thanx for all of your replies. i live in Raleigh, NC, where we get more rain than snow, but when we do get snow, it tends to lie on the roads for several days, if it is cleared at all. So, i do want some kind of improved traction in wet/snowy weather. I am less concerned about road noise than tread wear, the Kumho's i mentioned carry a 50K mile warranty, so given my driving pattern of only about 8K a year on this vehicle (to and from work only 5 days/wk), i think that's the tire i go with.

One other point that some of you introduced, that now cuases a bit more confusion, 205/50 vs 205/55 vs 205/60? what is important to consider when selecting between those?

Thanx again

Bruce