2003 Hummer H2

Mike DiGiovanni, Hummer's enthusiastic General Manager, said the H2 "had to look and perform like a Hummer." It does. Remarkably, the new vehicle was produced in just 16 months—a testament to the "new" GM way of doing things and a large number of shared and modified existing components. General Motors hopes to attract a somewhat "younger, more mainstream buyer" than the H1 with this vehicle. Marketing Director Marc Hernandez believes the H2 will attract "rugged individualists" who'll "exploit all capabilities" and "successful achievers who are more likely to drive it on-road as a symbol of their daring and success."

Whether it was clambering down a rock staircase or wading through a deep stream, the "little" Hummer scarcely faltered, so you'll be comfortable wherever you're sitting.

Styling is subjective. The H2 has all the H1's curious cues: the flat, low roof, the butch-y front end, wheels to the corners. In short, it looks like a Brinks truck. Inside, you sit closer than in the H1 and, except for the 100-pound spare tire blocking some of the rear view (they're working on an outside mount), there's 86.6 cubic feet of cargo volume.


The 150 U.S. Hummer dealers (who represent about 3% of the total GM stores) already have beaucoup H2 orders. The base model, at $48,815 including freight, is a very well equipped SUV. Add $2,015 for the Adventure Series and get air suspension, brushguards, a roof rack and custom carpets; for $2,375 more than the base, the Lux Series adds leather seat surfaces, a flashy chrome appearance package (as if this vehicle needed to stand out any more!) and tubular assist steps. Both options have a six-disc CD changer included. (An H2 line of clothing and assorted merchandise is also available.)


Even if you opt for all the plusses, and a sunroof, you're in under $54 grand—one helluva buy compared to topline Mercedes-Benz G-Wagens and Range Rovers. DiGiovanni anticipates they'll move 25,000-30,000 H2s the first year. DiGiovanni more than hints about a smaller H3, but why would you wait? Buy a Hummer H2, with Arnold Schwarzenegger's blessing, and make your own bold statement today. (www.hummer.com)