How important is AWD in areas plagued by snow?

[Ralphie]

Hence why my given advice stated that the best research is a test drive. People can't purchase what they want off of my opinion. My comfort zone on the road is much different than yours, Dean's, Mike's, and just about everyone of this forum.

In addition, the high end cars were to justify a point. I drive all realms of vehicles. If you go back and read the first part of this... whatever it is, you'll clearly see that.

To clearly state my advice again, if one gains the opportunity to drive the vehicles that are contemplating on buying, try to, within reasonable means, drive the vehicles and get a feel for them. That's the best research IMHO.

EDIT: BTW, I like Camrys and Fusions both. I love mid-sized mid priced vehicles. One always have to have middle ground. Those cars are always a good start, or a good finish depending on your perspective.

I couldn't agree more with this post-

except that a test drive, imo, goes hand in hand with a consumer report/article on the said vehicle, because there will be valuable information in there as well.

And im not saying to stop there.

Be an informed consumer, check out the IIHS.org for crash test ratings.

Also do you know the stopping distance of the cars you've puchased?

All good things to know.

Unless the dealership is going to let you lock up the brakes at 60mph, your not going to get that kind of info.

[J-specCb4]

i have a blast in my e36 in the snow

[Straight Success]

I couldn't agree more with this post-

except that a test drive, imo, goes hand in hand with a consumer report/article on the said vehicle, because there will be valuable information in there as well.

And im not saying to stop there.

Be an informed consumer, check out the IIHS.org for crash test ratings.

Also do you know the stopping distance of the cars you've puchased?

All good things to know.

Unless the dealership is going to let you lock up the brakes at 60mph, your not going to get that kind of info.

Good advice. I can second your advice as I do tons, and I means tons of reading regarding every aspect of vehicles. I read stuff from automotive magazines, to consumer reports, to this:

[gloryaccordy]

Its not that big of a deal, just get some snow tires

[DJ metadelic]

ok.

Well I've been waiting for a thread like this, to respond to.

We have had over 30" of snow. Ice, sleet, freezing rain. Then it all turns to mud. I live on a dirt road, up the side of a mountain. Most of your CB's would never make it.

Being a good driver in snow is key. Become skilled. Practice. Tap your brakes and tweak with your ebrake for a second, slide around and let the car do the steering for you. You'll have fun on our backroads on freshly packed snow or ice. AWD? You need it to get uphills in mud; end of story. Especially up here. Won't do jack shit if you don't have the ground clearance though...and you also need good tires.

I make do with the Accord alright, but have gotten hung up, spun out, slid all over the place. You will with pretty much anything. AWD is perfect for fresh powder fun, but FWD can do ok given you have good tires and momentum. I've seen 4X4's get stuck up here, during mud season there are ruts that get a foot deep or so. It's shit.

So to answer the question shortly, um well yes and no. If you want an SUV, stay away from stuff with too high of ground clearance as they're tippy. Too low, and you'll still have issues if you're going through some deep stuff. Otherwise for normal driving; FWD and GOOD tires does fine. I say Rav, CRV, or Forester for win, Dean. IF, that is the route you're going.
So,