Hummer H2 Reaches End of the Road: Will be Terminated
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 03.11.08
Last year, we reported on a rumor that GM was thinking about killing the Hummer H2 (after killing the Hummer H1 two yeas ago). It seems like that rumor is now being confirmed: HummerGuy.net has been informed by official sources that there will be no "next generation" refresh on the H2 and that within a few years - not fast enough for some of us - it will finally fade to black ("Reports have the H2’s end of production between 2011 and 2014").
If history is any indication (our post about Ford killing the 19-foot Excursion had 74 comments), we will hear from people who claim to have legitimate uses for the H2. It's possible that they do, but we're not talking about them individually; What we rejoice about is the death of a symbol for GM.
There's no doubt in our minds that the vehicle that a car company picks as its iconic product has an impact on both the company itself (how it targets advertising, what the other models are like, what ideas it will reject as not fitting with a certain image, etc) and on what customers of that company expect, since the whole point of a halo product is to put a little of its DNA in the more affordable models.
GM seems to be trying to make the Chevy Volt its new halo car. We hope they are serious about it, because it's certainly better to aim for a fun to drive, very efficient plug-in series hybrid than a military-style gas guzzler that will mostly be driven in urban centers.
Update: We've learned that the original source for this story was Jalopnik, so here's some link love. They've published a correction and apparently the end will be 2014 rather than 2011. Too bad.
::HUMMER H2 Days are Numbered, via ::Hummer H2 Eats It: To Be Gone by 2011 or 2014
I was totally happy when I heard this on Jalopnik.com yesterday. Most of the Jalops were happy too. These are car people that while they like V8's, RWD and cool cars in general see the H2 for was it is, a stupuid ego booster. Jeremy Clarkson, no friend to the environmental movement, has it on the very uncool side of his cool vehicle wall because it's for posers.
Bad news is, over on Jalopnik a follow up report was that the refresh is a go and the H2 will be around until 2014. Oh well they only sold 12K of them last year so the Prius' handly offset them.
I think it's excellent news!
As far as GM's icon car goes, one advantage that the H2 has over the Volt is that it actually exists.
"As far as GM's icon car goes, one advantage that the H2 has over the Volt is that it actually exists. "
That's the problem, isn't it? Almost anything would have been better for GM.
I'm glad. One down, a couple dozen to go.
Most cars in my area are full size trucks. A couple bling H2's cruise around, but they are dwarfed by the Toyota Tundra and Ford Super Doodie. I wish people would stop using them for trips to the coffee shop.
Da*n that H2 is jacked up in the photo. How late was that soccer mom in getting her fat kids to McDonnalds anyways?
Legitimate uses for the H2? Total BOLLUX!
The H2 is a total POS for real off-roading. Stock Landcruisers or Range Rovers, regardless of their plush accoutrements, are the most capable off the shelf, off-road vehicles available. No self-respecting 4x4 enthusiast or rock crawler would touch an H2 with a 50 foot winch cable. Nobody who actually needs to drive off pavement consistently would even allow you to utter the name "H2" (or H3 for that matter).
Only the H1 had any utility to it.
Well according to NPR; California drivers are actually using less fuel than last year.
I switched from Toyota Camry getting 25mpg to a Scion Xa getting 35mpg.
This is good that as prices go up demand is going down.
A friend of mine owns a used car lot and he has said he has been having a very very hard time in the past 2 years selling used cars that get less than 20mpg (such as SUV's, and sports cars) and that cars that get less than 15mpg are simply next to impossible to sell (ie: Hummer 1, Hummer 2)
People can come up with "legitimate reasons" for all kind of horrible things. You just gotta look past their bogus reasoning to see the true effects of their actions, what actually matters.
Hummers in general just make me mad. The only situation in which I see a hummer and don't just want to yell at the driver to buy something less heinous is when it's a military issue and is being used as such.
Ding Dong the H2 is Dead!
This silly vehicle has no redeeming value and should be scrapped before 2014. Before you know it, you'll see them parked in yards acting as storage bins and planters. Never should have been rolled out.
I'm not sure who said, but it rings true in this situation:
People can find evil in anyone, no matter how good they are.
(Vice versa works, too)
But then what are we going to do to amuse ourselves over at FUH2.com?
Why would GM cancel the Hummer if, as Bob Lutz says, global warming is a crock?
Bad choice of graphic to use.
I'd be willing to be that someone was seriously hurt in that crash and you all use it for celebrating the end of the H2.
Shame on you Treehugger.
--
ed: That has nothing to do with it. Posting photos of hurt people would be bad taste, but just crashed cars? You're projecting.
I drive an H2 SUT, only put 19k miles on it in 3 years - but I'm fairly certain thats not the norm. I try to walk and ride my bike if I can.. and because I drive a hummer, I put forth more effort. What im saying is - I sacrifice to drive the car I like. Not all Hummer owners are evil.
but i NEED my hummer. i live in rural soandso and am unable to move. i read treehugger and say i care about saving the planet, but it would be too difficult to move somewhere closer to civilization because i was in a war once and really hate people and would try to hurt people in a city. i don't belong in a nuthouse though, just my ranch. leave my hummer alone. my right to own it trumps your right to breathe. i mean, i run bio-diesel in it, yeah, and i recycle sometimes, yeah. i NEED my hummer. you don't understand because you ride a bike and live in the city.
^-^
:^)
"Why would GM cancel the Hummer if, as Bob Lutz says, global warming is a crock?"
If sales volume is no longer high enough for it to be profitable, just like the H1 every other vehicle that has ever been discontinued. Hummer have been showing some concepts of new vehicles that appear to be based on the smaller H3. I think GM intends to keep the Hummer brand around but will downsize it as market dictates.
Don't look to far into what vehicle manufacturers choose to build or discontinue. They aren't paid to make political statements, just to sell vehicles for profit. They build what they think will sell and discontinue what they think will eventually not. GM has made a lot of money from H2 sales, but as fuel prices increase, its sales volume will continue to fall, so it eventually won't be worth the continued investment to update.
Bob Lutz's views do not necessarliy represent those of GM. People in his position tend to speak their mind whether or not it is in line with corporate philosopy. He is well past retirement age and has lot of money, so he doesn't have to worry about whether he has a job tomorrow.
You folks are missing the real tragedy
All the poor damaged people that were using their Hummers as an ego booster and therapy may be forced to perhaps deal with their self esteem issues and drive something else to their psychologist.
They Chevy Volt is just vapor ware. No point in salivating over a concept car that will never see the light of day. As far as the Hummer H2 is concerned, do you honestly believe that GM is going to cancel the H2? Somehow this one doesn't pass the smell test.
They Chevy Volt is just vapor ware. No point in salivating over a concept car that will never see the light of day. As far as the Hummer H2 is concerned, do you honestly believe that GM is going to cancel the H2? Somehow this one doesn't pass the smell test.
Well I for one LOVE my H2.
As a matter of fact it's my second one.
The first was an H2 SUT.
You know why I bought one?
BECAUSE I CAN!!!!
Isn't that what America stands for.
Stop being a bunch of hypocrits.If you could afford it you would probably have one too.
"If you could afford it you would probably have one too. "
Hmmm, no.
Stop projecting.
You know why I bought one? BECAUSE I CAN!!!! Isn't that what America stands for?
Frank,
Either your comment (above) is an attempt at ironic black humor or you're depressing me! No, I sure hope this is NOT what America stands for. Seems like our founding fathers and a good number of today's Americans think the country stands for a personal freedom way deeper than shallow consumerism, hedonism and excessive wealth. Perhaps something like free thought and critical thinking? Or maybe I'm just over-reacting to my trip to the Middle East last week . . . .
But Frank, as I have pointed out, the H2 is a poor excuse for a "utility" vehicle. It has none in the traditional sense, even though its entire image is based on supposedly having it in excess. See, you've been duped. You bought it thinking that if you had to do some off roading, or go off road in an emergency, your H2 would be more than capable. It is not.
How do I know? As un TH as this might sound, I was an avid rock crawler with an old Toyota FJ-45 in my youth. I know more about off-road vehicles than anybody who visits this site. The H2 is, in fact, an absolute and total scam. It is almost beautiful in its purity. And it makes me laugh at the Darwinism in action when people purchase them.
Although, with about $30Gs in upgrades, the H2 can be made into a semi-capable off road vehicle. But a VW Golf can be made into an off road Rally car with that kind of dough too.
Horray! It's about time. I'm sick of the argument that these huge vehicles are "safer." If everyone had smaller cars stocked with safety features, we wouldn't have to worry about an H2 slamming into our Prius.
It is unfortunate that there is so much hatred for an SUV. It would be nice if we could all focus on what we, personally, can do better for the environment rather than beating people up who drive a particular vehicle.
I will go ahead and start the obvious:
1. A person commuting 5 miles to work in an H2 is pumping out less carbon than someone commuting 25 miles to work in a Prius. What you drive is just one factor of your carbon output, and labeling someone based solely on what they drive is absurd. (Your commuting distance to work is more of an indicator of your 'green' credentials than what you drive on that commute.)
2. Car and Driver has done numerous tests that show that the H2 has serious off-road credentials. That may not be a reason to make them to many of us, but if someone is buying a vehicle for off-roading, we are not saving much carbon by forcing them to buy a Jeep instead.
3. Regardless of whether we think someone should buy an H2, or whether GM should make them, what is important is we avoid passing judgment and focus on what we, individually, can do to reduce our own carbon footprint. I get frustrated hearing arguments that 'why should I do anything when Al Gore lives in that huge carbon pumping house', because what individuals do is their choice. What WE do is OUR choice, and that is what will make the difference.
Hey Frank....I can afford a Lambo but fortunately I don't have a self esteem problem and I also care for the environment. Besides, all H2's are is a suburban with a different body...overpriced crap and they're definitely not a luxury vehicle...regardless of what you think. Don't blame everyone else for your shortcomings. Get some therapy pal.
Monty, Monty, Monty,
Did you miss my posts? Car & Driver? Are you kidding? That rag is a shill for any company willing to buy big ad space. They know nothing about what vehicles have "serious off-road credentials".
Oh, wait, they were comparing it to off the shelf Jeeps or Lincoln Navigators? Uh, ok. Since none of them qualifies as anything close to a real off road capable vehicle, maybe the H2 is top of that heap. Tell you what, I'll drive across Morocco in a stock, loaded, Toyota Landcruiser. You take the H2. Let's see who has to follow the golden rule of "STAY WITH THE VEHICLE". (you probably have no idea what that is in reference to).
I swear, 'murcans are so dopey when it comes to anything automotive. You lot consider the Corvette to be a serious super car contender. You lot consider the H2 or Jeep Commander to be a serious off road contender. You lot think that 50mpg from an over-designed Prius is a serious efficient car. No wonder your society and economy is collapsing as we speak.
Hummers are a joke...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YacG9PkGtI
HAHAHA! LOL!
A YouTube is worth a thousand pictures. :D
Yep, the H2 or H3 are specifically for the infantilized deficients who, unfortunately, make up a large percentage of the chronologically adult population.
Hey kid, here's your Big Wheel. It'll cost you $45K and since you're an "adult", its also the perfect size!
So, any H2 or H3 owners still reading this thread, skulk away back into the shadows, in utter shame. :D
That picture is a perfect choice for this article, proving just how useless the hummer is. How amazing that the pick-up truck has almost the same amount of damage as the hummer (if in fact those are the only cars involved in the accident). It looks huge and imposing and impossible to dent. I guess looks aren't everything!!!
Lulu, the only difference is the person in the truck was probably hurt more since the H2 is a (gas guzzling) tank! Think about someone in a civic getting hit by that thing! Not good!
I'm happy to see them go, it's about time!!
What is "green" anyway?
Today, March 20, the ACEEE's list identifies vehicles that are "kind" to the environment. The good news is that even the meanest cars on the ACEEE's list are still very kind to Mother Nature. According to Kevin Cullen, General Motor's Technical Fellow on Environmental Initiatives, even the dirtiest vehicles on the mean list emit 98.8% fewer hydrocarbons and 95% fewer nitrogen oxides than the average car in 1967.
1) Get ride of every pre 67 car off the road worldwide.
2) Bugatti Veyron,
3) Volkswagon Toureg,
4) Mercedes 320 GL,
5) Jeep Grand Cherokee (your better four wheel drive ride know more than anyone on the board?
6) Mercedes R320 Wagon,
7) Lamborghini Murcielago,
8) Mercedes-Benz ML320 V6, Mercedes-Benz G55,
9) Hummer H2, but Clean diesel and E85 (ethanol) powered engines are coming soon. Don’t use mine for 4 wheeling but for pulling 8000l lbs,seat 7, what can can’t be matched for small size in a garage and towing capacity? Plus I only put 10K a year on the vehicle, so its all relative, then since the price of gas hit $4,00 off the dealer has a $6500 rebate or 0% financing. I put the $6500 towards Green Peace! Nice leather, best lumbar support, seat heaters for the first two rows, a back up camera, great stereo, greater warranty, largest dealer in the United States one mile from my house. In addition, that rear camera keeps me from hitting your lawn mower (which is one of the nations worst polluters in the world). Also the platform is from GM as many vehicles in the world platform share. To say its the same vehicle as a Tahoe, shows your total lack of engineering education, suspension, struts, shocks, transmission, engine, gear ratio's, wheel base, width all give you a completely different riding vehicle. A 30K Caddy CTS and a 60K CTS have the same platform (as does a Saab), all have completely different driving capacities though, that are left to the consumer to meet a need, if the need is not met, the vehicle will not sell.
10) Chevy Yukon, Suburban, but again clean diesel and E85 (which puts more fertilizer pollutants in the water and burns more energy to create will save you.
Remember all you tree huggers with electric cars, the electricity comes from burning coal, one of the worst polluters in the United States. There is no free lunch, then what are you going to do with all that lead in those batteries in landfills?
Go pick another cause, volunteer at a homeless shelter, visit a nursing home, getting on someone’s car choice is just weak.
Remember, the United States is great, lets all drive a Prius, I own Toyota stock, but there is the rest of the world (if any of you people get out of your own little world, city or state) and see vehicles with no emissions testing, and many with average age cars over 30 years, plus chemicals dumped in water, lead paint, etc that have been banned here since the seventies, you would get off some cat just driving a Hummer. They are driving cars, trucks, heavy diesel machinery and flying planes that will never ever catch up to U.S. standards of 1995 in the next 40 years.
Also remember, Cattle farts is your number one producer of CO2 emissions.
So let me spend my money where I want, and for the jerk that knows “more than anyone else on this board”, yes your four wheeling is a waste of gas, but if you enjoy it, do it, its your free time, you earned it, but when anyone proclaims they know more than anyone on a board I laugh my ass off.
Engineer, Boeing, St. Louis Missouri, been putting out fighter jets and now drones that one single unit will put out more waste than many rural states in a year, Just buy want you want, take up something you can have an effect, the U.S. is not the World.
Holy crap, Steve, you're so totally off base it scares me.
Let's first pick your ignorance out:
"the electricity comes from burning coal"
Hey dummy, ever hear of the Hoover damn? Ever hear about all 'dem wind turbines in TX? Ever heard about all 'dem solar panels in the southwest? Heck, ever hear of all 'dem nukes? I guess not.
"then what are you going to do with all that lead in those batteries in landfills?"
Hey dummy, its totally, 100%, completely recycled. That is, if you're using lead acid. Since no mass produced EVs that are in the pipeline for the US use lead acid, I guess they'll do nothing with the lead that DOES NOT EXIST.
"Also remember, Cattle farts is your number one producer of CO2 emissions. "
Hey dummy, its METHANE, not C02. Dope.
"yes your four wheeling is a waste of gas"
Hey dummy, did you not see where I typed "in my youth"? As in PAST TENSE? The main reason I no longer indulge is because I learned how destructive that particular recreation activity was. See, I LEARNED. You seem to be grasping for rationalizations to continue to own your H2 and avoid LEARNING.
As for your #9 and how it perfectly correlates to my hyperbolic statement that "I know more than anyone here about off-roading", well, you just proved that I certainly know more than you. How? Well, dopey, if you have to ask that...
Let freedom reign!
Holy crap, Steve, you're so totally off base it scares me.
Let's first pick your ignorance out:
"the electricity comes from burning coal"
Hey dummy, ever hear of the Hoover damn? Ever hear about all 'dem wind turbines in TX? Ever heard about all 'dem solar panels in the southwest? Heck, ever hear of all 'dem nukes? I guess not.
"then what are you going to do with all that lead in those batteries in landfills?"
Hey dummy, its totally, 100%, completely recycled. That is, if you're using lead acid. Since no mass produced EVs that are in the pipeline for the US use lead acid, I guess they'll do nothing with the lead that DOES NOT EXIST.
"Also remember, Cattle farts is your number one producer of CO2 emissions. "
Hey dummy, its METHANE, not C02. Dope.
"yes your four wheeling is a waste of gas"
Hey dummy, did you not see where I typed "in my youth"? As in PAST TENSE? The main reason I no longer indulge is because I learned how destructive that particular recreation activity was. See, I LEARNED. You seem to be grasping for rationalizations to continue to own your H2 and avoid LEARNING.
As for your #9 and how it perfectly correlates to my hyperbolic statement that "I know more than anyone here about off-roading", well, you just proved that I certainly know more than you. How? Well, dopey, if you have to ask that...
Let freedom reign!
ALL YOU TREEHUGGERS CAN GO F***K A TREE. WHAT I DRIVE IS MY BUSINESS AND YOU CAN ALL GO SCREW YOURSELVES AND YOUR F**KING PRIUSES. YOU F**KING PEOPLE ARE ALL BRAINWASHED. OK, YOU THINK THAT GETTING LARGER VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD WILL SOLVE ANYTHING.... THINK AGAIN RETARDS. YOU PEOPLE JUST LIKE TO BITCH AND COMPLAIN ABOUT EVERYTHING. EVEN IF EVERY VEHICLE ON THIS PLANET IS ELECTRIC, YOU WILL STILL FIND SOMETHING TO BITCH ABOUT. GO F**K YOURSELF - ALL OF YOU! AND AL GORE AND JOHN EDWARDS - BUNCH OF HIPROCRITS!
LA: we edit for swear words. A shame sometimes, really.
I don't own a H2, but I do own a h3. If I had the disposable income, I would have bought an H2 instead. I work 1 mile from where I live and put less than 10K mile a year on it. To conserve, I think maybe we need to limit the amount of miles a person can drive. Or lets ban the sale of houses larger than 2500 square feet. Just think of the electricity savings alone, not to mention the forests. Personal water crafts.... burn them all. Summer homes.. Ha! Auto racing, hmmmmn how much fuel is wasted? Ah what the heck shut it down. Come on people, get a life. I'm all for conserving vital resourse, but lets not pick on a minow when there are larger fishes out there! How many of you are living in houses larger than what you need? How much energy is used to heat and cool them? How many miles do you drive per year? If everyone would just worry about themselfs and how they conserve and not judge others, life would be a better place. How about some good role models. It's always easer to pull people then push them.