I happen to be a proud owner of an SE 4x2 and have absolutely no complaints. I have taken it on some pretty nasty trails in Germany, snow and ice cover mountains of Austria, and sandy beaches in Spain. I bought a 4x2 to lower the cost, lower the MPG, and thought it might go a little faster on the autobahn. My initial thoughts were right. I have never been in a situation where I needed a 4x4. However, I didn't buy it to climb Everest or deep mud fording. If you wanted a vehicle to do these things, you should have bought a 4x4. Can't afford one? Than maybe you shouldn't be 4 wheelin'!