General Reliability/what to look for

[alchemist]

I guess the question is do i need that(V8/awd) or is the SOHC V6 a better choice?


I guess i need to ask when would I need to have 4-lo that the V6 offers.

 

[Alec]

If I were you I'd get the V8 with AWD.

 

[TPLYNCH]

For the driving you'll be doing, I'd go with the V8 too.

 

[97BlackX5.0]

i have the v8 awd option and can attest to its ability in the snow... i live in the upper peninula of michigan and we regularly see over 300 inches of snow in a winter.... of a particular time i can recall good performance in the snow.... was end of last march... we had a hell of a storm and from saturday at noon to sunday at noon we got about 3.5 feet ... yes feet.... other than getting the explorer moving.... ground clearance problem mostly and keeping the grille unplugged it performed better in the snow than any other vehicle i have ever driven.... given the fact that i drive 28 miles one way to school and will generally do it in 10+ inches sometimes i really like the awd system..... now in sand and deep muck.... thats another problem.... i agree with the other guys that low range is a must..... you bury the wheels down to the lugs and there is little that the v8 can do to get you spinning enough to dig forward.....