HUMMING A SMOOTHER TUNE; H2 can coexist even with Porsches.(Auto File)

You have to be a true Hummer fanatic to appreciate these unique vehicles. But it's easier to be a Hummer fan since the arrival of the H2, which is built on GM's full-size truck platform. The H2 is much more civilian-like compared to its older, H1 sibling soldier.

Sporty-like, however, the H2 isn't. Yet to our surprise a few H2 owners who contacted us were also Porsche car owners. These Porschephiles liked the H2, despite, or perhaps because of, their two vehicles' contradictory driving experiences.

A big attraction of the H2 driving experience, according to owners and staffers, is feeling unconquerable on the road. They also noted its grunt-work ability, including towing one reader's race car, and off-roading, which AW's hunter/outdoorsman did extensively. He was impressed enough to say H2 matches up in the rough with much-higher-priced Range Rovers. Furthermore, the H2 provides fun, and not just because you always get noticed. For cheap thrills, one staffer blasted through empty, flooded streets near his home. Twice. That same staffer observed, "It's hard to drive this thing and not feel like the big bully on the block. I'm sure that's part of the H2's appeal.''

Another staffer asserted "GM has done a great job in keeping the personality of the original, from the giant tow hooks to the huge tires to the almost upright windshield (which only looks flat; it's slightly curved). And inside, the flavor is serious off-roader too, with the ability to lock differentials and engage a real low range, and all the purposeful vents and grab handles.''

Your second impression of the H2 (your first impression being the exterior's size and rugged looks) comes as you climb high into the driver's seat, where a rather industrial-looking dashboard and interior greet you. That's not to say it's uncom- fortable. The seats are fine and the controls are big and chunky and easy to find (except the radio controls, which are too small). Among the efforts to make the inside look more Rambo-rugged are the ...