CR-V listmates --

As someone who bought a 2001 CR-V last spring, I'm looking forward to my
first winter. I have enjoyed the car a lot so far but now the real fun
begins. Mine is a 5-speed and is a joy to drive.

I've never had a 4WD so it should be fun -- and useful of course. They're
saying we might get our first snowfall tonight here in northern Missouri.
By this time last year, we had a foot on the ground! I'm afraid I must say
that I'm looking forward to it. Does anyone on the list want to brief me on
what to expect with the CR-V in snow? I have a decade or so worth of
front-wheel-drive experience in the snow -- is the 4WD going to be any
different?

Thanks in advance...

Tom Spencer

Yep, it'll be different.... and strange!!

You can be on snow, and put it whatever gear you want, and put 'er to
the floor!! It'll just GO!!!

Stopping isn't improved that much except for the ABS.

The only downside, if you want to call it that, is that it is not as
easy to turn around on snow with 4wd, as with FWD. With FWD, you just
put it in reverse, turn the wheel, hit the gas, and you pivot around the
rear tires. With the 4wd, it's just not as much fun - you can't do this
same maneuver!!

Also, when the wheels are going the same speed, the 4wd kicks out.

The best thing to do is to go find an empty parking lot after your first
snow fall. Play around with it. Learn how the 4wd kicks in and out by
turning hard, and giving it gas -- both in forward, and in reverse!!

Have fun!

David

I heartily agree. The Honda traction system helps keep you connected to the road, but for it to work, the driver must exercise great caution. Go slowly and carefully and the car is great in snow. But if you think that this car (or any car, for that matter) can save you when you have lost all traction, you are in for a costly and perhaps painful surprise.
 
JRC