down the mountain, one thought summed it up. “This thing is really amazing.”

Far more capable than the HUMMER H2 advertising or literature suggests, the new machine is the real deal - the fit, energetic sibling of venerable military-based civilian HUMMER H1.

“H2 is a reflection of what H1 is -an exhilarating, uncompromising off-road vehicle,” said Michael C. DiGiovanni, HUMMER general manager, “with the comforts of home included. Like the H1, the new H2 offers customers a vehicle to suit their individual taste and style.”

And if that taste and style takes you to extreme places, terrain and topography, only the H2 will get you there. And unlike its H1 big brother, the H2 does it with a style, flair and manners that are better suited for city life than the H1.

H2 takes the rugged heritage of H1 and refines it by adding more creature comforts while maintaining off-road leadership. It’s a bold and youthful interpretation of what HUMMER means, in a more civilized package. Its extreme design makes sure that H2 has the eye-catching appearance - and brand recognition - of H1.

Driving this newest addition to the HUMMER family is exhilarating. It offers extremely refined on-pavement manners and ride comfort. And the H2 provides all the features and amenities that a premium SUV driver could want. Yet, off-road, it is almost as fiercely utilitarian as its famous progenitors - capable of traveling through streams 20 inches deep, climbing 16-inch steps and rocks, paddling through deep sand and outdistancing competitors in high-speed desert runs.

Its design is extremely daring and attention getting. It’s instantly recognizable as belonging to a highly exclusive brand, at the top of its class in off-road performance. Its look and feel conveys the sense of power, authority and complete control.

“In practical terms, the rugged individualist will be more likely to take it off-road and exploit all capabilities,” said Marc Hernandez, H2 marketing director. “The successful achiever is more likely to drive it on-road as a symbol of his daring and success.”

H2 is powered by a 316-horsepower Vortec 6000 V8 mated to a new heavy-duty 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission with best-in-class power and performance. The Vortec 6000 generates 316 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The 4L65-E provides GM’s driver-selectable Tow-Haul mode when the transfer case is in the “4 HI” modes.

Diesel power enthusiasts will be disappointed - the H2 does not offer a diesel engine. I think a great engine combination would be the GM DuraMax Diesel with the Allison transmission. But HUMMER says diesel power is reserved for the H1.

H2 also features a standard, powertrain-integrated Borg-Warner two-speed electrically controlled full-time 4WD system. It is capable of further reducing the vehicle’s gear ratios when necessary, for highly controlled obstacle climbing. It provides a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split in “High Open” or when the differentials are unlocked and a 50/50 front-to-rear power split when the transfer case differential is locked. The transfer case electronic control provides five mode selections, including rear axle differential lock, to provide optimum performance under all types of driving conditions.

A Bosch four-channel antilock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS) provides optimum control on slippery surfaces. In addition, the ABS can detect and adjust its braking capabilities to rough off-road surfaces like gravel and potholes. The TCS also provides the ability to gain traction through a single wheel, if necessary. A new feature controlled through a separate driver control switch is the TC2 function. This provides for more wheel slip in the traction control mode for sand and desert racing conditions.

H2’s 122.8-inch wheelbase helps smooth out the ride on freeway cruises; off-road, it helps prevent pitching in rough terrain. H2’s 69.4-inch tread, with wheels truly positioned at the extreme corners, provides extra stability on-road and helps prevent lateral tipping off-road. Its extremely short overhangs, including a 32.6-inch front overhang and 34.6-inch rear overhang provide high approach and departure angles, allowing H2 to drive right into a hole and out again without getting hung up in front or rear. These approach and departure angles are the highest of any GM full-size truck.

A fully welded ladder-type frame, with a modular, three-piece design that incorporates a number of hydroformed components offers outstanding strength, stiffness and dimensional accuracy. A standard independent front torsion bar and five-link coil spring rear suspension provides excellent on-road ride comfort and control and a high degree of strength, control and rear-axle articulation off-road. Its solid rear axle ensures durable sure-footedness, particularly in tight off-road situations. A new optional self-leveling rear air spring suspension system is tuned to H2’s severe off-road requirements.

Inside, the H2 is cavernous, comfortable and accommodating. Much larger inside than it appears from the outside, we filled all of the seats with passengers and all of our gear with room to spare. It's actually longer and taller than the original H1, and with more useful interior room, but weighs almost a ton less than the original H1.

The H2 interior features comfortable seats with standard eight-way power adjustment for the front seat cushions and backs, and a standard memory feature for the driver’s seat that allows two drivers to select and set their preferred positions, using key fob buttons or controls in the driver’s door panel. Our test vehicle seats were covered in optional leather. With the leather seats, front occupants also get heated seat backs and cushions with three temperature settings and second-row occupants get heated cushions.

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system provides fast warm-ups and cool-downs and an amazing degree of individualized front-seat comfort. The standard dual-zone front controls, for example, allow the driver and front passenger to set individualized temperatures with as much as a 25-degree Fahrenheit difference.

Audio choices include a selection of premium, high quality sound systems and standard nine-speaker Bose system. All sound systems provide next-generation audio configurations and include Radio Data System (RDS) technology. A driver information center provides up to 28 warnings for specific vehicle functions and allows two drivers to personalize their driving environment, taking advantage of separate driver memory settings.

H2 safety features include standard front air bags; four-way adjustable headrests, arm rests and seat-mounted lap-shoulder belts for front passengers; lap and B pillar-mounted shoulder belts for second row outboard passengers and a lap belt for the center passenger; a seat-mounted lap-shoulder belt and adjustable headrest for the optional third-row seat; and a standard OnStar system.

The wide range of civilizing and also rugged features makes H2 a full-sized SUV with unprecedented versatility. “H2 has immediate brand recognition as a HUMMER, which was one of our mandates from the start,” DiGiovanni said. “It’s a HUMMER through and true, particularly in terms of its capabilities on rough terrain, but with an air of civility and refinement previously unheard of in a vehicle with such capabilities.”

COMPARISION VEHICLES: The original HUMMER H1, and other military light personnel carriers costing much more than the H2.

HIGHS: A personal parade, high profile, ultimate “look at me” vehicle. Amazing off-road performance. Outstanding driving dynamics, similar to a Chevrolet Tahoe. Low price when all things are considered.

LOWS: Shameful fuel consumption. Difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, parking lots, driveways, garages. Inside-mounted spare tire is the size of dinner table, takes up too much valuable interior room. No diesel engine offering.

VEHICLE PRICING: Base $49,190 manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), including destination charges. $51,455 as tested including Lux Series package (leather, CD changer, etc). Not including government fees and taxes. Prices vary, see dealer for details.

FUEL ECONOMY: EPA estimates not available; Tested mileage: 10-mpg City; 13-mpg highway (The Weekend Drive estimates).

WARRANTY: Three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is standard and includes HUMMER 24-hour Roadside Assistance.

2003 HUMMER H2 Vehicle Highlights:

• Vortec 6000 6.0 liter V8.
• Power Output: 316-horsepower @ 5200 rpm; 360 lbs.-ft. torque @ 4000 rpm.
• Four-speed automatic overdrive transmission (Hydra-Matic 4L65-E).
• Borg-Warner four-wheel drive with multiple transfer case settings.
• Bosch four-channel ABS with traction control system.
• 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel/4-channel ABS, dual piston calipers with Dynamic Rear Proportioning. Eaton E-Locker rear differential locker.
• Optional self-leveling rear air suspension.
• Standard 4.10 axle ratio, deep first-gear ratio and transfer case low-range gear reduction, providing a 33:1 crawl ratio for very slow, controlled, high-torque rock and obstacle climbing capability.
• Trailering capability of up to 6,500 lbs.
• Underbody protection with large thick skid plates, under shield for fuel tank, chassis-bolted steel rocker panel protectors, a protective shield for the optional on-board air compressor and large mud flares for the wheels.
• OnStar standard.
• Side-window defogging system.
• Large power-tilt glass/power-folding electrochromatic heated outside rearview mirrors, with a curb assist that tilts them down in reverse for easier parking
• 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, LT315/70R17 all-terrain tires.
• 32-gallon fuel tank.
• Grade capability: 60%
Side slope capability: 40%
• Approach angle: 40.4"
• Departure angle: 39.6"

For more information visit the Hummer website or call 1-800 REAL 4WD
(1-800-732-5493)

LIFE’S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, buckle everyone up, and never drive impaired. Copyright © 2003 The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved.