Cattitude

The A4 is smokin, we had an 02 for 18 months (it went- too many toys) It was better in the snow than my 4x4 dodge diesels- up to 5 inches or so anyway. It was nice to be able to launch into traffic in the rain too without concern for buzzing them and becoming a sitting duck.

Audi's (VW too) got it nailed, subi would be my second choice. Most of the other guys are still dialing in/adding on.

Miller

Audi (get a pre-owned with a warranty and you're set)
BMW 3 Series
Mercedes C class
Volvo S60
Subaru
Volkswagen Passat
Jaguar X-Type (my mom has one and it's awesome)

If you're excluding minivans, SUVs and pickups the above are the best options. Try to buy one that is just coming off of a 36-48 month lease and you'll probably be able to buy one that is a certified pre-owned with a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Good luck.

mcollinstn

Miller has the cars pretty well covered, with the exception of some AWD Mitsubishi/Chrysler products (Eclipse, Talon, 3000GT, Stealth).

Saab I think has an AWD now.

If you lean towards minivans, don't laugh... Since 96, I've kept a Chrysler minivan in my "stable". They drive pretty good and are pretty darn comfortable. They are also available in AWD, but the FWD goes like a tank in winter conditions (especially with Blizzak tires).

robyw1

Infinity FX-45 The finest AWD SUV ever made. The most sure footed vehicle I have ever driven. (And I have driven a lot)

http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,33...A%3A%3AGBLHome

Cattitude

did you miss this part at the start of the thread??

"I will have to buy used to keep it affordable."

robyw1

sorry I was interupted before I was able to read the whole post.

Roby

mcollinstn

The durability of the CVT transmission in the Infiniti/Nissan has not yet been proven.

FX/Murano is a nice package, and I am glad Roby likes it. They are aimed, however, at the prestige class of SUVs and their sticker price shows it.