FWD Earlier wagon?

So I just headed east (like the band) to NJ from Oregon, and I now need a daily driver....however, my love of big vehicles makes it difficult for me to accept the normal boring, ugly, crap that everyone else settles for. This has made me realize I need a wagon that can handle snow. So far everyone I have talked to tell me it needs to be FWD otherwise I must have studs during the winter....I still want a lower price wagon but what do you guys suggest I try to track down? Are there any previous to 1990 that are FWD other than the AWD eagles?
thx
-Anne

 

The Toronado monsters are FWD.

 

Funny. Something tells me this wasn't exactly what he has in mind......

Subaru Legacy / Outback; Volkswagen Passat; Ford Taurus; Mercury Sable; Nissan Maxima ('85 up);GM intermediates, '84 and up (Chevy Celebrity, Pontiac 6000, Buick Century, Olds Ciera) If you want to get SERIOUS with dealing with the snow, the Eagle wouldn't be a half-bad idea. You could also go with a 4WD Cherokee.

 

Wait. You're in Kansas. Everyone you talk to knows hardly anything about driving apparently. I used to live in Kansas City, and moved up to MN, now going to school in Fargo, ND. My '73 Buick Estate is my daily, and I ran it on mismatched street tires most of the winter. This is a Fargo winter, mind you. You'll be fine with RWD in a heavy old boat - I prefer my heavy boat handling to my parents Cavalier, Nissan 2wd pickup, and Sienna van anytime. Infact, the 'ol wagon was saved them from various situations 3 times so far. Don't be afraid of RWD - take it out in a slick parking lot and tame the beast.

In response to Kadillak, IMHO, parts and repairs on pre-'90 imports are unjustifiably high in price. Back in the '70s, GM was still building solid, reliable products.

 

------------------------------------------------------------
-- The post says he's headed east to New Jersey
-- The post says he's looking for a "lower price wagon"
-- GM wagons in the 70's were ALL RWD
-- The cars I mentioned were not necessarily recommendations - I was just detailing which cars in his price range were front (or all) wheel drive.

 

I've lived in Wisconsin all my life, I've driven all rear-wheel drives (1960 Bel-Air, 2003 Crown Vic, 1958 Delray, and the 87 Caprice Estate) all of them made it through the snow. Heck, the vic went through one of the worst winters in Wisconsin History. My RWD 87 Chevy Wagon, has by far faired best in the snow, and is a beast. It has faired better than most of my friends cars, most of which are currently in the shop for going into ditches or other winter-related problems.

 

Well, I understand that most of you would recommend a 70's RWD anyway, but if we are all really honoust, you can't say they are as good or even better, then modern FWD or all AWD in these conditions. We are all of the opinion that we are superior drivers, but I think it is proven by now, that normal drivers in these conditions really benefit from modern technology like ABS and traction control. Not to talk about electronic controlled 4WD or snow mode for automatics. And the law of physics don't leave much choose then to conclude that a heavy car on icy roads, really needs more braking distance then a lighter car.
I know I will be accused of saying this, just because I have Subaru. But don't get me wrong, as soon as my financial situation allows, I will buy a classic wagon again, even for the winter! It just takes some different driving style, as they are less forgiving.
Just my

 

Kiddie-proof cars...

I've had two FWD cars. A Mini-Minor Cooper S, and a VW Golf Cabriolet. Fun cars, but too light in the rear end. You could do a 360 degree turn on a Canadian Loonie, if you wanted, but they'd let you down on a tricky turn, with the rearend trying to get in front. I'd guess that a FWD car that is balanced 'front-to-rear' in weight ratio probably handles much better.

 

IIRC my dad's mid 80s Plymouth Reliant/K-car/Aries wagon had a 4cyl front wheel drive.
It was a pretty good vehicle, except that they've all rusted out by now.

 

I have had 25 cars since I was 15, everything from a 1975 Lincoln Mark 4, 1978 Toyota Corolla wagon and to my 2004 Mustang.....all have been RWD and ALL have done very well in the snow here in Chicago. The snow here is wet and thick.

The only time I got stuck, was in my Mustang. I got too playful and got her stuck. When it comes down to it, its really in all how you drive. Just like a woman, push the right buttons, your life is golden, push the wrong ones, well...it can be hell.

For my work now, I drive a 2004 Lincoln Town Car 12 pass, shes been fine in the snow, then again, she prob has the weight of three Honda Civics.....and the Town Car is just fine in snow/ice/sleet. I get the comment all the time from passangers "it must be bad in snow, since its RWD"......crazy urban myths.

Jonny

 

I need this for my wagon!

 

yeah that sticker is just super....I think I will be searching for a wagon regardless..... I have always heard the heavier the vehicle the better in snow FWD or RWD so I guess I can have my cake and eat it too!

 

Yeah but could you ever spin that wheel!

 

Another vote for the GM A-bodies. They made Century and Ciera wagons through 1996. Celebrity through 1990, 6000 through 1991 or possibly 1992. Lots of bits interchange. 2.2, 2.5, 2.8. 3.1, 3.3, 3.8 engines are easy to work on and are reliable and efficient. Tell me, do you know of any other vehicle other than a 4-cylinder A-body wagon, that can hold 8 passengers in actual seat belts and get 23-25mpg in town and 30-32mpg on the highway?

My Dad had a 1986 Celebrity 3-seat wagon with the 2.5 engine and every spring break trip we took from Indiana to Florida and back logged somewhere between 30 and 34mpg average for the trip. Even WITH all the ongoing I-75 construction delays.

My last good A-body was a 1995 Century sedan with the 2.2 engine. EPA estimates were 25 city 32 highway. Now rated less because of the new testing process. The car never got less than 25mpg in town and I had no trouble getting 30-33mpg highway. That car had 224K when I got it and 270K when I traded it for an Aerostar (yeah, that was FAIL, big time). Were it a wagon it should have done just as well.