[jyl]

FWD w/ anti-lock and traction control is very good.

We have a Prius w/ thos features. Last winter, took it to Yakima WA where all roads were covered w/ glazed hard snow and many parking lots were solid ice. The pass in/out of Yakima was snow-covered as well, the grades from Yakima to surrounding towns were very icy. We had snow tires (Blizzaks).

On solid ice, I could hammer the brakes from 40 mph and stop pretty quickly in a straight line. On same ice, I could floor it from a dead stop and accelerate smoothly with total control. The tires and electronics make a big difference. Driving the pass was no issue, that was due to tires. Driving an icy, curving, grade was no problem, as I watched a 4x4 Blazer slew back and forth despite crawling at 15 mph. Didn't try violent steering maneuvers. FWD vs AWD would make no difference there.

I've driven our Range Rover in snow and ice as well, plus various RWD cars in snow.

AWD will be more helpful if you are pushing through deeper snow or climbing steeper hills. Not sure your wife's commute will involve that. AWD will not help with emergency steering, or emergency braking.

So, conclusions -

1. The most important thing she can have is snow tires. This is far more importnat that what car she drives. Real snow tires, not "all weather" tires. Blizzaks are excellent. I hear Nokians are as well. Look for soft compound, many small tread patterns, and the "snowflake in triangle symbol. Put them on an extra set of cheap steel wheels and use only in winter. Don't need studs. Lean toward a narrower tire.

2. Between FWD w/ anti-lock/traction-control and AWD w/out those aids, I would choose the former, unless you expect to be plowing through deep snow or climbing steep hils. Get better control in snow, plus better gas mileage.

3. AWD w/ anti-lock/traction control would be the best. But for most driving, not much advantage over FWD w/ same.

4. Assuming your wife is a careful, smooth driver, the biggest danger will be from other cars. Getting rear-ended, cars sliding into her lane, etc. Learn to keep a safety zone, and at lights leave enough space in front of her and keep car in gear, so can move lanes as the 1/2 pickup truck slides toward her rear end.