In article <l1b_b.13285$lQ2.1643@okepread02>, Tacy
<tacyhunter@dontspamthesofthome.net> wrote:

> I live in Elliot Lake, Ontario (Canada) where there is snow on the
> ground upwards of fourth months a year. I am looking to buy an
> economical car to take me to a college about 16 kilmetres from my home.
> My personal budget allows only upwards of $10,000 Canadian (about $7,500
> American currently), so a relatively new Honda seems to be a good choice
> considering what I've heard and read of Honda's reliability.
>
> However, my family cars have always been four wheel drive or all
> wheel drive. I am not very familiar with these systems, but the general
> idea I have gathered is that they are ideally suited for the winter
> weather conditions here since they are less likely to slip or lose control.
>
> It was recommended to me that I purchase a Civic or Accord as they
> are small, fuel-efficient, and reliable cars for students. I don't know
> how they will handle in the snow, slush, and ice I expect to be driving
> in because they are front wheel drive.
>
> Does anyone have any first-hand experience or a technical explanation
> of how driving a Honda will be different from a four or all wheel drive
> vehicle during the winter?
>
> - Tacy

Tacy,
Don't believe everything you hear or read. I believe that a 4 wheel drive
vehicle such as a Honda CV-V or Pilot will run better on snow or ice
covered roads than a vehicle that has two wheel drive. Of course, I also
agree that special tires like the other posters recommended will also help
regardless of whether you have two wheel or four wheel drive. Chains also
help.