I bought my SX4 at the end of '06 and it has been very reliable and has never let me down. The awd system is very capable in snow and light offroad (any doubts search Youtube "sx4 offroad"). I have never got stuck in snow with this car. The roof racks are great for carrying bike, kayaks, snowboards...etc.The fuel consumption is good but it only has a 45L fuel tank. I even use mine to pull small boats and utility trailers and it handles it with ease.