Hey all, as my title indicates, I'm a noob here on the boards but have lurked around for quite a bit. Ever since the H2 was introduced back in 2003, I have been enamored by and wanted one. Now that I have graduated college and have a steady income, I feel I can finally pursue getting into an H2. I feel my timing is off however, since the Hummer brand has been sold to a chinese company and there's news of the H2 being dead and gone by the first half of next decade. Can anyone confirm that?

I am also seeking experiences on the build quality/reliability of the H2. 66% of the cars I have owned have been Japanese ('94 Acura Legend - my first, 2001 Infiniti Qx4 - my current) and I have some pretty high standards regarding build quality and reliability. I drove a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited in between the Acura and the Infiniti, but only had it for 4 mos before my brother wrecked it and insurance totalled it.

While I didn't have any problems with the Jeep, I don't believe 4 mos is enough time to draw a solidified conclusion about it's reliability. My opinion is that on average, Japanese vehicles are superior in build quality and reliability when compared to their American counterparts. Ideally, I'd love to purchase the 2nd gen H2, but those seem a bit out of my price range currently so, for now, I am looking at an '05-'07. If I do end up purchasing an H2, I will, more than likely, invest in an extended warranty (GMAC of course) for piece of mind if nothing else.

I have never had any experience with GM products so I am seeking firsthand experience from those that would know best: H2 owners! I'd like to find out about common problems and issues, and whether getting a "good, problem free" H2 is hit or miss. To give an idea of how I would use it, most of my driving is a good mix of city and highway, especially from my home to work. I visit my family a lot; 100 or so miles each way. I also take trips whenever I can and prefer to drive; that can range anywhere from 100 miles to 1000 miles or more. I just want to make sure that I can rely on this vehicle as I have my Qx4, and that it will start and run whenever I need it to, and not strand me anywhere. Gas mileage is not a concern for me, and obviously I plan on maintaining the vehicle as any car owner would and should. Sorry for the long post, thanks in advance for everyones help!

 

I have 136,000 miles and offroad alot and haven't had any major problems. I drive my H2 3-5 hours to the offroad park and offroad all day or weekend and then drive it 3-5 hours home.

 

Don't have it anymore but had my H2 for 4 years/48,000 miles. Replaced a water pump. Never needed a brake job, never had anything else go wrong with the truck. It was the smoothest riding, quietest SUV I have ever had. Offroad capability was very good. I disagree with you on the quality. I have had quite a few Mercedes, Ferraris, Porsches, etc and I would say that the quality of the H2 was ever bit as good as those cars. I have rented quite a few Japanese cars but except for a Toyota I bought in 1982 I never found a Japanese car I liked enough to buy. 10 years ago the quality issue was valid, today I don't really think so.

 

Quote:

"My opinion is that on average, Japanese vehicles are superior in build quality and reliability when compared to their American counterparts."

I don't own an H2, so I can't DIRECTLY answer your question, but I think the comment above is a mental hangup for a lot of people. If the year was 1985, I'd agree with you wholeheartedly. In 2009, I honestly don't think you can make that satement for or against American, Japanes, or German vehicles. Quality is excellent in all three. China, India, and some other developing countries can still consistently put out lemons, but an American car can compete with anyone.

Good luck in your research!

 

You have only owned 2-3 cars in your life. Not quite enough to make such an assumption about American vs Japanese quality I don't think.