Hummer H2

Hummer H2

 

  NEW HUMMER H2 REVIEW AND MORE

The 2009 Hummer H2 has stellar off-road performance and head-turning style, but the sale of the brand to a Chinese company may dampen the H2's all-American appeal.
The 2009 H2 is an American icon that may be on its way out. notes, "Rarely has a brand fallen from grace as quickly as GM's Hummer nameplate has. It was only a few years ago that Hummer was GM's very own version of the U.S. Mint -- a veritable money machine for the automaker, which was riding the popularity of large luxury SUVs." As GM moves forward with plans to close many Hummer dealerships and sell the brand, they add, "The goose, it appears, has stopped laying golden eggs."
High gas prices from the summer of 2008 all but killed the Hummer brand, and deepening economic woes are leaving many buyers wondering if they need such an expensive, thirsty vehicle. However, reviewers say that if you take the H2 for what it is --   a flashy off roader, not an efficient mini van alternative -- you'll be happy with the purchase. While many reviews note that the H2's sheer mass can be tough to drive, especially in tight quarters, several still see the H2 as enormously appealing thanks to its aggressive exterior styling, macho persona and go-anywhere capabilities.
The H2 is available as a four door SUV and also an  Sport Utility Truck, which keeps all four doors but replaces the enclosed cargo area with a short truck bed, and is reviewed separately. The H2 has one available powertrain, but two optional packages, Adventure and Lux, add off-roading or interior upgrades. A 2008 redesign increased the H2's power and upgraded the interior.  For 2009, the H2's V8 engine gets flex fuel capability, allowing it to run on E85 ethanol.  While the new fuel does little for gas mileage, it should help the H2 emit fewer harmful gases.
GM recently announced a deal to sell the Hummer brand to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, a Chinese company. While it is unclear what Chinese ownership will mean for Hummer's born in the USA image, it appears that, for the time being, the military inspired SUVs will soldier on. The sale is unlikely to stop incredible deals that many Hummer dealers are offering as GM moves to close dealerships and consumers move on to more fuel efficient vehicles.

• "Hummer's biggest model is incredibly capable off-road and reasonably well-behaved on-road. Impressive towing capacity adds to the package."
• "Used to climb mountains, the H2 will impress, but if your only climbing is social, it'll be an expensive ascent."
  
• "Its bulky exterior dimensions are at odds with the cramped rear seating and limited cargo room, and its dismal fuel economy will put greedy smiles on the faces of oil execs. For daily use, SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will be much more pleasing to own and offer additional cachet and prestige as well. " 
• "Truth be told, the H2 is not terribly roomy, nor does it offer much in the way of cargo space, especially with the optional third-row seat in place. If you're looking for a big SUV that is comfortable, roomy and far less fuel-thirsty, you'd be better served with the new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ."
  

   INTERIOR

  Most reviewers say that after a 2008 redesign, the Hummer H2's cabin is finally in line with its price tag. For 2009, features like second row captain's chairs and a heated steering wheel are available.  Still, reviewers say that other SUVs offer more spacious and practical cabins.
  SAFTEY
• The 2009 Hummer H2 has not been rated in government crash tests, but has safety features in line with competitors'.
  

  RELIABILITY

  The 2009 Hummer H2 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided . The H2 comes with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.