question about AWD

[peterock]

hi, i think i am ready to pull the trigger on a new vibe, but i have a question:how does the vibe do in snow?i live in northern indiana (fort wayne), and we can get a fair amount of the white stuff.in the past i've had a pontiac montana van without AWD, and it did excellent in snow. as a counterpoint, i am currently driving a aztek, also whithout AWD, and it,s traction on snow ain't to good.if the vibe does as well as the montana van, i could use the savings on not buying AWD and roll that into alloy wheels or "moon & toons"thanks in advance for any feedback.peterock

[Triton]

Well, I live in central Michigan and I have a GT. I really didn't have too many problems in the snow. The traction you get in the snow can do a lot with the type of tires you have too. The Continentals that come on some of the Vibes really stink from what I hear. The Good Years I have aren't too bad though. You will get some responses from AWD owners soon. Definately let everyone know what you decide to get.

[NovaResource]

I have a base FWD Vibe and it did fine in the above average snow we got last winter here in southeastern PA. Some people have complained about the tires but the Good Year Eagle RSA's were fine for me.

[Chris]

Hmm, I think I can comment on this one with some authority, living in Calgary, Canada!I've no probs what so ever with the vibe. FWD is totally stable in the winter. 'Round here it ices up quite a bit so this winter I'm springing for some steel wheels and serious snow tires mainly as I do a lot of back-country skiing and take the li'll vibe through the Rockies in the heart of winter. Don't worry about the car's ability to handle the weather!You'll have to decide if you need full on snowies or if you can simply get more 'agressive' all seasons as the Conti's suck (Nova's happy with the GoodYears... remember tires make ALL the difference)No need to get an AWD... unless you want one. Don't freek awd guys!!! I only say this as some people really want a manual tranny and have probs deciding on the car's ability vs. 5 spd fun!

[NovaResource]

quote:remember tires make ALL the differenceI couldn't agree more. While a good set of all-season tires are fine for mild winters, a FWD Vibe with 4 snow tires would do better in the snow than an AWD with 4 all-season tires. If you really want a 5-speed or a GT or other options, I'd save the money of the AWD package and spend some of it on a quality set of snow tires and steel wheels from a place like Discount Tires (http://www.tires.com) or The Tire Rack (http://www.tirerack.com). Just change them in the winter and you'll be fine.

[joatmon]

Welcome to genvibe, I haven't had as much experience driving my base (non-AWD) vibe in snow/ice as other folks, but when I did it seemed to handle it great. I got my Vibe stuck once in my gravel driveway, but it was in some deep slushy snow that I should have shovelled first . I don't usually get much snow but did last year. If next winter is like the last one, I'll get some snow tires. I don't know if anyone here has had opportunity to drive both AWD and non-AWD in snow, but it would be interesting to hear the difference.You'll look a lot cooler driving a Vibe insted of an Aztek.

[red]

i drive a frosty 2tone awd and i can walk away from just about everyone when it is icy/sleet with the conti's i have on....we had a bad year for snow up here e.g. none, so i dont know what she would do in deep snow (5" +)...since our winter is almost forever up here and our weather can change in a couple of hours due to all of our mountain ranges, many fairbanksans get awd for the confidence in handling our chnaging weather conditions...i agree on the tires making the car though..i had a old chevy cavalier v-6 z24 with 4 agressive studded tires that would put most 4wheelers to shame, lol!! get the abs whatever you decide to do...that saved my (removed) on numerous occasions...sometimes its the driver too...see alot of 4wheel drivers in the ditch 'cause they get too confident in their vehicles! also remeber that clearance of a vehicle can play apart in how you do also...all the awd systems in the world isnt going to help much if you are dragging the ground

[pmh013]

I have an AWD, and bought it because winter in the Canadian Prairies is harsh.On unploughed city streets (4" of snow or more), I had no trouble navigating, even with my Conti's.However, I drive mostly on the highway, and wanted that peace of mind for when the highway crew decides that they aren't going out until the storm clears (which could be days!).Also, I bought the Vibe because of the ground clearance -- only 0.7" less than my previous SUV (Ford Explorer).

[drunkenmaxx]

one fun factor about the awd: the legend of the awd doughnut! i wouldn't try it without snow, but when you can, it's a very neat maneuver! i did it last year in an unplowed parking lot

[peterock]

genvibers,thanks a ton for all the most excellent info. based upon your responses, i am going later today to purchase a black front wheel drive vibe with moon & toons, abs, and the power package.i plan to mod later with alloy rims and tint on the passener and rear windows. the dealer, courtesy motors in decatur, has already put the "sold" sign on it!i wanted a vibe. this site has reassured me that i'm making the right move - thanks for the confidence booster.peterock

[Triton]

Great! Glad to have you aboard!