AWD Reviews

[Brator]

I was just wondering if anyone has seen any reviews about how the Vibe AWD works in the snow. I've test drove the AWD and was turned away by the small motor. I really want something that can handle well in the snow. I also was looking under the hood and there is plenty of room for a bigger motor....maybe even a 6 cylinder engine would be nice to see. To spice it up even more they could have an option to switch the car to AWD all the time.

[NSimkins]

This is one link I found. I don't know if you have read it or not, but here you go:http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrive ... hevibe.htm

[Brator]

I know what you meen about the snow! I'm not looking for more power in the snow, I am just looking for that extra grip when the front tires slip. Last year I was in a bad winter accident on the highway and a semi truck ran over my car. Luckly I am ok...I am just looking for something that will be a little bit more stable and the (removed) end won't be swinging around on me (even though that is fun at times ). I do have my heart set on a vibe and I know I am getting one...I just hope they improve a few things before I get one.[Modified by Brator, 1:45 AM 6/15/2002]
[Modified by Brator, 1:46 AM 6/15/2002]

[d_m_kolb]

The way I understand how the AWD Vibe works is, isn't driving all four wheels all the time. It pulls with the front wheels until slipage occurs. Once it senses the slipage it transfers up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels. Once traction is regained all the power goes back to the front wheels again.It should be great in the snow if not driven like a carzy man but it's not a good off road vehicle. It doesn't have fulltime 4 wheel drive. Plus the ground clearance isn't great. The suspension isn't really set up for that either.

[Keely]

I'm currently waiting for an AWD model, but I've just been learning to drive standard and absolutely love it. However, my husband is concerned about safety. Being subjected to the Canadian winters, what truly makes sense here? Some say that a good driver with a manual transmission is better than any driver with an automatic in slippery and snowy conditions. Others say that AWD is definitely the way to go.Part of the problem, of course, is that I can't test drive an AWD and compare the performance against the 5 spd. base. I'm no Michael Andretti (yet) but I do enjoy driving agressively, and I've gotten used to the pump behind the '98 Ford Explorer I currently drive. Whenever I see the word "sluggish" I cringe.Help! What should I do?

[vibb]

I've driven both and noted significant differences between the 5 spd and AWD in driving feel and ride. The AWD has a much softer ride (less kick-up over bumps) probably due to the greater weight of the rear independent suspension. During moderate cornering, the AWD feels more balanced, stable. Performance of the AWD is okay until you encounter a steep grade. Then, the 5 speed enjoys a clear advantage. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving, an automatic is a plus. The AWD uses more gas than other drivetrain combinations.

[Frosty]

Keely: The 0-60 time on an AWD Matrix (same powertrain) from consumer reports was 12 seconds. Not peppy by anyone's standard, only adequate. The 5 sp base should easily be 3 seconds faster, just a tick or so behind a GT 5 speed. I have been driving in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario with FWD 5 speed cars with ABS and 4 snow tires for the last 12 winters and absolutely love the control the ABS and good tires provide. The only time I couldn't get around was one winter we had 3 feet of snow in the lane.AWD will get you moving, no question, but for most people the above setup is more than adequate and certainly more fun and economical. Hope this helps, hope you can find a 5sp with ABS faster than I can!Also we have a post going on Auto vs. Manual at http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=431&page=2 [Modified by Frosty, 9:48 AM 8/8/2002]
[Modified by Frosty, 3:51 PM 8/8/2002]