What does it mean to have a staggered look rimwise?

[matt]

I have heard this term before....but what exactly is it, and what are the pros and cons to doing it in terms of buying new rims?

[BimmerKid]

It means that the rear wheels are wider than the front.

[MikeV]

It means that the rear wheels are wider than the front.

and/or bigger (diameter)

[matt]

Is the purpose of doing this to have more traction? Is it something that is recommended to do if you get bigger size rims (18, 19, 20, etc.)?

[bahnstormer]

well it serves a few purposes
1. mean look
2. more rear traction
3. huge understeer

since we have rwd cars, we want plenty of rubber in the back
i have 235 front 255 rear on 17's
9" wheel up front 10" in the back

[MikeV]

Is the purpose of doing this to have more traction? Is it something that is recommended to do if you get bigger size rims (18, 19, 20, etc.)?

People do this for two reasons: Appearance or handling. IMHO, most do this for appearance. It will have an impact on the handling of the car - whether this is a good thing or not depends on the characteristics of the car: the suspension tuning, the rw torque, the weight distribution, etc. Several cars have come from the factory with staggered wheels (911s and my MR2 Turbo come to mind).

Soooo, if your car is already well-balanced, didn't come from the factory with staggered wheels, and you're not trying correct a handling deficieny, well, at least it looks good....