FYI - I am in the Boston area and have a 4WD MMH. I think a FWD would have been OK. I do go up north to ski country in the winter and did not want to be worried about going up/coming down from a snow ski trip in a snow storm - so error'd on the caution side. One thing you may want to consider is the "ride" is apparently different bwetween FWD and 4WD vehicles. I like the "stiffer" quality of 4WD and what I think may be improved cornering. By the way I am currently testing disabling 4WD (removing a fuse) to get "almost" FWD gas mileage. FWD gas mileage is better. This test is going well - but too ealry to know whether it may introduce other issues. Anyway - good luck - I think you will love the flexibility, quality and convenience of a FEH or MMH (twins). Good Luck!

 

I've found that tires make a huge difference when driving on snow covered, paved roads. I drove a Mustang Cobra around Boston for years and once it had the snow tires on it, I never had a problem. No traction control on it either (except for the driver ).

 

My oldest Son Matt Gattis (24 yrs old) is Co-founder of Hunch.com that went public today. Go to that site (HUNCH.COM) which is safe and ask your question or any question. He graduated from MIT in electrical engineering and computer science with many awards with a 4.7 GPA. He still needs to prove he can get better mileage than dear old dad in the FEH!

GaryG

 

I know I'm chiming in late, but here's my $0.02. I have a 2008 FEH and my step-brother a 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid.

For day to day use (e.g. groceries, driving to day care, and work) either vehicle is fine. I really dig the new Sync system and wish we had it on our car. The better mileage of the FFH would be appreciated.

Our FEH has running boards added to help my wife with the step up, why more people don't have these I'm not sure. For long trips, I'm glad we have the FEH. It's pretty easy to stuff the back full with a high chair, toys, food, suitcases, and the other essentials for the family.