Hummer H2

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{{Infobox Automobile |image=Image:Hummer H2.jpg |name=Hummer H2 |manufacturer=AM General |marketer=General Motors |production=2003–present |class=Full-size SUV |body_style=4-door SUV |platform=FR/AWD GMT800
FR |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 is the second vehicle sold under the Hummer marque of General Motors. It is a large SUV (though smaller than the Hummer H1) with room for five passengers and substantial off-road ability. The rearmost part of the H2 SUV was modified to a pickup truck bed for the 2004 H2 SUT ("Sport Utility Truck").

1 Overview
2 Capabilities
3 Application
4 Fuel economy
5 Pricing
6 Tax benefits
7 External links

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Overview

Image:Hummer H2 SUT rear.jpg 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 8000 pound gross vehicle weight.

H2 sales were initially strong, but fell to 28,898 for 2004 and 23,213 for 2005.

The H2 was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003.

Engine:

2003–2005 6000 6.0 L (366 in³) V8

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Capabilities

With its high ground clearance, large tires, protective underbody plates, and low gearing, the H2 is capable of climbing over a 20-inch-high (0.4 m) step-up wall (without the sill steps shown in the pictured example). A massive truck frame and wide track 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 specialized vehicle class.

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Application

The H2 is marketed as both a general purpose vehicle and as an off-road vehicle. Despite many people's misgivings about the capabilities of the H2, the vehicle is actually quite capable off road. Combined with a bountiful aftermarket accessory market, the H2 in its stock form and its modified form equal some of the best off road vehicles out in the market today.

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Fuel economy

For typical travel on improved roads, users report mileage of between 14 and 17 miles per U.S. gallon (mpg), which converts to between 14 and 17 liters per 100 kilometers. Worst case urban driving is said to be in the range of 8 to 11 U.S. mpg (21 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.

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Pricing

As of 2005, the MSRP for the base, "Adventure", and "Lux" models is listed as $53,855 , $56,385 , and $58,095 USD respectively. This does not include tax, title, options or accessories.

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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 $75,000, and it rose again to $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 $25,000.

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