17" or 18" wheels on My 2001 LE?

[skycop56]

I am new here and a new 2001 LE owner. I am going to replace tires and am wondering if I put 17" or 18" wheels on it will I improve the gas mileage? It should raise the final gear ratios so seems reasonable to expect better MPG, right? Also., will the larger wheels fit ok and will my ride improve or not? What about off roading which I plan on doing quite a bit of? I can use my GPS for a speedometer so the errors in the dash mounted unit are not a concern.

BTW, TireRack lists both 17" and 18" wheels as an alternative for the 2001 LE so I think that means they will fit OK, right?

Thanks for helping out a new guy.

John Dill
Huntley, Illinois