I admit straight out that the most serious off-roading I did with the H2 was when I turned too wide for my driveway and put half a tire on my lawn. But having said that, I CAN attest to the fact that this is one heck of an on-road cruiser.

I took the H2 on a weekend vacation, not so much as to test the vehicle as to strike fear in the hearts of those around me. It worked. Even the most seasoned SUV and pickup truck drivers yielded to the oncoming Hummer. And subcompact car drivers did everything but throw rose petals out their sunroof to signal that they would move aside at my whim.

Big, plush, quiet and comfortable, the H2 could pass anything except a gas station as it logged under 11 mpg for the sum of my highway driving. I babied it, coasted when possible, but to no avail. This thing could fall off a cliff and it would still suck up a gallon of gas for every 11 miles it fell.

But the upside of that is acceleration that is nothing short of spine tingling in a vehicle this size. The 6.0L GM Vortec V-8 launches the truck like a catapult. And when you punch it to pass, it growls and then it's gone.

If the H2 has to apologize for anything it's utility. The spare tire takes up most of the cargo area and the folding third row half-seat is uesless.

But it's a head-turner; no doubt about it.

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COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group