Replying to New car / tire chains

Now that I'm in CA and will be riding at tahoe, what's the deal with tire chains - do you need them if you have a 4wd car?

Currently I have a jeep, but I'm considering switching cars. I'd really prefer not to have to get out and put chains on, so, if I buy an awd car, can I avoid the hassle? If i'm going to need to use chains anyway, I'd just assume get a 2wd car because I won't need the awd anywhere except when I'm at the mountains.

How about snow tires? Good snow tires are pretty close to awd as far as safety goes, as far as I've heard/read. Still need the chains?