A bit more nimble than its brawnier H1 brother, the 2006 Hummer H2, first introduced in 2003, is little changed this year. The major addition is a Special Edition package that adds a rear-view camera with a slide-out screen, 17-inch aluminum wheels, new exterior color, a dual-screen DVD system, carbon fiber interior trim and a smaller lightbar on the roof. The full-time all-wheel drive vehicle comes as a base SUV or an SUT, with a small uncovered cargo bed. The SUV seats 5 with the option of a third-row seat for one more passenger.
The H2 is meant to ride more like a full-size SUV than the military-inspired H1 and comes with a Vortec 6.0-liter, 325-hp V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission. Its interior is luxuriously outfitted in leather, and provides such conveniences as heated seats, power front seats, and front and rear audio controls. Safety is helped with the ABS brakes, traction control and dual front airbags, and the all-wheel drive comes with a locking rear differential. Low-range gearing means it performs as well off-road as on-road. Folding rear seats expand cargo capacity in both the SUV and SUT.
Drivers tend to love their 2006 Hummer H2, because if you're going to spend that much money and sacrifice any type of fuel economy, you pretty much know what you're going to get. Some rear visibility issues, limited cargo area and a disappointingly plastic interior are the few complaints, but otherwise owners love the versatility of off-roading versus the luxury comfort features, the V8 power (though some want more) and the passenger room.
