Drift busters: The best snow vehicles ever

Until the 1930s, the snow on rural roads was packed, rather than plowed, to facilitate travel by horse-drawn sleigh. In 1917, Virgil White, a Ford dealer in Ossipee, N.H., received a patent for an attachment to convert a Model T into a "Snowmobile." Sold exclusively through Ford dealers beginning in 1922, the $395 kit included skis to replace the front wheels, a heavy-duty rear axle and rear-mounted tracks. Able to travel over 2½ feet of unbroken snow at 18 mph, the "Ford on snowshoes" became indispensable for speedy winter travel by doctors, mail carriers, fire departments, power companies and others.

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Inspired to develop transportation for snowbound rural Quebec after his 2-year-old son died in 1934 when the family was unable to reach a hospital, inventor Joseph-Armand Bombardier patented a sprocket wheel and track system in 1937 to drive his snow vehicles and formed l'Auto-Neige Bombardier in his home town of Valcourt, Quebec. After World War II, Bombardier introduced the 12-passenger B12 model, an immediate hit for use as public transport and by ambulance services and utility and mining companies. In 1955, the snow coaches also opened Yellowstone National Park to winter visitors, where they are still in service.

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Evolved from a 4-wheel-drive van developed for a Japanese power utility, the 4WD Station Wagon was introduced to U.S. drivers in 1975 behind the ad slogan "Climbs like a goat, works like a horse, eats like a bird." The first mass-produced 4-wheel-drive passenger car sold in America had a lever that shifted the drivetrain from front-wheel to 4-wheel drive. Because it had no center differential, this part-time 4WD system could be used only when traction was marginal and never on dry pavement. The spunky wagon was a big hit in snow country and became the official car of the U.S. Ski Team.

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In 1980 American Motors Corp. devised the first "crossover" — more than 20 years before the term became popular — when it put an all-wheel-drive system from its Jeep division under the body of its midsize Concord model. The result was a vehicle that combined all-weather traction previously available only in a truck with the style and comfort of a standard car. A center differential with a limited-slip viscous coupling made it possible to drive the Eagle in AWD on dry pavement. The Eagle station wagon was the most popular of several body styles and was the last to go out of production in late 1987.

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Conceived as a powerful sports car with the benefits of all-wheel drive, the Audi quattro was unveiled as a concept on a skating rink at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show. In 1982, it went into production in Europe as the Audi 80 quattro, a fastback coupe with permanent all-wheel drive and a 200-horsepower turbocharged intercooled engine. Offering outstanding stability on any road surface, the quattro could charge up snowy alpine passes on summer tires. Racing versions dominated Group B rally competition in the early 1980s and won at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The quattro drive system spread throughout the Audi model line by 1985.

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Perfectly splitting the difference between a car and a truck, the Ridgeline combines the handling and ride comfort afforded by independent rear suspension with a 5-foot open bed that's just the right size for most suburban hauling duties or a run to the ski slopes. Its 5,000-pound towing limit will handle a snowmobile trailer. Full-time all-wheel drive, traction control and stability control help it bomb through the snow. The spacious cabin can be ordered with heated front seats. Stow jumper cables and emergency supplies in the clever trunk under the bed floor.

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The direct descendant of the 4-wheel-drive wagon, the Impreza offers the same unbeatable combination of affordability, fuel economy and the tenacious traction of all-wheel drive plus stability control. Both the sedan and 5-door hatchback versions are available with a 5-speed manual transmission, which experienced snow drivers prefer. An All-Weather options package adds heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated front seats. Pricing starts at less than $18,000, while fuel economy peaks at 34 mpg highway.

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Dynamic handling, outstanding fuel economy and crisp design put this all-new CX-5 model at the top of the compact SUV segment. Optional all-wheel drive is offered only with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and works in combination with traction- and stability-control systems. The direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine achieves 30 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring package includes heated mirrors and heated leather front seats. Fold down the back seat to get 65 cubic feet of snowboard storage space, then head for the mountains.

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All-wheel drive is offered on a number of 911 variants, but we'll take the "base" Carrera 4 for drift busting, simply because more than 350 horsepower seems silly in the snow. We don't think a serious driver will find a better way to motor to the mountains or manage a snowy commute than this time-tested 911. Porsche Traction Management AWD, traction control and stability control work together to keep you out of ditches. Front seats may be heated and ventilated. The Carrera 4 makes it possible to enjoy a year-round premium sports car experience.

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All-wheel drive is offered as an option on this outstanding midsize sedan that will carry its passengers through the frozen wasteland of winter in quiet serenity. Combined with a 303-horsepower V6 engine, stability control and traction control, the AWD system completes a drivetrain that delivers satisfying thrust yet limits drama when traction is marginal. Heated front seats, steering wheel and mirrors help keep Jack Frost at bay.

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At some point, the best way to get around in the snow is a real snowmobile. Designed to power through bottomless backcountry powder, the Proclimb M series is equipped with an extended Power Claw paddle track, more than 16 inches of rear suspension travel and up to 177 turbocharged 4-stroke horsepower. Drop the throttle and this machine simply planes off in the deepest snow. Combining power and agility, in the hands of an experienced rider this cool Cat banks turns through the trees and can power up a steep mountain face. And the handlebars are heated.

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For more information on the vehicles in this slideshow, click the links below:

-Honda Ridgeline
-Subaru Impreza
-Mazda CX-5
-Porsche 911
-Buick LaCrosse

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Veteran moto-journalist and Wisconsin-native Charles Plueddeman has been driving, riding and testing automobiles, motorcycles, boats, ATVs and snowmobiles for more than 20 years. He is a regular contributor to Boating Magazine and Outdoor Life, and his product evaluation articles have appeared in Popular Mechanics, Men's Journal, AutoWorld, Playboy, Boats.com and many other national publications and Web sites.