Thinking about getting Goodyear tires for your vehicle? You’re probably wondering if they’re worth your hard-earned money. With so many options on the market, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive breakdown cuts through the marketing hype to give you the real scoop on Goodyear’s performance, quality, and value.
Goodyear’s Industry Recognition and Rankings
Goodyear has made impressive strides in customer satisfaction recently. According to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, Goodyear claimed top spots in both the luxury segment (scoring 821) and the passenger car segment (scoring 815). This marks a significant improvement from 2024, when Michelin dominated these categories.
The company also secured second place in the performance sport segment with a score of 809, just behind Michelin’s 818. These rankings are based on evaluations from nearly 27,000 vehicle owners, focusing on:
- Tire ride
- Tire wear
- Traction/handling
- Appearance
Despite these impressive rankings, Consumer Reports positions Goodyear 13th among 30 tested tire brands, with Michelin, Continental, and Vredestein leading the pack. This suggests that while Goodyear has improved, it’s still considered more of a mainstream option rather than a premium choice.
Goodyear’s Strengths: What They Do Well
Superior Wet Performance
One of Goodyear’s standout qualities is their performance in wet conditions. Customer feedback consistently highlights excellent hydroplaning resistance across multiple tire models. The Assurance WeatherReady 2, in particular, has received praise for its wet-weather capabilities, with one owner noting it’s “noticeably better in the rain, no hydroplaning even on highways.”
Competitive Pricing
Goodyear generally positions itself at a more accessible price point than premium brands like Michelin while still delivering solid performance. As one reviewer put it, “they won’t rival brands like Michelin or Continental, they come in at around 60-70% of their cost.” This makes Goodyear an attractive option for budget-conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise too much on quality.
Reduced Road Noise
Newer Goodyear models have made significant improvements in noise reduction. Multiple customer reviews mention quieter operation compared to previous generations or competitor tires. This is particularly true for the Reliant series and the Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar, which customers describe as “very quiet” with “excellent handling.”
Goodyear’s Weaknesses: Areas for Improvement
Inconsistent Treadwear
One of the most common complaints about Goodyear tires involves premature wear issues. Multiple customer reports indicate disappointment with tread life across various models. One customer noted their Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure tires had “warranty of 60,000 and I got 23,500 and they are down to 2/32 or less.”
Quality Variation Between Models
There’s significant performance variation across Goodyear’s product lineup. Budget lines sold through retailers like Walmart receive notably different feedback than premium offerings. As one industry professional explained, “the negative perception surrounding the brand largely stems from the Goodyear tires sold at Walmart. These tires are designed specifically for their retail locations and are considered to be low-end, budget-friendly options.”
Warranty Service Challenges
Customer reviews indicate mixed experiences with warranty claims and customer service. Many report difficulties in obtaining coverage for premature wear issues, with Goodyear’s warranty structure requiring:
- Tire wear down to 2/32″ tread depth
- Proof of regular rotation and alignment maintenance
- Purchase from authorized dealers
- Original purchase documentation
This bureaucratic process can frustrate customers seeking warranty service for underperforming tires.
Performance Analysis by Tire Category
All-Season/All-Weather Tires
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 has emerged as a standout performer in the all-weather category. Independent testing by Tyre Reviews found the tire performed exceptionally well across multiple metrics, though it exhibited the highest rolling resistance among seven tested all-weather tires.
Expert testing by Car and Driver placed the original Assurance WeatherReady in fourth place among all-weather tires, noting strong dry performance and above-average wet results, though snow performance was less impressive. The tire “finished last in snow braking (arguably the most important winter metric for crash avoidance)” according to their testing.
The Goodyear Assurance All-Season receives mixed reviews on SimpleTire, with customers appreciating the comfortable ride and value pricing but noting limitations in snow performance and occasional issues with road noise.
Budget-Friendly Options
The Goodyear Reliant All-Season, primarily sold through Walmart, represents the brand’s entry-level offering. Customer reviews on Walmart’s platform show a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating across over 12,000 reviews. Reddit users have provided generally positive feedback, with one noting “I got the Goodyear Reliant on my 2016 Crosstrek and they are very nice and ride especially quiet.”
However, expectations should align with the budget positioning. These tires offer acceptable performance at competitive pricing but won’t match the capabilities of Goodyear’s premium lines.
Performance Tires
The Eagle F1 series represents Goodyear’s premium performance offering. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 has received strong customer feedback, with reviews emphasizing “outstanding wet and dry grip, confident braking, and a strong comfort/noise balance.” However, some users report “faster-than-expected wear and occasional soft sidewall/understeer.”
Track testing of the Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 RunOnFlat showed impressive results, with professional drivers achieving lap times 1.50 seconds faster than the previous generation, demonstrating “more connected to the track, resulting in higher driver confidence and quicker overall track speed.”
All-Terrain and Truck Tires
The Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar receives strong customer ratings across multiple performance categories on SimpleTire, with consistently high scores:
- Dry traction: 4.7/5
- Wet traction: 4.5/5
- Winter performance: 4.2/5
- Comfort: 4.6/5
- Noise: 4.5/5
- Treadwear: 4.4/5
Customer experiences highlight the tire’s versatility: “Really grippy, first rain of the season when road is wet and oily still had great traction” and “very quiet, excellent handling, ride is very good.” However, the previously mentioned premature wear issues appear to be a concern with this model as well.
How Goodyear Compares to Competitors
Goodyear vs. Michelin
When comparing Goodyear with Michelin, distinct positioning strategies emerge. While Michelin typically excels in longevity and fuel efficiency, Goodyear demonstrates competitive advantages in specific performance areas and generally offers better value pricing. Analysis from United Tire notes that “Goodyear has carved out a name for itself with superior grip and versatility across shifting terrains, while Michelin dominates durability and gas mileage.”
This comparison table highlights the key differences:
| Feature | Goodyear | Michelin |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Lower to mid-range | Mid to premium |
| Tread Life | Good (varies by model) | Excellent |
| Wet Performance | Excellent | Very good |
| Value Proposition | Better price-to-performance ratio | Premium performance at premium price |
| Warranty Coverage | 45,000-65,000 miles (model dependent) | 55,000-80,000 miles (model dependent) |
Goodyear vs. Continental
Continental generally edges out Goodyear in Consumer Reports rankings, but the comparison is more nuanced when looking at specific models. Goodyear’s all-weather options like the Assurance WeatherReady 2 compete effectively with Continental’s comparable offerings, while Continental’s premium lines typically offer better tread life and more consistent performance across their product range.
Best Goodyear Tires by Vehicle Type
For Sedans and Daily Drivers
The Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive provides an excellent balance of comfort, wet performance, and tread life for everyday driving. Its specialized tread pattern optimizes water evacuation while maintaining a quiet ride.
For those seeking more all-weather capability, the Assurance WeatherReady 2 offers impressive year-round performance, especially in wet conditions, though you’ll sacrifice some fuel efficiency due to higher rolling resistance.
For Performance Vehicles
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 delivers outstanding grip and handling characteristics for performance-oriented drivers. Its specialized rubber compounds provide excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions, though some users report faster wear rates than expected.
For those seeking maximum performance on the track, the Eagle F1 Supercar series offers race-inspired technology with impressive cornering stability and braking performance.
For SUVs and Trucks
The Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar provides a good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Kevlar reinforcement helps protect against punctures and cuts when venturing off the beaten path.
For more dedicated off-road use, the Wrangler DuraTrac offers aggressive traction capabilities while maintaining reasonable on-road manners. Its self-cleaning shoulder blocks help maintain traction in mud and snow.
Value Analysis: Are Goodyear Tires Worth the Money?
Goodyear positions itself as a value-oriented brand, offering competitive performance at price points below premium brands. Starting prices range from approximately $84 for basic all-season models to over $250 for premium performance tires.
The value proposition varies significantly by model:
- Budget Lines (Reliant): Offer acceptable performance at entry-level pricing, best for cost-conscious buyers with modest performance expectations.
- Mid-Range Options (Assurance All-Season): Provide good balance of performance and value, suitable for most daily drivers.
- Premium Lines (Eagle F1, Assurance WeatherReady 2): Approach competitor pricing but often with specific performance advantages, particularly in wet conditions.
When factoring in tread life concerns, the value equation becomes more complex. Customers seeking maximum longevity might find better options from brands like Michelin, despite the higher initial cost.
Making the Right Goodyear Tire Choice
Based on comprehensive review analysis, here are targeted recommendations for specific needs:
For All-Season Performance
The Assurance WeatherReady 2 offers strong all-weather capability with excellent wet performance, making it ideal for drivers in rainy or variable climate regions. Be aware of the higher rolling resistance, which may impact fuel economy slightly.
For Performance Applications
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 provides competitive performance characteristics with good comfort balance. It’s an excellent choice for drivers wanting responsive handling without sacrificing too much ride quality, though premium pricing approaches competitor levels.
For Truck/SUV Use
The Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar delivers versatile performance with strong customer satisfaction, particularly for those who occasionally venture off-road. Keep in mind potential wear concerns and be diligent about rotation schedules to maximize tread life.
For Budget Applications
The Reliant series offers acceptable performance at competitive pricing, making it suitable for basic transportation needs or secondary vehicles. Adjust expectations according to the budget positioning – these won’t deliver the performance of Goodyear’s premium offerings.
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
To maximize the performance and longevity of your Goodyear tires:
- Regular Rotation: Follow the 5,000-7,500 mile recommendation for tire rotations to ensure even wear.
- Proper Inflation: Check pressure monthly and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found on the driver’s door jamb sticker, not the tire sidewall).
- Alignment Checks: Have your alignment checked annually or whenever you notice uneven wear patterns or pulling to one side.
- Documentation: Keep all maintenance records if you ever need to file a warranty claim.
The Evolution of Goodyear’s Reputation
Goodyear’s current market position reflects significant improvement in customer satisfaction and technical capability, as evidenced by J.D. Power rankings and expert testing results. However, the brand continues to face challenges related to quality consistency across model lines.
Historical perspective from industry observers on Bob Is The Oil Guy forums notes that “Goodyear was once regarded as a leader in the tire industry, with its performance tires often surpassing even those from Michelin.” Recent developments suggest the company is working to reclaim that position through improved tire technology and quality control.
The negative perceptions that persist about Goodyear often stem from their budget tire lines sold through mass retailers. These entry-level products don’t represent the capabilities of their mid-range and premium offerings.
Final Verdict: Are Goodyear Tires Good?
So, are Goodyear tires good? The answer depends on which model you choose and your specific needs.
Goodyear’s strengths lie in their wet performance, competitive pricing, and improving comfort characteristics. Their recent J.D. Power recognition demonstrates meaningful progress in customer satisfaction.
However, concerns about treadwear consistency, model-specific quality variation, and warranty support suggest the brand still has room for improvement. The company’s budget offerings, while affordable, contribute to mixed perceptions about overall brand quality.
For most drivers, Goodyear’s mid-range and premium offerings provide good value and performance, particularly in wet conditions. The Assurance WeatherReady 2 and Eagle F1 series demonstrate the brand’s technical capabilities at their best.
Budget-conscious buyers can find acceptable options in Goodyear’s lineup but should research specific models rather than choosing based on brand alone. Those prioritizing maximum tread life might find better options from premium competitors, albeit at higher price points.
With careful model selection based on your specific driving needs, Goodyear can provide a solid tire choice that balances performance and value.
