I have a 1997 Subaru and got 110,000 miles out of my Michelins XW4. Even
though I got a ton of miles out of them, I did not like how they performed.
They were noisy, would break loose easily in the snow and you felt every
crack in the road.
I went looking and researching for a tire that would really deliver on it
all, such as dry and wet braking and handling, winter driving/traction and a
quiet ride. Some leading recommendations were Michelin HydroEdge, Toyo
Spectrum, Goodyear Triple Tread and BigO Euro Tour. I came close to getting
the Michelin HydroEdge, but the reviews were just too mixed. I read the
design and logic behind the Goodyear Triple Tread and talked to a number of
tire shops. When I told different tires shops what I was looking for, they
kept recommending this tire. Finally, I talked to a person at one tire shop
that got a chance to demo them and loved them. I decided to take the risk
and be one of the first to give the tire a try.
I have put 5,000 miles on them and can sum them up in one word: WOW! What a
difference. With my old tires, I had to turn up the stereo once I got on the
freeway. I don't even touch the dial now. You will not believe how quiet
these tires are. I used to think the reason I felt every crack in a road was
the Outback's stiffer suspension. The difference with these tires is
incredible. I took a tight circle freeway offramp with a 20 mph speed limit
at 40 mph and the car took the turn better than going 20 mph with the old
tires. Where I used to get a side lean in a corner, these tires hold solid
and make cornering effortless. I was driving yesterday down the freeway
going from dry road to heavy showers and could feel no difference - and the
traction was solid. I have had them off road, they did great, but you do
pick up gravel in the tread. I have not had a chance to try them in the
snow and ice yet, but their design and center strip logic seems sound.
