Greetings all. I am new to this group. I am considering buying a 2008 Honda CRV when the new models come out in the fall. I bought a 2000 Toyota Echo in the fall of 1999. It is a good little car with good gas mileage,but when I bought it I was commuting to work in New York City by train, and didn't do very much driving. Now, however, I work much closer to home and have to drive to work every day. I average driving around 150 miles a week, and have to drive on one of Long Island's busiest highways. The Echo doesn't have much "pick-up" and I sort of don't feel that safe in it while driving amid all the trucks and SUVs. So, I kind of want to upgrade to a larger, sturdier and driver-friendly vehicle. I have narrowed down my choices to the Toyota Rav 4 and the Honda CRV. They both get excellent ratings all around, but I like the design of the CRV better. I will test drive one of each. My questions relate to the AWD(all wheel drive). First, for what drving conditions is it for? Off road? Icy, snowy conditions? Driving in a hilly setting? Is it crazy to get a CRV without it? I just wanted to hear some thoughts on it before I buy. Thanks in advance. Darren