General Tires: Buyers Guide and Low Pricing on all Models
Founded in 1915 in Akron, Ohio, by William Francis O’Neil and partners, General Tire grew to prominence as a trusted American tire maker. In 1987, it was acquired by Continental AG and now operates as Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.
Heritage & Brand Evolution
General Tire began in the 1910s focusing on durable, low-pressure tires. It expanded steadily during the 1920s and 1930s with innovations like wider balloon tires that improved ride comfort. Post‑1987, General became a replacement-market brand under Continental’s umbrella, benefitting from shared technology and design principles.
Top Models & Product Use Cases
Popular models include:
- AltiMAX RT‑45 and RT‑43 – Grand touring all‑season, praised for long tread life and smooth performance.
- Grabber Series – Light Truck/SUV tires: the Grabber HTS, APT, X3 and AT3 deliver solid highway and light off-road performance.
Consumer reviews note good comfort, traction, and durability—especially for the price.
Community Feedback Highlights
Reddit and forums share candid user views:
“General makes great tires. … The Altimax RT43 is a good budget-minded tire. … Most people wouldn’t notice a difference.”
From TireRack forums:
“They are a CR recommended buy … probably pretty decent.”
From ConsumerAffairs reviews:
“Quiet smooth ride, reasonable price, good warranty…”
These reflections reinforce that many drivers see General Tires as a solid value-driven choice with reliable performance.
Brand Comparison: General vs. Michelin, Goodyear & Continental
| Feature | General Tires | Michelin | Goodyear | Continental |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Continental AG (NA) | Independent (also owns BFGoodrich) | Independent | Independent |
| Founded | 1915, Akron, Ohio | 1889, France | 1898, Akron, Ohio | 1871, Germany |
| Best For | Budget-friendly touring, SUV, and light truck | Ultra-long mileage & premium comfort | Broad OE & replacement options | Wet grip, safety tech, refined ride |
| Popular Models | AltiMAX RT‑43/RT‑45, Grabber X3, AT3, APT | Pilot Sport 5, Defender T+H | Assurance Fuel Max, Wrangler All-Terrain | CrossContact LX, ExtremeContact series |
| Price Level | Affordable mid-tier | Premium | Mid-to-premium | Mid-to-premium |
| Ride Comfort & Noise | Smooth and quiet for segment | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Wet & Dry Traction | Very good for price | Superior wet & dry grip | Very good | Excellent |
| Mileage / Warranty | Good; multiple models rated for 60–75K mi | High (60–75K mi) | Reliable, long-lasting | High wear life and robust warranty |
| Off-Road / SUV Capability | Acceptable via Grabber SUV models | Limited in passenger lines | Strong SUV lineup | Limited in non-SUV lines |
(Based on third-party test and user commentary)
Who Should Choose General Tires?
Ideal for:
- Drivers seeking value over price, with solid ride and tread life.
- SUV, truck, or crossover users needing all-season highway or light off-road performance.
- Those looking for a long-standing American brand with Continental technology—without the premium cost.
Consider other brands if you value:
- Maximum snow/wet grip or climate-specific performance (Michelin or Continental might be better).
- Run-flat, EV-capable features, or ultra-quiet touring refinement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are General Tires made by Continental?
A: Yes. Since 1987 they have been part of Continental AG and are now manufactured under Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.
Q: Are General Tires reliable?
A: Multiple sources, including Discounted Wheel Warehouse, ConsumerAffairs, and TireRack users, highlight General Tires for comfort, decent wear life, and consistent warranties.
Q: How do General tires compare to Michelin?
A: Customer opinions often suggest General tires deliver “good enough” performance for much less money, particularly for non-premium vehicles.
Final Verdict
General Tires represent a smart blend of American legacy, accessible pricing, and dependable comfort—especially in all-season touring and light-truck applications. While they don’t match Michelin or Continental’s premium traction or performance tech, they deliver robust value, pleasant ride quality, and daily driving reliability. For drivers who want precise Continental engineering without premium cost, General Tires remain a worthy option.