In 2017, Firestone launched the budget-friendly Firestone All-Season tire. It replaced the FR710 model. This tire suits minivans, coupes, sedans, and crossovers. It’s ideal for basic all-season driving.
The tire’s design includes deep grooves and sipes for better dry and wet performance. It also features the M+S symbol for good light snow traction.
Firestone aimed for a quiet, comfortable ride, which they largely achieved.
Additionally, the tire offers low rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency. It surpasses many competitors in this area.
Firestone tires
The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company began in 1900 in Ohio. It quickly became a top American brand. A key moment was its 1906 partnership with Ford, showing its smart business moves.
Firestone faced tough competition, especially from Goodyear. Both vied for the top spot in the US. In 1988, Bridgestone bought Firestone, starting a new era under the Japanese company.
Despite the change, Firestone kept making top-notch, affordable tires. It stood out for its quality, similar to Bridgestone and Michelin, but at lower prices. This strategy maintained its image as the best choice for high-quality, budget-friendly tires.
Where are Firestone tires made?
Bridgestone, the owner of Firestone, makes its tires in many plants worldwide, including some in the US. This reassures customers about the brand’s American ties.
A few Firestone tires are made in Japan, and others in China. The brand mainly uses Bridgestone’s vast network of 160+ plants for tire production.
Who makes Firestone tires?
Bridgestone heavily makes Firestone tires. Both companies share production and development sites. Yet, Firestone can conduct its research and add to tire models.
This partnership benefits from Bridgestone’s global tire quality and Firestone’s market influence. As a result, consumers get high-quality, affordable tires.
Are Firestone tires any good?
Knowing Firestone tires come from a big parent company might make you question their quality against brands like Bridgestone, Michelin, and Pirelli.
Firestone tires may not perform as well as these top brands. However, they still offer quality. They use high-grade materials and technology from Bridgestone. Also, Firestone provides a better warranty than expected for affordable tires. This warranty covers tire quality and punctures, giving peace of mind on the road.
Cost of Firestone tires
Firestone tire prices vary widely. For instance, a 15″ all-season tire costs $70, while a 20″ MT tire is about $320. Meanwhile, luxury touring tires in 16″ and 17″ sizes are typically $200.
Overall, Firestone tires are affordable. You can buy all-season tires for your car for just $400. However, prices depend on factors like the model, size, speed rating, and load capacity.
Why choose Firestone tires?
Firestone tires beat top brands for many reasons, not just price. They pass tough tests and simulations. This ensures they meet Bridgestone and Firestone’s high standards. Here are some key reasons why Firestone tires are a smart choice:
- Firestone tires have advanced road noise reduction technology. For example, they use a 5-Pitch design to lower noise. This design helps the treads absorb road vibrations, making driving quieter and smoother. You can now chat with passengers without loud road noises.
- Power Water Discharge: Firestone tires have the Power V Tread Pattern, inspired by their Indy racing tire. It includes V-shaped gaps for water drainage. This reduces hydroplaning risk and makes wet roads safer.
- Firestone stands out among affordable tire brands. It uses reinforced shoulder blocks with a continuous nylon wrap. This design boosts cornering stability, evens out pressure, and ensures precise handling, especially in quick turns.
Best Firestone Tires by Car Type
Firestone FR710 – Ideal for Passenger Cars
Firestone’s FR710, known for its truck and SUV tires, is also a top choice for passenger cars. It stands out with its long-lasting warranty and strong wet traction. This all-season tire offers both reliability and performance. It is usually priced at $90, with frequent discounts and rebates, making it a budget-friendly option for many drivers.
Specifications:
- Brand: Firestone
- Model: FR710
- Weight: Varies
- Available Sizes: 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”
Firestone Destination A/T2 – Premier SUV Tire
The Destination A/T2 receives top marks for comfort, value, durability, and traction. Thus, it’s a popular pick for SUVs. In winter tests on Jeep SUVs, it excelled. It also comes with a solid 55,000-mile treadlife warranty. Firestone stands by its product. It replaces defective tires within the first three years. After that, it offers prorated discounts based on remaining tread.
Specifications:
- Brand: Firestone
- Model: Destination A/T2
- Weight: Varies
- Available Sizes: 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”
Firestone Destination A/T – Superb Truck Tire
Despite its longevity in the market, the original Destination A/T remains a top-tier choice for trucks and SUVs. Boasting an exceptional treadlife warranty, stellar customer reviews, and outstanding traction, it’s often available at discounted prices. While availability may vary, its performance makes it worth the effort to find.
Specifications:
- Brand: Firestone
- Model: Destination A/T
- Weight: Varies
- Available Sizes: 17”
Firestone All Season – Outstanding All-Season Tire
The Firestone All Season tire provides strong performance at a low price. It has good customer reviews and a decent treadlife rating. Moreover, it’s available in various sizes, including for 14-inch wheels. Its long market presence often leads to discounts, making it even more attractive.
Specifications:
- Brand: Firestone
- Model: All Season
- Weight: Varies
- Available Sizes: 14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 19”, 20”
Firestone Winterforce 2 – Superior Winter Tire
The Firestone Winterforce 2 is made for heavy snow. It gets rave reviews and can be fitted with studs for better ice grip. The tire has deep grooves to clear water and many sipes for better snow and ice traction. It’s reliable and affordable. Plus, it comes in different sizes, making it a popular choice for winter driving.
Specifications:
- Brand: Firestone
- Model: Winterforce 2
- Weight: Varies
- Available Sizes: 14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”
Firestone Destination M/T2 – Optimal Off-Road Tire
With its rugged design and excellent reviews, the Destination M/T2 excels as an off-road tire. Equipped with mud and stone ejectors and the option for metal studs for enhanced ice traction, it’s versatile and dependable. Widely available in various sizes and applications, it combines performance with affordability.
Specifications:
- Brand: Firestone
- Model: Destination M/T2
- Weight: Varies
- Available Sizes: 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20”, 22”
Firestone Customer Reviews
Positive Experiences with Firestone Tires
“I can’t praise the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 enough. It’s a fantastic tire. I tend to drive aggressively, and this tire handles corners without a peep. It’s incredibly stable with excellent dry traction, and surprisingly good wet traction despite the narrower grooves. Highly recommend!”
– via Tire Rack
“I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Firestone Destination LE 2 tires. They’ve held up remarkably well over time, wearing evenly and offering a smooth ride. Even in heavy rain, they perform exceptionally. Plus, they’re durable – surviving not one, but two encounters with nails without losing air or suffering complete punctures.”
– via Tire Rack
Negative Experiences with Firestone Tires
“While initially impressive, my experience with the Firestone Transforce tires soured around the 20,000-mile mark. Suddenly, it felt like they lost their grip entirely, especially in wet conditions. By 35,000 miles, driving in the rain became too risky. Disappointing, considering their promising start.”
– via Tire Rack
“The Firestone Champion Fuel Fighter started off well but quickly became a headache. Around 20,000 miles, they became noisy and difficult to balance. Despite being rated for 70,000 miles, they barely made it past 50,000 due to uneven wear. A real letdown considering the investment.”
– via Tire Rack
Firestone Tires: Recommended Competitors
Before making a final decision on OE or replacement tires, it’s wise to explore alternative options available for your vehicle. By doing so, you might discover a better tire at a lower price point. Two notable brands worth considering are Michelin and Cooper.
Michelin: Top Choice Overall
In our 2021 tire industry review, Michelin stood out, earning a high 4.5 out of 5. Although Michelin tires are more expensive than Firestone’s, they offer longer treadwear warranties and a wider tire selection. These tires are well-known for their quality and are supported by industry experts. Thus, they are ideal for drivers looking for top performance.
Cooper: Budget-Friendly Option
Cooper tires are the most affordable in our industry review, making them ideal for budget-conscious consumers. Prices start at $84 per tire, depending on size and vehicle compatibility. Cooper mainly focuses on replacement tires and is an independent manufacturer. Many customers praise their quality and durability. Therefore, Cooper provides a budget-friendly and reliable option for different driving needs.
FAQs
Firestone tires last 40,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on type and trim. This is enough for 3 to 4 years. The average US driver covers 14,000 miles yearly.
Firestone offers tire sizes from 14″ to 22″. This variety benefits both small car owners and those needing 22″ off-road truck tires.
Tire brands like Firestone include Hankook and Goodyear. They match Firestone in build quality and price.
Firestone isn’t the best tire brand. However, it doesn’t match up to Continental, Michelin, or Bridgestone. These tires should offer good performance and durability for their price.
conclusion
Many choose Firestone tires for their quality and grip on wet, dry, or icy roads. They also last well, considering their cost.
Visit our website to find the perfect model for you. Our reviews detail each model’s pros and cons, making it easier to choose.