For those that use it as a daily driver

[Larry]

Now that it has been a year or so for some of you, any regrets? This is not meant to be another "bad mouth an H2" thread. There are enough of those already http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I guess I just need some reassurance before I go out and get one. Maybe I just need a push.

I want something larger than I drive now. The H2 would certainly qualify. I've noticed some of the new 4X4's don't have low range gearing so that they can't be used for what they should have been designed for (going off road). At least (it seems to me) the H2 was designed for what it was designed for. I want to discover America one rock at a time. (I just made that up, pretty clever huh?) I also need to drive to work. Right now it is 34 miles each way.

Like I said at the top I need a nudge. I could take some money out of the bank right now and pay for a new car and not have any payments to think about, or I can get an H2 and take on a multi year loan. Yes, I already know the answer has to come from within me. Perhaps this thread can help someone else that is on the fence like me.

Thank you in advance for any time you give to this question.

Larry

I want to discover America one rock at a time

[Larry]

Now that it has been a year or so for some of you, any regrets? This is not meant to be another "bad mouth an H2" thread. There are enough of those already http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I guess I just need some reassurance before I go out and get one. Maybe I just need a push.

I want something larger than I drive now. The H2 would certainly qualify. I've noticed some of the new 4X4's don't have low range gearing so that they can't be used for what they should have been designed for (going off road). At least (it seems to me) the H2 was designed for what it was designed for. I want to discover America one rock at a time. (I just made that up, pretty clever huh?) I also need to drive to work. Right now it is 34 miles each way.

Like I said at the top I need a nudge. I could take some money out of the bank right now and pay for a new car and not have any payments to think about, or I can get an H2 and take on a multi year loan. Yes, I already know the answer has to come from within me. Perhaps this thread can help someone else that is on the fence like me.

Thank you in advance for any time you give to this question.

Larry

I want to discover America one rock at a time

[argonaut]

In my opinion the H2 is the best compromise vehicle out there. Stock, it can handle some of the hardest trails, where most stock vehicles, short of the rubicon or D90 would have serious problems. It has an excellent 4wd system, two great traction control programs, stock 35 BFG All terrains, and great approach and departure angles.

On the flip side, it is a very comfortable truck, I would say just as comfortable as my M5, if not more so. great cushy heated leather seats, an ideal driving position, and it actually handles really well, almost like a car. I think it is the wide wheelbase, but it corners like a champ. It is a great daily driver, and I hardly ever drive anything else anymore.

the only downsides are its massive size and its gas mileage. But you know that just by looking at the thing. Of course I'm biased because I own one, but it is well worth it. You will not regret it unless somehow you get a lemon.

'03 H2 Sunset Orange No mods
'03 BMW M3 Convertible
'02 BMW M5

[DennisAJC]

Larry,

Regardless of all the negative posts, there are alot more pros than cons for the H2.

You won't regret having it. If you can live with the fuel consumption, everything else is a joy. It's funny, even with the few deficiencies and defects, you will fall in love with this thing. Can't recall any vehicle that can have that effect.



"A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words."

[Grendel]

It took me a while to get up the nerve to get rid of my Z06 for an H2. I didn't know if I could stand driving a big truck on a daily basis. I have had sports cars or muscle cars my entire life, so it was a big change. The thing that scared me most was the fact that big trucks tend to sway or lean a lot in the corners and get pushed around a lot in the wind. (Really annoying on the long drives.) After a test drive and after a while behind the wheel I have to say I am very pleased with the H2 and the way it handles. I don't regret my decision, although I do miss the go fast, stop fast, and hard corners with the Z06. Now I have an excuse to get back into the muscle car hobby though! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

2003 Pewter H2

[This message was edited by Grendel on 10-15-03 at 12:56 PM.]

[hinten]

I have to agree with PhilD.
The H2 is basically too small on the inside. The wheel wells come in so far in the trunk that they take up too much space (and that is with the spare already removed). From the outside you would think the H2 has a living room of space but that's simply not the case. if you need three rows and trunk space buy a Suburban.

And then their is the built quality. Not that pieces fall off just some of the material and build choices that were made piss me off when I think about it as a $55k truck.

For me, ultimately, everything is fine but it is the first car where I feel if it were up to me I would have made dramatically different choices for GM.

[TouchdownTN]

I agree with the others here. If you need tons of interior space, get a Expedition or Suburban. If you want a luxury SUV get a Lexus or Lincoln. If you want decent fuel economy by a smaller SUV. The build quality and quality of some of the materials are definitely lacking. Sometimes i have to remind myself that this is a $60,000 truck because you can't tell by looking at the interior materials or the build quality in my opinion. Others have different opinions about this and have had better luck with rattles,etc. For me my 99 Expedition had better build quality than my 03 H2. Sometimes I catch myself wondering if I should have gotten a Luxury SUV such as the new Volvo XC 90 or Lexus GX. Then I come back to reality that I wanted a Hummer. Sometimes when I complain about the rattles and etc., I am reminded that it's a Hummer not a Mercedes or etc. But, I must say in spite of the H2's rattles and poor build quality I love it! I hope that GM monitors this site and implements improvements in these areas.

To make a long story short. If you can stand the MPG, and don't need a lot of space then by all means go get a H2 you'll love it. I know that I do!

Use mine as a daily driver have 17,500 miles since Feb and have smiled every mile!

03 Black Adventure with all Lux Options,Brush Guard Lights, and Sylvania Silverstars. Go Vols!!!

[JSA_3]

Larry,

I totally agree with everyone's utility comments

And as you quoted Phil
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Don't get me wrong, I love my H2 and wouldn't swap it for anything else right now. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I couldn't agree more - -

I just wish I had a 34 mile commute http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif. 1 year old and I'm still finding excuses to go somewhere in it.

John

[barbender]

Larry:

I traded in an Expedition for my H2. I absolutely love it. It's really hard to describe, you bond with your H2 like a high school kid bonds to his car. These guys in the prior posts describe the negatives, mine are lack of storage and MPG. But they all love their H2. I took mine in for my first oil change and some adjustments, they gave me a loner, guess what, an expedition! I absolutely could not wait to get my H2 back, nuff said.

[HUMMERDOGG]

larry-

I've had mine for a month and a half. It's a good thing I have bad hearing and have to turn the radio up "REAL LOUD with LOTS OF BASS" to enjoy my music or else I would go crazy with all the damn rattles. The thing is one big rattle with the occasional crackling noise (which developed last week) coming through. It's amazing how bad it is when I have the radio off. The intent is to go through and dynamat everything and add additional foam behind "ALL" of the plastic trim because, trust me, there is alot of plastic on the inside.

Additionally, the plastic bumpers on the front and back are a freaking joke. I guess they did that to save weight or help with the impact when this monster nails another vehicle. I can understand now why all the pictures we see of wrecked H2's from either a front or rear collision look so bad. The bumpers couldn't stop my 8 month old son.

However, all in all, I'm not going to complain. I love the thing and wouldn't drive anything else and most of my issues can be resolved with just a little money.

-HUMMERDOGG

*NO LONGER A member of the "No Hummer Krew"*

[RasterMaster]

Larry,

I had the same thoughts before I made the leap, but approaching 13K miles soon I haven't looked back. As for cargo space, if you need more room than putting down the seats will provide, there is always the roof rack!

I would suggest getting the gear to protect seats, floor carpet and paint from rock chips. Without fender flares you can kick up alot of stones, or enjoy washing muddy gravel off the roof.

Off Road - I have seen the H2 go everywhere the H1 has, and the H2 is alot smoother onroad than the H1. I wouldn't want to sit in anything else.

Check out the OkC Chapter Page!

[HappyJack]

larry

Discover America, one rock at a time! I love it.

The H2 is about having fun. It is not a practical machine for many people.



HUMMERDOGG

The bumpers are not made of plastic. They are covered with it. They are very strong where it counts.

As for the rattles, I say turn up Linkin Park as loud as you can! rock-on http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Cheers

[KMAzz]

53 miles to college and back.. do the trip twice on mondays and weds. Don't really regret much but im just tired of getting gas...not because of the pice im just sick of standing outside to pump it http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

2003 Yellow H2
2002 Chevy Avalanche
1993 Ford Probe GT(SHOW CAR)
2003 Hyundai Tiburon GT

[argonaut]

i have had it for over a year now and still haven't heard a single rattle other than loose items in the rear compartment

'03 H2 Sunset Orange No mods
'03 BMW M3 Convertible
'02 BMW M5

[WHITE BEAST]

13 months and 24k!!!!!!!!!

AND STILL LOVE IT!

2003 White Lux, Alpine Nav/DVD, 3 Screens, Cold Air, Metal Dash/Mats/Steering Wheel, All SMA Chromes, Signal Mirror, Corsa Exhaust, JBA Headers, Nology Plugs & Wires.

[HUMMERDOGG]

HappyJack-

Ok, I'll agree that the there is a metal subframe that the rear plastic bumper mounts too in the back. However, looking at the front plastic bumper, I see no metal subframe that it attaches to. In the front, the black metal lower portion of the bumper doesn't seem to extend up to the grill where the plastic front bumper would connect. Regardless, it's irrelevant, since I could care less since I love my H2 whether she has plastic or metal.

And yes, Linkin Park, Cold, Disturbed, Korn, etc.. gets played really loud.

-HUMMERDOGG

*NO LONGER A member of the "No Hummer Krew"*

[Spidey]

Larry,

I have owned mine since April. I honestly thought the novalty would have worn off by now, but this is simply not the case.I absolutely adore this magnificent beast. It is such a rush to drive, It's an event every time I take it out. I use it as my daily, it's fantastic for business advertising and outstanding off road. I'm excited about the upcoming Winter I'm going to love it. The only slight negative and I say SLIGHT is that it is heavy on gas. I however knew about that before I bought and that fact would still have no
influence if I was making the same decision today. In my opinion this MARVEL is
AS GOOD AS IT GETS !!!!!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[PARAGON]

I truly hate semantics but utility and utilitarian are not necessarily regarded as the same thing and I don't think anyone intended or expected the H2 to be utilitarian.

The utility in SUV is a reference to the vehicles' overall usefullness, which I believe the H2 has. The H2 is very usefull and provides this in a relatively comfortable package that is also appealing to the eye (most eye's anyway).

Others have brought up the fact that the H2 is not very utilitarian. I have to agree with that and am very happy that it is not utilitarian. Utilitarian is usually indifferent to things other than it's intended purpose with no regard to it's looks or comfortability. The Humvee is a utilitarian vehicle because it provides a useful purpose without regards to comfort and convenience. Utilitarian refers to something being bare-bones, plain and serving it's intended purpose without any additional considerations. Other examples would be trucks designed strictly for rock crawling, stock cars, drag cars, etc.

I also own a Yukon XL Denali and it is very useful but again it's utility with the creature comforts. It rides extremely well, can pull a larger trailer, has more luggage room, can carry more passengers, etc, but it can't do all of this off-road like the H2 can. I feel like I have a great setup because along with my farm trucks I just about have all of the bases covered for anything I want to do.

[DocH2]

I've had my H2 as a daily driver for 11 months. My commute is short (1.5 miles) but I do drive it for many other activities of business and have put on 10k miles.

I still love the vehicle. It is one of the most comfortable vehicles to drive. I've had Lexus products, Toyota and Volvo recently. H2 is the best.

Granted, mpg won't be terrific but mass is good in auto crashes. Having done some accident reconstruction and more than a few auto injury treatments (chiropractic neurologist), I like the thought of a larger vehicle (crumple zones aside).

Also, don't forget the write off for commercial weight vehicles if you have your own business.

My two cents

[89vette]

I have had mine since August and I still love it. I never tought I'd lose interest in my Corvette that I usually do motor work on every year to make it go faster, but since I bought the H2 I never drive the Vette. The H2 is just awesome. I drive 8 miles to work and if I drove 70 like you do, I would have not bought the H2. I too do not like the build quality and lack of space to store things. However I think everything is junk today so I have learned not to expect much. I will say that with under 3K on the clock, I only had one squeak that was fixed (with help from a fellow forum member) and I have a clunk issue that I need to get looked at. I also do not have a problem with the plastic bumpers. I do have a problem with there not being anyplace to store loose change. Funny thing is if I had a place to store it, I probably would not use it. It's just the point.

03 Sunset H2!
89 Vette
02 Escalade

[PARAGON]

I've had mine for 14 months and the build quality is no less than the other GM vehicles I own and I wouldn't classify that as great. While I don't drive to an office everyday for work (I do most of my work from my house, phone and computer), whenever my wife, 2 year-old daughter and 9 month-old German Shepherd go anywhere, it's a given that we are taking the H2.

Phil, you hit the nail on the head. Utilitarian is about being practical and there really isn't anything practical about an H2. As a daily driver, it gets the same mileage as a 3/4 GMC with the 6.0L and there are many of those around. I have a larger vehicle when needed so for me the H2 serves its purpose and does it well.

[h2h8r]

larry.....wake up and go buy a german suv like the g500. u will never have a complaint and the quality is the best bar none.

[HUMMERDOGG]

The G500 is a piece of ****. I had one before I bought my H2. If you want a true German car, spend the money and buy the MB CL 600. I wish I still had mine. But the new kid required me to trade it in for a S600. Baby seat just wouldn't fit in the back of the CL. Oh well...

*NO LONGER A member of the "No Hummer Krew"*

[Centerfire]

I got my H2 apprx 6 months ago only has 7K. I drive it every 2 or three days.. People ask me all the time how I like my H2.. I tell thim I like my 99 Custom suburban more.. However I love my H2..( It is like trying to say which granddaughter you like the best.. I love them equally.however I just may like one a little more at any given time. .. LIke when one says Grandpa you sure have pretty toys!)..

Then I tell them if you want the Coolest SUV out their get the H2.. if you want practical grocery getter.. look to some other SUV.

Mike