.....truly does look like the one I saw in a picture on here, then Toyota has dropped the ball in my humble opinion. They have been producing more SUV Models than anyone else - Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Highlander, 4Runner, and the Rav4. Why they chose to morf the 4Runner into something along the lines of the Lexus is beyond me. That is why they made all the different models isn't it? So Toyota purchasers would have a choice in the rig they wanted. Why oh why did they screw up the 4Runner? Hell, they pussified the Land Cruiser already as it is. And those other 3 models are nothing more than urban suburbans! If anything, they should have made the 2003 4Runner beefier looking, added the V8 as an option, and pushed it more towards what that new rig from Humvee looks like -- The H2. Now that is an awesome machine. Too bad it starts at around 50 grand.

 

Pictures can be deceiving....

Better wait to see one in a showroom, 2003 4Runner are supposed to trickle in by mid-September. Initially only the V8 will be available, the V6 will be available sometime in November.

If it appears to be a cross between the Rav4 and the Lexus I'll probably go for something else.... but what ??? The 4Runner was the only 4X4 I really liked.......

 

I think that the H2 is a "pussified" version of the real Hummer. I think it is a wussy vehicle and is made for the urban jungle, not the rugged outback like its daddy! In my opinion though! :fireman:

 

Agreed... its just a big burly suburban... save a 20k and get a yukon or suburban.

 

Surely you jest! Take a good look at that bad boy. It has macho written all over it. And lest we forget.... the newer Toyota 4Runners could also be classified as "pussified" compared to their older brothers when one looks at the 1st, 2nd, and early 3rd generation Runners. Look at all the bells and whistles, luxuries, and creature comforts on the 2001 and 2002's. I don't want to get off on a rant here, but it seems to me that GM has given its customers a choice in vehicles just as Toyota has given their followers the same.. ie: Sequoia, Highlander, Land Cruiser, 4Runner, and Rav4. It's nice to have a good debate in here once in a while. Good job fellas! Drinks are on me!

 

the H2 is to hummer, as the boxter is to porsche. it's a bottom of the line peice of ˟˟˟˟ to appeal to those who can't affod a real one. the boxter is supposed to look like a 911, but it's like 40k less. the h2 is just a street version of the hummer 6.5L Turbo. i'd never drive an H2, just the same i'd never drive a boxter. you can fight me on this all you want, but the only 50k or less hummer is a de-militarized Humvee.

ok...now you mention bells and whistles?? the H2 has heated leather seats, a bose stereo, 3rd row seats, custom carpet floor mats, first aid kit, adn that's just on the inside/ the exterior has rear air suspension, chrome appearence package. does this sound like a hummer to you?? nah!!

 

This all started when I mentioned that the 2003 Runner looking like a morf of a Rav4 and a Lexus. I said they should have at least made it to look more like the H2 instead of a Lexus. Check this site out for a comparison of the H1 versus the H2.

http://www.hummer.com/hummerjsp/h2/compare/index.jsp

By the way, I still thinks it looks tough. And I'm sure it is everything a guy would want when it comes to off roading and on roading.

 

Cool site. Every person is entitled to his or her opinion. I do not like the H2. I think it is down right ugly, but that is my opinion. You may like it, that is cool. If I had the money and had to make a choice, I would go with the H1. I think it is a better off road vehicle. I know that it has 5" more clearance and is better suited for offroad, again, my opinion. But then again, I would choose the 4Runner over it in a sec. Oh well, thanks again for the site! :fireman:

 

I just returned from a trip to western north carolina and on the way there I saw a bright yellow H2 driven by a middle aged lady. On the way home we saw a Brownish red H2 driven by a young guy. Both times we were near Winston- Salem. My wife made the right comment- A big box on wheels. And that is what it does look like when you see it up close. I bet neither will ever go off-road. I saw a report on them and even GM says the only 10% will ever go off-road. I would get an LC over the H2 anyday. Just my opinion.

 

Problem with all these full size big rigs is they won't fit on small trails like I like.

That is why Toyota's are so great on trails, they actually fit

 

Paul - that's the same thing my dad said. he didn't really like the H1, but would take on anyday over the H2.

 

i agree with Btown, the H2 is pretty ugly and luxury (if thats how you spell it) :pat: the original is much tougher.... kind of like the 2003 4runner. i wouldnt buy a hummer anyways though, id spend my 50-60 grand+ on a tacoma or tundra or runner and do all kinds of crazy stuff to it....

 

"the H2 is to hummer, as the boxter is to porsche"

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

Im gona have to agree with you about the H2. It is no comparison to the original Hummer in terms of off-roading. Also, the '03 4Runner looks Ok, but I'm not a real big fan. It does look kinda pussified. It looks to much like the Sequia. They need to just leave it alone.

 

I'ld have to agree with the statement that the H2 has been softened (aka. pussified), It's been built for the rich, who may need 4wheel when they are getting out of the parking lot in Vail.

As for the the '03 4Runner, I wasn't impressed with what I've seen from the Pic's that were posted, but I'll reserve judgement untill I have the chance to see one up close and personal.

Fred

 

I just saw a commercial last night with a blond woman driving it with a big smirk on her face and something about being on the up & up over men.
Can't remember the details, but I would not want to navigate something that big around city streets.
Corey

 

We're increasingly getting to the point where you're going to have to build a trail rig. Our true out of the box choices (in my opinion) in 2002 are:

Jeep TJ - (somewhat impracticle and dangerous Daily Driver)
Land Rover Discovery - (Too expensive and Reliability Issues)
Jeep Grand Cherokee - (Tough to lift and Reliability Issues)
Toyota Tacoma - (IFS)
Toyota 4Runner (IFS and no more locker)
Toyota Land Cruiser (IFS and too expensive)
Nissan XTerra (IFS)
Hummer (too wide, too expensive)

I think every one of those (with the exception of the TJ and Tacoma with a locker) is a stretch. The irony is that in a world full of differnent SUV models, only a very few offer any "sport."

But then again, if they were perfect, we wouldn't need an internet forum now would we?

Greg

 

Hey greg, what about this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1852750235

or if you happen to win the lottery, i'd really suggest this, its got one of the best 4wd systems out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1852637998

 

The guy in the office across from me has a G-wagen. He owns a publishing company. It's damn cool and has true 4wheel drive, but for 72k, I'd build a rock buggy and pull it with a Ford Superduty 4x4 Diesel.

As for the Rover, Cool, but if you break a u-joint your out $175 (if you can find one!).

Greg

 

I am not a fan of the big box uh, I mean H2 either. Although the Toyota MegaCruiser is pretty awesome!



But I would have to agree with Corey, smaller vehicles IMO like 4Runners and Jeeps make the best trail rigs.

And I am sure that this Jeep will give any Hummer a run for it's money on any trail for a third or less of the Hummers $100,000.00 price tag: