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Chris Lo said:
Sorry about off topic. But I want to see you guys comment on H2 cause' I am looking for 4WD (non-Japanese car). Anyone had experience this car?
This may be off-topic on the Sports Car Board but not on the Cayenne Board so I hope no one minds if I move it there, while at the same time adding my two cents.
First of all, while I don't think the H2 would be a good choice either, it is much more (and less) than simply a rebadged Suburban.
It does start with a Tahoe/Suburban chassis, but with about 7 inches taken out of the middle, giving it a substantially shorter wheelbase. Front and rear overhangs are also reduced so that the H2 is actually 9 inches shorter than a Tahoe. It is also wider by about 2 inches.
The tires on an H2 are genuine off-road capable B F Goodrich All-Terrain. I spent a week in Moab Utah and it was my observation that this was the tire of choice on about half the off-road vehicles there, even the highly modified ones. It was clearly the favorite all terrain tire. Hummer's version is the 315 x 70/17. This tire is over 34" tall. Compare that with the Range Rover's 30" tall 255/55 19 or the Cayenne's 29" tall 255/55 18.
The drivetrain is quite different from the standard GM package. It has a BorgWarner locking center differential and Eaton locking rear axle as standard equipment. Suspension components have all been beefed up to withstand some off-road abuse. Many skidplates have been added in critical areas, again standard.
All this adds up to a very rugged and capable off-road vehicle. The shortened wheelbase and overhangs, along with the tall tires, give it impressive approach and departure angles and generous ground clearance.
The downside to all this is that the H2 has been a bit unreliable. If GM had simply rebadged a Tahoe the H2 might have been better in this respect. If I recall correctly, the H2 had the highest number of complaints of any vehicle in the J D Power survey.
Also, is off-road capability important to you? If not, there are certainly better choices. I would agree with most of the ones mentioned above. If you are looking for an SUV, but intend to stay on the pavement, the X-5 and Cayenne are your best choices. Both are highly cabable on-road performers and offer safe and predictable handling. With the Cayenne you could also have credible off-road capability. Of all SUV's available, the Cayenne has the widest range of on-road/off-road performance.