They have to be 18 inch rims. The specially designed 17inch spare just clears the caliper.

actually GXPV he could run a set of 00+ 17'* and still have clearance

Ya, I forgot someone here did that. But steelies are out.

I'm also in MI and haven't had any trouble with the OEM '05 tires. I had to replace a couple, due to an unfortunate incident with a curb.

For fun, I checked TireRack. They have:
235/55SR17 Firestone Winterforce Blackwall
and
17X7.5 Sport Edition F2 Silver Painted Wheels
for $800 mounted and balanced.

I'm not sure if that'* reasonable.

Have them shipped, or pick them up in South Bend.

Do these cars handle the snow well? I am in Chicago and am used to FWD in the snow. I think the traction control will come in handy to keep the N* at bay with my right foot.

It'* about the same as any FWD. I wouldn't get too excited about the traction control, I think it'* a bit over rated.

I agree Z. I have an extra long steep driveway. (3/8ths of a mile). The T/C pulls timing as well as shifting the power back and forth between the drive wheels, and often near the top leaves me at a speed to low the make it onto the county road. I now leave it off till I get out. It has helped several times though on the interstate at higher speeds on packed snow with icy spots. It'* a little wierd getting used to but helps keep the car straight going 55-70 on packed roads.