Opinions on ABS and 4x4

I am getting ready to take the leap but I am still wavering on these two items: ABS and 4x4. Anyone had the chance to try out their 4x4? How did it do? And ABS, how much will that decrease my stopping distance, any ideas?<br><br>Thanks for your advice,<br>Arn

I was lucky enough to be able to work at home during the awful days of winter this year so I did not try out the 'button' for 4x4 ....but I did utilize the ABS feature (an unfortunate experience)and because I was able to steer the car, I was able to avoid an otherwise disaster situation...if I only use the ABS for that one instance, it was worth it...I am in one piece and so is my zoom zoom.......

My two cents.<br><br>One of my main reasons for buying a Trib is to replace my old Cherokee. It was my first 4WD and I loved it and I just have to have another so 4WD is important to me.<br><br>As far as the ABS goes, when you consider that it's bundled with front side airbags, at $495 it's just to good a deal to pass up. Even if it only makes the vehicle just a little bit safer, to me it's worth it. I would hate to not spend the extra $495 only to end up someday regretting it.<br><br>Brian

ABS is a must for me primarily for safety reasons as mentioned by the other members. It also translates into a discount for auto insurance. This winter, I was able to use the ABS in more than a couple of instances when I needed to stop abruptly; the 4WD helped me get out of snowed in parking lots and my driveway. Sorry, I don't have the comparative technical data re: stopping distances though ...

We've had a couple of light (2") but icy snows since I bought my Trib at the beginning of February. Not extremely difficult tests, but the 4WD worked great in those conditions -- everyone in the family commented on how surefooted the Trib was. <br><br>See post #5009 for a better story of the Trib in some adverse conditions.<br><br>ABS is a great safety feature -- go for it if you can. However, my understanding is that its primary benefit is not shorter stopping distances, but rather to maintain steering control under braking situations in which the front wheels of a non-ABS car would lock up (basically, it electronically "pumps" the brakes faster than you would ever be able to). The Mazda ABS system is packaged with and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution System which DOES claim to reduce stopping distances. I'm not familiar with the details of that -- maybe someone else can comment.

The 4x4 is a must in New England. I was able to make it through 20+ inches of snow during one on this winters blizzards. My wifes Outback had to be parked at teh bottom of the driveway b/c of the lack of ground clearance.

4x4 and 2x4 seem to do well in mild off road and foul weather...BUT 4wd will give the extra pull you may need to get started in slick conditions....however I wouldn't do "muddin" in the Trib.....going in water above the rear axle can cause you to have the rear diff. fluid changed...<br><br>ABS Love it or hate it...it is not for stopping "decrease" rather controlled stop in panic situation. I NEVER have to worry about stopping distance whether or not I had ABS unless it is a "panic" stop...aka hard stomp stop...then you'll note ABS will kick in vs. no ABS will tend to skid or you must pump and maneuver a tad bit more..<br><br>bob

I have a DX-V6(no ABS) and I do impressed by the braking ability of this car.<br><br>But let me share the experience I had this morning. We had shower this morning. I know I do not have ABS on my car, so I wonder how will it goes on wet pavement.<br><br>It's really bad feeling while I understand I can not stop it in a short distance. Actully I did not push the break pedal very hard. But I front wheel start waving. After the car under control, I take a deep breath. That was so close!!<br><br>You might think I'm bored and it's normal when make a emergincy stop under rainning.<br><br>But I want to tell you my feeling after this "testing",--<br>1. The Widerness HT tire is very bad. It's OK on dry pavement, but be carefully when in other conditions.<br>2. The break system on tribute is excellent. It's easy to control the stop precisely. It's better you have ABS on the car. Or if don't have it, keep telling yourself "don't push the pedal too hard" during emergincy stop while panic.

I've decided to go for a FWD rather than a 4x4 because:<br>1. It's less expensive<br>2. It cost's less to insure according to my Allstate agent<br>3. 4x4's have greater number of mechanical breakdowns<br>4. I live in NC and it rarely snows here<br>5. I don't go off-roading<br>6. 4x4's often have less load/towing capacities because of the weight of the 4x4 hardware<br><br>I think ABS reduces your chances of getting into a collision and anything that does that is a good idea in my book.

Thanks for all the opinions. I live in NC too, and I figured I might use 4x4 once a year if we get a big snow or go to the beach.<br><br>I will probably pass on it and get the ABS though.<br><br>Thanks all

How is you have Firestone on a DX model, they come with Goodyear tires. As I remember my late lamented DX V6 automatic, no abs, did fine in wet weather, a light snow cover was it's downfall.