Keith3267, Numbchux, forester 2002s:
Thanks for your input. I appreciate it. :-)
I'm going to look into getting the Michelins or Yokohama tires. My mechanic said I'll be needing new tires in spring, but I may spring for new tires before then. I'll try to post back again with how things work out with the new tires.
Side note: I just bought the Legacy several months ago. Had to finally retire my 1997 Saturn SL2 (207,000 miles). I'm surprised that with all of the advances over the years that the cabin of my 2014 Legacy is noiser than my '97 Saturn, which the auto industry also reported was noiser than average! The noise level of the Legacy is not horrible, just enough to be annoying.
Noise canceling technology: I think I heard that Honda's which are noted for a quiet ride have noise canceling electronic technology. Too bad that's not a generic component we can install into any car on the road!
Thanks again for your input.
Carol