The Hummer H2 was big and used lots of fuel, and was overall a wasteful vehicle, exactly what many Americans wanted in the 2000s. What was it about the H2 that made it better than the H1?

For all intents and purposes, the H2 was a watered down version of the H1. The H1 was a military-grade vehicle that had its place serving the military. Watching the news and seeing the H1 in action had an impact on the civilian population, not too dissimilar a situation from the history of the Jeep and how people outside of the military wanted it. People wanted to feel secure on the road. For those that purchased the Hummer H2, they were not concerned about the cost of gas to power the vehicle.

To others, at the time, the ownership of a H2 was considered a status symbol and a thing of power. Dennis Rodman for example, at one time, was the owner of a customized H2. Fortunately, the H2 was approximately half the cost of the H1, so although still quite expensive, it was something that many Americans could afford. Although there was an effort to go green, there were those that wanted to rebel. What better way to rebel than to buy an expensive, gas guzzling giant?

So here's what the H2 Hummer did right compared to the H1.

Brief Hummer History

2007 custom H2 Hummer with spare tire on top

The Hummer was created for civilian use, based upon the military vehicle known as the Humvee. In 1992 the Hummer H1 became available to the public. It was produced until 2006, meanwhile production of the H2 started in 2002. The H2 was somewhat of a lighter, more refined vehicle, yet it could still handle the roughest of terrain. In 2005 the H3 came around. The H3 was not in even in the same ballpark as the H2, as it was even smaller and less powerful. Due to economic reasons, production of the H2 ended in 2009 while production of the H3 stopped in 2010.

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The H2 Model Outsold The H1

Metallic H2 Hummer driving near beach

For many, the purchasing of a H1 was just not feasible, as a new H1 cost around 100k. Fortunately for consumers, the H2 price was more reasonable, in the 50k range. This huge disparity in the purchase price lead to increased sales of the H2 in comparison to the H1. Another positive feature of the H2 Hummer is its resale value. It is reported that the H2 retained over 70% of its retail value after four years, which is quite remarkable.

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What The H2 Is Better At Than The H1

2003 Hummer H2 red four door with roof rack

After the attacks on 9/11/2001, Americans were in a state of unrest and felt vulnerable. The H2, due to its affordability (in comparison to the H1) was more accessible to the masses. Ultimately, the H2 provided a sense of security to a civilian population that the H1 could not provide. It was tough, rugged and could be driven anywhere, road or not.

Will The Hummer Make A Come Back?

In 2022 it is reported that there will be an electric Hummer made available for purchase. There are no officially released pictures of this vehicle, but initially, it will be considered a pickup truck. The new Hummer will have 3 engine options, with the horsepower topping out at 1000. So who knows, perhaps eventually there will be another Hummer that will outdo both the H1 and the H2.

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