2003 Hummer H2: A Comprehensive Off-Road Review
This in-depth evaluation, initially featured in a prominent automotive publication in August 2002, chronicles an extensive journey across the rugged landscapes of Baja California in the 2003 Hummer H2. The report meticulously compares the H2's performance with the legendary H1, emphasizing its adaptability to demanding off-road conditions while offering enhanced comfort. From navigating flash floods to traversing desolate desert trails, the H2 proved its mettle, demonstrating a blend of robust engineering and surprising refinement.
Baja California's unpredictable weather and treacherous roads provided the perfect proving ground for the H2. During a significant storm, the H2, despite having less ground clearance than the H1, adeptly handled the difficult terrain. The H1, known for its extreme off-road prowess with 16.0 inches of ground clearance and independent suspension, could almost effortlessly overcome obstacles. The H2, with approximately six fewer inches of clearance, necessitated a more strategic approach, often requiring drivers to carefully position a tire on rocks rather than straddling them.
A key distinction between the two models lies in their front overhang and approach angles. The H1 boasts a superior approach angle of 47.0 degrees (with a winch), compared to the H2's 43.6 degrees. In contrast, the Chevrolet Tahoe, a cousin to the H2, has a mere 19.8-degree approach angle, underscoring the H2's significant advantage in tackling steep inclines. The expedition spanned several days, covering Baja's most secluded and picturesque regions. The vehicles consistently navigated mountains, abandoned mines, and elevated mesas, often without encountering other travelers. Evenings were spent unwinding in hotels, occasionally engaging with bewildered locals who questioned the preference for unpaved routes.
The arid and formidable Baja environment, characterized by cacti and thorny vegetation, posed no significant challenge for the Hummers. They maintained comfortable speeds of 40 mph on sandy tracks, only slightly reducing pace on harder, corrugated surfaces. Unlike the H1's independent rear suspension, the H2 features a live-axle, coil-spring, five-link setup, with optional air springs. This configuration, while different, offered impressive resistance to instability on uneven ground, exhibiting only minor tail-hop over substantial bumps.
The H2's steering, managed by a recirculating-ball system, proved sufficiently responsive to dodge unforeseen obstacles like encroaching bushes. Furthermore, the H2 delivered a surprisingly comfortable ride for a heavy-duty truck, a testament to GM engineers' success in balancing impact absorption and body control. For those seeking enhanced handling, a specialized performance suspension was under development by Hall, with GM's endorsement, to be retailed through Hummer dealerships. The H1, conversely, suffered from lighter, less precise steering and a harsher ride due to its military-grade suspension that transferred more impacts to the cabin.
The H1 is powered by a 6.5-liter turbocharged diesel V-8, producing 195 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque at a low 1800 rpm. The H2, however, due to packaging constraints for a diesel engine, employs a 6.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine. This powerplant delivers 325 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 385 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is characterized by its intuitive response, smooth operation, and ample power. However, the H2's fuel efficiency is notable, with an EPA rating of 10 mpg in the city and 13 mpg on the highway, although its 32-gallon tank provides a decent range.
Performance tests conducted in Michigan revealed the H2's acceleration figures: 0-60 mph in 10.7 seconds and 0-90 mph in 27.1 seconds. These numbers are significantly slower than those of a 5.3-liter Tahoe, which achieved 8.3 seconds to 60 mph and 18.8 seconds to 90 mph. Braking performance for the H2's substantial 6700-pound mass is also a critical consideration. Equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and a four-channel Bosch anti-lock system, the H2 required 244 feet to stop from 70 mph, a considerably longer distance than the 197 feet needed by the lighter 5520-pound Tahoe. GM specifically calibrated the H2's Bosch ABS for off-road use, allowing it to intelligently adapt to loose or rough surfaces, a feature that proved effective on the diverse Mexican terrain.
The journey concluded after five days of rugged travel from Tijuana to La Paz, followed by three days on paved coastal roads along the Sea of Cortez to Mexicali, accumulating nearly 2000 miles within the Hummer lineup. While the H1 remains the ultimate vehicle for extreme off-road maneuvers—described by GM suspension engineer Thad Stump as a 'no compromise, no nonsense' military vehicle—it demands familiarity with its unique characteristics, including its imprecise steering and ergonomic compromises. The H2, in contrast, earned profound admiration for its ease of driving and reassuring presence. It handles challenging off-road tasks with remarkable comfort, allowing occupants to enjoy arduous expeditions with unexpected ease, making it the ideal Hummer for most enthusiasts.