Maybe it's just me, but I found my 03 HCH did pretty well in snow, even with all weathers on. Wasn't a lot of snow, but enough to be dangerous. COmpared to my 4WD Toyota p/u, I'm probably more comfortable in the 03 HCH, if only becasue it doesn't seem to fishtail as much. Of couse that opinion may change when I end up in a ditch and can't just lock my hubs to back out.

 

I've been hoping for an AWD hybrid subaru for years myself. I agree with everyone. It is definitely the tires, but I was thinking of purchasing some, but I think some emergency snow chains would be better. I also agree a manual is way easier to drive in the snow than the CVT. The other item I noted is the electric motor really gets the torque down at such a low RPM, modulating is pretty tough.

 

what the civic needs is no more lower rolling resistance tires (I'd sacraface FE for lower noise and better handling anyday) and standard traction control. The Prius II has this setup and it works great for them.

 

Reading these posts from the frozen north makes me so happy I live down here! Even the Dallas area could occasionally be a wintry nightmare.

 

just one thought from minnesota.......snow tires! it makes a difference. and i really appreciate my MT. we haven't had a lot of the stuff yet (our weather has been really strange) but so far i have felt ok in it. and trust me, i am the world's most cautious winter driver, even when i had my CRV. winter driver