Firestone Tires: Buyers Guide and Low Pricing on all Models
Founded in 1900 by Harvey S. Firestone in Akron, Ohio, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company became a pioneer in automotive tires—serving as the original OE supplier to Ford Motor Company. Acquired by Bridgestone in 1988, Firestone continues as a trusted replacement‑market brand known for value, durability, and American‑heritage appeal.
Legacy & Noteworthy Moments
- Firestone supplied tires to every Indianapolis 500 winner from 1920 to 1966 and remains the official tire supplier of the IndyCar Series through 2030.
- The brand experienced its largest safety crisis with the Firestone 500 radial and recall of over 6.5 million tires (ATX, ATX II, Wilderness AT), tied to Explorer rollovers and over 170 fatalities. The incident led to NHTSA investigations, congressional hearings, and the end of its century‑long partnership with Ford in 2001.
- Poor quality control at the Decatur plant during labor disputes contributed to elevated tire failure rates and subsequent massive legal and regulatory fallout.
Today’s Product Line & Real‑World Feedback
Popular Lines
- Destination LE: Cited by users for quiet, smooth ride and delivering rated mileage—some report up to 100,000 miles on highway use.
- Firehawk Firestone: Performance tire praised for sidewall strength and wear compared to Michelin variants in community reviews.
User Insights
- Reddit and forum voices describe Firestone as a hidden value—offering dependable grip and mileage when maintained well. “These tires are a hidden treasure… grip the road like glue!”
- However, some users on ConsumerAffairs and Mavis note variability in wear depending on model and usage.
Get up to $160 back on select Firestone Tires
Brand Comparison: Firestone vs. Michelin, Goodyear & Bridgestone
| Feature | Firestone Tires | Michelin | Goodyear | Bridgestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded / Legacy | 1900, Akron, Ohio (American pioneer) | 1889, France (premium, innovation) | 1898, USA (broad OE & replacement market) | 1931, Japan (owner of Firestone) |
| Ownership | Subsidiary of Bridgestone since 1988 | Independent, owns BFGoodrich | Independent | Bridgestone (owns Firestone) |
| Best For | Budget-friendly touring & all-season value | Ultimate comfort, longevity & weather grip | Balanced wear, run-flat, broad OE fitment | Advanced tech, global innovation |
| Notable Models | Destination LE, Firehawk Firestone | Pilot Sport, Defender T+H | Assurance Fuel Max, Eagle F1 | Ecopia, Turanza, Firestone racing variants |
| Price Tier | Entry to mid-range | Premium | Mid to premium | Mid‑premium |
| Ride Comfort & Noise | Quiet and comfortable on touring lines | Excellent | Good | Very good |
| Treadlife / Mileage | Up to rated warranty; reports of 100K mi for LE series | High (60–75K mi warranties) | Reliable, long-lasting wear | High durable across models |
| Safety & Reliability History | Mixed: major ATX recall in 2000–01, followed by improved QC | Strong safety record | Well-regarded engineering and testing | Leading global R&D |
Who Should Choose Firestone Tires?
Best for:
- Budget-conscious drivers seeking solid daily all-season performance
- Users who prioritize smooth mileage and repair availability at Firestone Complete Auto Care centers
- Drivers of older vehicles prioritizing basic performance and value
Consider alternatives if you value:
- Premium ride refinement and ultra-quiet performance
- Strong warranties and long-term brand reliability
- Avoiding models or recalls tied to aging lines
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Firestone tires still around?
A: Yes—they operate under Bridgestone in the U.S. but continue selling Firestone-branded tires focused on value and legacy appeal.
Q: Are Firestone tires reliable?
A: Today, many models like Destination LE deliver consistent performance and mileage; but some legacy lines (ATX, Wilderness AT) were subject to major historical recalls.
Q: How do Firestone and Michelin compare?
A: Firestone offers everyday value with smooth ride and good traction. Michelin outperforms in comfort, longevity, and weather grip—but at a higher price point.
Final Thoughts
Firestone Tires remain a trusted name for drivers seeking American-brand touring and all-season tires at an affordable price. With a legacy spanning over a century, they offer dependable daily performance and strong availability via Firestone Complete Auto Care. Still, if your priority is premium comfort, cutting-edge wet grip, or league-leading warranty coverage, Michelin or Bridgestone tires may better suit those goals.