4wd

[Jayleav]

Do any of you 4wd owners drive, or have driven your Matrix in the snow? If so, how deep was it, and how well did it perform ? I have an '05 fwd XR, and I'm thinking about upgrading because I live in a wintery area, and would like some in put to help me decide.

Any comments will be appreciated.

[ArmyofOne]

Originally Posted by Jayleav

Do any of you 4wd owners drive, or have driven your Matrix in the snow? If so, how deep was it, and how well did it perform ? I have an '05 fwd XR, and I'm thinking about upgrading because I live in a wintery area, and would like some in put to help me decide.

Any comments will be appreciated.

I drove my wifes 4wd XR through 18 inches of powder for about 5 miles, down a gravel road (deer hunting). its fantastic in snow up to 18 inches, thatts the furthest i have had it, i was plowing snow with the top of the front bumper, had snow flying over the hood, doing about 40. you have to watch it though, if you floor it from a stop coming around a turn, you will lose the ass end if you arent careful...

make sure you get good tires, tires are a key factor. if you get an 04+, chances are it has Goodyear Eagle RS-A's, get rid of em. a FANTASTIC all around tire is the Falken Zeix ZE-512, though in the profile that is needed for the matrix XR 4WD, it is only rated to last 30-40,000 miles. these run $60 a piece. another, longer lasting, but less comfortable, slightly noisier and slightly more expensive option is the BF Goodrich Traction T/A. around $90 a piece.