After living in Erie this past winter I would say that if you can afford a 4 wheel drive u should definitely get it. Apparently, we got about 30% more snow this past winter than usual, but nontheless from what I got from people who have lived there all thier lives the winters are pretty snowy every year anyways...lake effect snow. People have little cars and get through the winter, but I'll tell you that it was so annoying digging my little car out some mornings...it just takes a little more time to get out. Bottomline, if u can a afford it get a 4 wheel drive...if not you'll survive...but be ready...