Nice. Very very nice. And I understand why you are smiling. I smile every time I get in, and occasionally chuckle while driving mine.
People don’t realize the turn radius is amazingly tight, better than most soccer mom mini vans, for example. And the ride....wow.
I have most of the bells and whistles on my H2. Rolling map system, XM, all seats heated, etc etc etc. Its very hard to drive the wife’s car at this point (late model Avalon, fine care...but its like driving a go cart it seems so low to the ground in comparision).
Being able to see twenty sets of taillights ahead is also something I’ve come to rely on.
Well...that’s my friend smiling in the photo. He is our GOP club prez and I think he’s happy because he is riding shotgun in the parade. I’m on the starboard side of this “boat” wearing the patriotic shirt.
Anyways...mine is a ‘03.
No rolling map system or XM. It is the adventure/luxury package though with leather interior, air compressor and lots of other amenities. My wife insisted on having a DVD player installed too.
I also improved the HP and performance by adding a Corsa cat back exhaust system (the engine has the soft rumble of a tiger) and a cold air induction intake. It runs at about 350 HP now.
You are so right about the turn radius. The vehicle is such a pleasure to drive. I feel no guilt about it whatsoever. In fact, I have magnetic bumper stickers on the bumpers that read things like “Stop Global Whining” and “My SUV Loves Iraqi Oil” AND “My SUV Can Beat Up Your Prius”
You can find some of these snarky bumper stickers at:
http://www.cafepress.com/rightwingstuff/133383
Oh yeah...it was my wife who insisted that we purchase a H2 back in 2003. I’m glad I listened to her. My wife is so cool.