4wd's a typically recommended for driving on the island as there are some roads with rather steep grades and these can be quite tricky if it rains. And I personally found the entrance to Starfish Market a challenge - even with a 4wd. 😉

i agree, st. john lends itself very well to 4wd - you will likely regret it if you don't rent one!

When we went to STJ last time on the car barge from STT we definetly needed the 4WD. It had rained and the hills and slipping was a challenge. I just wouldn't take the chance.

Definitely opt for the 4wd. Going up the switchbacks last week on North Shore Rd after Trunk Bay required 4wd to get around the corners, and it was hardly wet. I first tried it in 2wd cause it wasn't raining at the time and had started to dry out, but the tires slipped so much I stopped and changed to 4wd. (Thank God it was an automatic or I would have rolled backward all the way to town!!)

Enjoy your trip!

WW

Here is a series of videos that show the drive out the north shore road. I think part 4 is the only one that you need to see if you are considering not driving a 4WD. Switchbacks and rainy roads.

http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/10/26/jeep-cam-north-shore-road-part-1/
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/11/02/jeep-cam-north-shore-road-part-2/
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/11/19/jeep-cam-north-shore-road-part-3/
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/12/03/jeep-cam-north-shore-road-part-4/
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/12/14/jeep-cam-north-shore-road-part-5/
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/12/24/jeep-cam-north-shore-road-part-6/
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/12/31/jeep-cam-last-stretch-of-north-shore-road/

Thanks everyone and Xislandgirl. The jeep web cam said everything. That was neat. I'll be renting a 4wd.