Hummer H2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Hummer H2 SUV | |
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| Manufacturer: | AM General |
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| Production: | 2003–present |
| Class: | Full-size SUV |
| Body style: | 4-door SUV |
| Platform: | FR/AWD GMT800 FR |
| Wheelbase: | 122.7 in (3117 mm) |
| Length: | 204.6 in (5197 mm) |
| Width: | 81.2 in (2062 mm) |
| Height: | 82.7 in (2101 mm) (with roof racks) |
| Curb weight: | 6400 lb (2903 kg) |
| Related: | Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Avalanche |
| Similar: | Jeep Commander Lexus LX Land Rover Range Rover Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
The H2 SUV/SUT/Hydrogen is the second vehicle sold under the Hummer marque of General Motors. It is a large truck (though smaller than the Hummer H1) with room for six passengers (including driver). The rearmost part of the H2 SUV was modified to a pickup truck bed for the 2005 H2 SUT ("Sport Utility Truck").
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[edit] Overview
The H2 is built under contract by AM General at a specially constructed plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, USA. Although it shares GM's GMT820 truck platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, those vehicles differ in many ways and are constructed in three other GM plants. The H2's final frame assembly is made up of 3 sections: The front uses a modified GM 2500-Series utility frame, the mid-section is all new and is completely boxed, and the rear section uses a modifed GM 1500-Series frame which is upgraded for the 8,600 pound (3629 kg) gross vehicle weight.
H2 sales were initially strong, but fell to 28,898 for 2004 and 23,213 for 2005.[citation needed]
The H2 was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003.
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[edit] Capabilities
With its high ground clearance, protective underbody plates, and low gearing, the H2 is capable of climbing over a 16-inch-high (0.4 m) vertical wall[citation needed] (without the sill steps shown in the pictured example). A massive truck frame and slightly wider-than-average track may offer stability against overturning compared to some of the more common light truck SUVs, although objective tests have not been performed by the government or other outside parties due to its specialised vehicle class.
The H2 is also capable of fording 20" of water, traversing a 40% side slope, ascending/descending a 60% grade, and towing 6,700lbs.[citation needed]
[edit] Application
The H2 is marketed as both a general purpose vehicle and as an off-road vehicle. Because of mass marketing by GM, it is primarily used as a passenger vehicle on typical roads.
[edit] Fuel economy[citation needed]
For typical travel on improved roads, users report fuel economy of between 10 and 14 miles per gallon, which converts to between 17 and 24 L/100 km. Worst case urban driving is said to be in the range of 8 to 14 U.S. mpg (17 to 29 L/100 km). Although General Motors does not provide official H2 fuel economy ratings, most reviews have observed high single to low double-digit mileage, similar to the numbers above.
[edit] Tax benefits
Under the United States income tax code, the cost of vehicles over 6,000 pounds (2722 kg) can be deducted from income. This deduction was enacted decades ago to assist self-employed people in purchasing a vehicle for business use. The weight minimum was intended to limit the deduction to commercial-type trucks. For many years, the deduction remained below the average cost of a new vehicle, since large trucks were relatively inexpensive. Since it is a reduction in taxable income, the actual value of this deduction averages 30% of the price of the vehicle in question.
The increasing popularity of these vehicles in the last decade, however, pushed their average price to nearly double the average passenger car cost. In response, the 2002 Tax Act increased this "Section 179 depreciation deduction" to US$75,000, and it rose again to US$102,000 for the 2004 tax year. This is more than three times the current average cost of a passenger car in the United States and covers a large number of luxury models, including the Hummer H2. In late 2004, the deduction was again reduced to US$25,000.
[edit] Criticism
The Hummer H2 is one of the most severely criticized civilian vehicles on the market today[citation needed]. Critics have expressed concern at the fuel economy[citation needed] which they cite as being among the most inefficient of vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency does not test them for fuel economy since they are categorised as light trucks because of their weight, and thus are not bound to fuel economy standards.
The Hummer H2 is criticised for contributing towards petroleum consumption in the United States. In addition, H2 drivers are criticized for obstructing the views of other drivers behind them with their large vehicles. Criticism is also leveled at the H2 by safety advocates who have expressed concern that their size and height make them far deadlier to smaller vehicles as well as bicyclists, and pedestrians since the front of the Hummer H2 will likely strike the head and/or chest where injuries are far more life-threatening instead of the knees where regular cars are most likely to impact a pedestrian.
Some degree of H2 criticism is aesthetic, however, in that the outsized exterior, intentionally brash, upright stance, and outward projection of bulk (all hallmark Hummer design elements) are, by some, considered an affront or visual provocation.
The H2 lacks the hub-driven wheels of the H1, which bothers some fans of the H1.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: |
Official Sites
Forums
- Hummer X Club - Hummer Enthusiasts Club and forum
- The HUMMER Network - Hummer Enthusiasts Site and forum
- H2 Site - H2 Enthusiasts Site and forum
Pictures
- Hummer H2 - Hummer H2 car owners, pimped rides
Reviews
- Review: Hummer H2 SUT
- RoadTests.com - Hummer H2 Reviews, specs, and pictures.
Other
