Used 2007 HUMMER H2

Despite a downturn in large SUV sales, high gas prices and environmental activists don’t seem to be discouraging the die-hard Hummer enthusiasts. With the termination of the H1 (the civilian version of the military vehicle), the H2 becomes the flagship of the Hummer line, offering consumers a capable off-road mini-tank with enough visual appeal to satisfy the most egregious attention hound. Truth be told, the H2 is not roomy, nor does it offer much in the way of cargo space, especially with the optional single third seat in place. If you’re looking for a big SUV that is comfortable, roomy and sophisticated, you’d be better served shopping the new Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon.

On the open road, the H2 moves right along, oblivious to the laws of aerodynamics. The big Hummer is surprisingly stable and the position of the wide 17-inch tires at the vehicle’s outermost corners means you get minimal body roll and fairly respectable handling. This accolade, however, must be taken in context, since we are talking about Sport Utility Vehicle handling, not that of a sports car. For off-road adventuring, including steep hill encounters and boulder-climbing, the transfer case can be locked, creating a perfect 50/50 distribution of power. A four-channel anti-lock brake set-up and traction control module help limit wheel-spin on slippery or unstable ground, and can even route power to a single wheel when necessary.

The H2’s interior clearly was never meant to see the battlefield. Inside, the H2 has a usable interior with a handsome dash, contoured bucket seats and a second-row bench seat. Interior plastics are a bit hard and fit poorly in some places. Despite its large size, the interior of the H2 is snug in the areas of rear-seat legroom and cargo space. The spare tire is mounted inside the cabin and when the third-row seat option is in place (it fits only one person), the only storage space available is on the roof.

The H2 borrows the basic look and feel of the H1, but pulls it off with a lot more polish. The doors are neatly flush with the rest of the body panels and their hinges are hidden from view. Not all of the H2 parts have been sent to civility school – the hood features exposed latches, lift handles and fasteners, just like the H1. The H2 foregoes the turbocharged diesel engine in favor of a more traditional gasoline V8, but retains the H1’s high ground clearance, huge wheels and tires and short front and rear overhangs.

Skid Plates
The H2’s massive front and rear shields, or "skid plates," look as good as they function.

Stylish Dash
The instrument panel design is far more functional and attractive than that of the original H1.

The H2 comes well equipped with a 325-horsepower 6.0-liter V8, full-time four-wheel drive, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, locking rear axle, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), engine oil cooler, rear defroster, 33-gallon fuel tank, illuminated entry, power windows, power locks, automatic headlamps, dual heated power mirrors with auto-dimming mirror, Bose audio with CD and cassette, dual eight-way power seats, skid plates, cruise control, tilt wheel with touch controls, traction control and a rear wiper/washer.

Options for the H2 are numerous and include a brushed aluminum light bar, six-disc CD changer, spot lights, leather seats, touch-screen navigation, third-row seat, power moonroof, air suspension, tool kit, rear backup camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, exterior front and rear guards and a number of off-road, luxury and appearance packages.

The H2 has only one engine choice: a 6.0-liter V8 teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission. Though plenty powerful, if it were fitted with the Tahoe’s Active Fuel Management system it might deliver better fuel economy.

6.0-liter V8
325 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
365 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA