4 Wheel Drive Vehicles

Most 4 wheel drive vehicles or 4 x 4′s are used for low-traction conditions such as off-road driving, plowing through muddy roads, or hazardous roads full of snow and ice, working on a part-time basis with the ability to be switched on or off. All Wheel Drive vehicles act full-time, working without switching, and perform on all types of surfaces on or off the road.

A few of the benefits of 4 wheel drive vehicles include keeping your wheels from slipping on dangerous, rugged roads or terrain. This helps considerably when trying to control your car on heavily muddied or snowy roads, and gives you much greater traction all around. This, plus the freedom and fun of going off road, are why people consider buying 4 wheel drive vehicles today with this trend on an upward spiral.

Below are two of the many well-known 4 wheel drive vehicles, which give superior service and performance, along with reasonable pricing.

The 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4 x4 SUV, has excellent ratings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings. Frontal crash tests rate vehicles by stars with 5 stars being the most for protection. The Jeep Wrangler has been rated 5 stars for driver and passenger protection. The trendy and hard-working Wrangler has a 3.8L V6 with 12 valves, a 6 speed manual transmission, 4WD with Tru-Lok electronic front/rear locking differentials, with 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. They also have an optional 4 speed automatic available. Other features are brake assist, traction control, and hill hold for better traction. Priced anywhere between $20,000 to $30,000 depending on optional add-ons.

The 2010 Toyota Tacoma 4 x 4 truck, is very rugged looking, with a smooth performance and is solid all around. It seats 3-5 passengers with three different cab choices. Some of the exterior standard equipment for the Toyota Tacoma include black front bumpers, 2 speed windshield wipers, a fiber re-inforced sheet-molded inner bed with steel outer panels, storage compartment, rail caps and removable tailgate. The standard interior includes LED illuminating gauges, dual 12v auxiliary power outlets, cup holders, and tilt steering wheel. Miles per gallon are 14/20 in the city with 19/26 highway. Priced between $16,000 to $28,000 depending on optional add-ons.

The majority of people today are interested in buying or have already bought a four-wheel drive SUV or truck. Even if they have other vehicles, most people have a four -wheel drive vehicle.

The critics of four- wheel drive (there aren’t many) say they are too pricey. Not everyone knows this, but you can damage the vehicle if you use your four -wheel drive at excessive speeds. Some people believe four -wheel drive gives you much less efficient gas mileage. Other critics believe there is much more maintenance required for a four-wheel drive vehicle. Others believe that unless you travel in the snow or the mud, there is absolutely no reason to buy a four- wheel drive vehicle. Environmentalists agree that these vehicles are not very “green” and not good for the environment.

Now if you ask a die-hard four- wheel drive fan, you will hear some of the following reasons to have nothing else.

You definitely need them if you travel in snow and mud. If you get stuck in the snow or mud, it is definitely much easier to get unstuck and away from your embarrassment. You won’t have to wait for a tow truck. They just seem much safer and sturdier. They look great and they are the “in” thing to have right now, in spite of the gas consumption.

So before you buy that four-wheel drive vehicle, consider the following things: First of all, safety is the most important, where you live, the weather conditions, and how “cool” you want to be, and of course, affordability.