Living in Colorado, AWD is a must but with that being said, I would have gotten a different vehicle if if AWD is outside my price range.
FWD Owners: Did you regret your decision?
I tried searching the forum to see if people on here have regretted going for fwd so I can gain some insight. I live in the Mid-Atlantic where snow season is a hit or miss and even for only 4 inches everywhere closes anyway. I don't off-road, maybe on sand at best and use off-road/winter tires for it. Plan to carry a bike rack on the back. Passport is truly a one viable car that fits my lifestyle with a blend of some decent performance.
Does the fwd wheelspin where it's not even worth to gun it from stop?
With mud or winter tires does it struggle on loose surfaces just like how you would expect a fwd with all seasons?
I'm coming from a tuned VW GTI and I used winter tires whenever I went snowboarding, it handled like a champ.
Before anyone says go for AWD. I originally wanted the EX-L AWD (I also think the AWD is pretty good), I went to one of the dealers and it turns out that the numbers were not remotely close to my liking. The other dealer I'm going to go tomorrow only offer lease deals to 2 EX-L's, but they're FWD. I only intend to lease it since I don't drive as much as I used to (ie. no commute and travel for work).
Does the fwd wheelspin where it's not even worth to gun it from stop?
With mud or winter tires does it struggle on loose surfaces just like how you would expect a fwd with all seasons?
I'm coming from a tuned VW GTI and I used winter tires whenever I went snowboarding, it handled like a champ.
Before anyone says go for AWD. I originally wanted the EX-L AWD (I also think the AWD is pretty good), I went to one of the dealers and it turns out that the numbers were not remotely close to my liking. The other dealer I'm going to go tomorrow only offer lease deals to 2 EX-L's, but they're FWD. I only intend to lease it since I don't drive as much as I used to (ie. no commute and travel for work).
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AWD vehicles weight 4 - 600 pounds more and get less MPG.
The only reason for my having bought the Passport is its AWD system.
My 2nd choice was another MDX Sh-AWD.
You're not supposed to drive a Crawler on the highway, so it doesn't count.
If you bought a Part Time 4 wheel drive truck, you would have the best off road/foul weather vehicle.
Next would be the Acura Sh-AWD and the Honda I-vtm4 systems.
Finally, the Subaru AWD.
The worst are the systems that can not send enough power to each wheel and usually only deliver bursts of movement to a second wheel.
The Acura and Honda will transfer 70% of their HP to the rear and also split that 70% between each rear tire. The Acura focuses on high speed turning thru curves and the Honda doesn't.
The Subaru will always distribute 25% to each wheel. This works real good, if the angle isn't too steep.
The rest have one main drive wheel and have a secondary wheel that can spin. The 2nd wheel will only spin in quarter turns, for a few seconds. Just enough to dislodge you, when you're barely stuck. This system is usually called Intelligent AWD (or a name that makes you believe you buying something that you are not) and is slightly better than mere FWD.
The only reason for my having bought the Passport is its AWD system.
My 2nd choice was another MDX Sh-AWD.
You're not supposed to drive a Crawler on the highway, so it doesn't count.
If you bought a Part Time 4 wheel drive truck, you would have the best off road/foul weather vehicle.
Next would be the Acura Sh-AWD and the Honda I-vtm4 systems.
Finally, the Subaru AWD.
The worst are the systems that can not send enough power to each wheel and usually only deliver bursts of movement to a second wheel.
The Acura and Honda will transfer 70% of their HP to the rear and also split that 70% between each rear tire. The Acura focuses on high speed turning thru curves and the Honda doesn't.
The Subaru will always distribute 25% to each wheel. This works real good, if the angle isn't too steep.
The rest have one main drive wheel and have a secondary wheel that can spin. The 2nd wheel will only spin in quarter turns, for a few seconds. Just enough to dislodge you, when you're barely stuck. This system is usually called Intelligent AWD (or a name that makes you believe you buying something that you are not) and is slightly better than mere FWD.
Well I live in the Northeast (upstate NY) and have had FWD Saabs from about 1968 (a 93 3 cyl. 2 stroke) and RWD pickups (up until an 04 F150 that was 4WD). In all the years averaging 35-40000 miles a year I have never been stuck in the snow. I have always installed snows on all four corners and with the trucks extra sand buckets in the back. I wanted a FWD PP but up here all the dealers only had AWD when i was looking so I ended up buying a FWD down in NC. Since then I have had to drive in some snow up here and with only the stock Conties. There is some wheel spin but the traction control does its job. If I spent more time up here in the winter I would get better tires and would not have any concerns about just having FWD. The other option is...retire then you don't have to drive when it snows lol. Good luck in your choice especially with the slim pickings out there right now for new and used cars/SUV's.
If all the stores close with 4 inches of snow, not much point going out in it unless you are a Police, Fire, Ambulance or medical personnel.
N.E.Ohio here. 'Sounds like we have similar winters. For years, I've only had FWD cars. Endeavor. Escape. Pilot. Outlander Sport. (I always used the reasoning that since I drove for years in the hills of western PA with RWD cars, then surely I could traverse the flatlands of Ohio with only FWD.) For the most part, I was right.
However, my last two cars have been AWD for this reason: Dealers order about 75% of the inventory as AWD because "that's what people buy"...
So.... you'll be fine with FWD, but your selection is limited.
However, my last two cars have been AWD for this reason: Dealers order about 75% of the inventory as AWD because "that's what people buy"...
So.... you'll be fine with FWD, but your selection is limited.
I live in So. Cal. not only do we not get any snow, we get less than 7" of rain a year..
I still opted for a Touring with AWD and love it!
It is the first AWD (or even 4WD) I have ever owned, it feels safer to drive, handling and power is great.
I do take it camping a few time a year...
I would wait until you find the right AWD...
I still opted for a Touring with AWD and love it!
It is the first AWD (or even 4WD) I have ever owned, it feels safer to drive, handling and power is great.
I do take it camping a few time a year...
I would wait until you find the right AWD...
A few years back, a rat ate some of the cabling in my engine bay that resulting in me losing AWD. I noticed it at the very first stop sign I came to due to front-wheel spin when I took off. I would never by an FWD auto.
My last 3 cars have been 4x4/AWD. Every car in my life before had been FWD. Sure some winters can be a PITA but with proper tires/driving you can usually get around ok. That being said AWD does make it easier for some of those annoying situations. Rerouting your route because the car in front of you can’t make it up the hill, now I am stuck because I have no momentum. . . . .
IMHO it’s one of those things where you won’t need it most of the time, it makes life easier when you do have it.
IMHO it’s one of those things where you won’t need it most of the time, it makes life easier when you do have it.
Coastal CA. We get a lot of rain. FWD has been just fine. I just don't like the idea of using cables in the snow.
But if I ever trade up I'll go with AWD.
But if I ever trade up I'll go with AWD.
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