qoe, have you considered a diesel (TDI) VW? I also live in the big snowy mitten and I drive a Jetta TDI station wagon. Diesel prices are a little painful at the moment, but if you do mostly highway miles and not much stop-and-go city driving then the diesel is still more economical (not to mention has lots of get-up-and-go). Either way some good snow tires will keep you from getting stuck. Happy shopping!
