Some good input in the listed responses. I am a somewhat unsatisfied 2001 V70 T5 owner because of a string of problems...none of which on their own were major....suspension issues, rattles, poor fit and finish. The big picture of the car just didn't inspire confidence so I bailed out.

The Volvo V70 is tough to beat when you have small kids. I miss some of the child friendly features and the T5 engine is truely one of the best engines ever built.

Since purchasing a BMW 5 series wagon, I am enjoying the driving experience (along with the confidence) which was missing in the V70. The V8 drinks petrol like there is a hole in the tank(16-18MPG ave.), has very little leftover room in the engine compartment, but ......hauls ass.

......but I digress, my only real point here is to echo the "stay with 2wd" sentiment, regardless of the make. Why anyone would tangle with the issues associated with awd is beyond me. Four dedicated snows (with ample tread) will get any well balanced car through snow. Traction control on most high end cars really narrows the gap between 2 & 4 wheel drive considerably. If you are like me and can justify a 4wd pickup for other uses, you are always assured a way out of the house (or a ride home) in an all out blizzard.

I think that for most folks who live on paved roads below the arctic circle, 2wd will perform nicely.

Even an AWD will perfom horribly with banana skin tires....