Firestone Firehawk SVX

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $100.00 from dont remember

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Mustang 3.8 V6

Summary:
i use these tires on 16 inch 1996 mustang GT rims for 3 seasons a year. one i am not real thrilled with these tires. they have about 13000 miles on them. and there about worn out. the walls are cracked. these tires are a meer 3 yrs old. i bairly ever spun the tires. my car has about 230 hp slightly modded. wet traction is impossible if you give it the slightest amount of gas. dry traction is moderate. I find it funny. My stock rims with goodyear assurance trippletreads give better gripping power in rain and dry roads. better than a wider tire . With a softer rubber.

Strengths:
i dont really see any

Weaknesses:
poor rubber compound. 3 yrs old the walls are cracked. poor tradwear. another fine example of firestone garbage

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Toyota Dealership

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Firestone Firehawk SVX

Summary:
I have had Firestone Firehawk SVX P225/50R15 tires on the rear end of my 1993 Toyota MR2, and P205/50R15 on the front, for over 5 years, and I have replaced both at least once. These tires, on this car, have incredible dry traction, and very stable, predictable handling - they turn on a dime with confidence. This light car, hydroplanes easily on these tires, and snow traction is non-existent (and that is NOT an exaggeration). The tires are stiff - not a good choice for comfort - but great for sport driving. I just replaced the rear tires with GT Champiro 50. Unlike the Firehawks, the Champiro has a traditionally shaped radial tire sidewall, which makes it a bit smoother and quieter than the Firehawk, but the handling is mushy - not even close to the same class as the Firehawk. If you want a great-handling summer sport tire, the Firehawk is a good choice. But, the Firehawk doesn't last long - several sets have lasted 15-20,000 miles on the front, and 30-35,000 on the rear.

Strengths:
GREAT handling, dry traction and road feel.

Weaknesses:
Fair wet traction, NO snow traction, stiff ride, noiser than average.

Similar Products Used:
Yokohama and Champiro

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 trans am

Summary:
These tires did not have a very long tread life. Ive driven about 10,000 miles and the middle section of the tread on my rear tires are already worn off. This is partly due to squeeling the tires some, but never did a big burn out with these. They dont hook that great, if i go any more than 50% throttle in first gear, the back end is all over the place. Going around curves at 60ish, you can hear these tires howling. Id say these tires would be good on a car without much power, but on a high powered car, look for something better.

Strengths:
quiet when driving normal.

Weaknesses:
doesnt grip good, tread life isnt very long.

Price Paid:  $150.00 from Kal Tire, Kamloops,

Year / Model Reviewed:
 ''93 Toyota MR2 Turbo

Summary:
I replaced my original equipment Yoka.. with the Firehawk SVX - 225/50/15 (I''m not sure if they still make a 15" in this tire). I ran the rear tires (mid-engine, rear drive) completely bald in approximately 50,000 km (about 32,000 miles). This was slightly better than I got from my original equipment tires. My driving style is moderately aggressive and is combo city/highway. I was reasonably happy with the grip in dry conditions - predictable, but not overly sticky. This is probably a trade-off with the slightly improved tread life. Wet traction was fair. Snow traction is nearly non-existant as you would expect from a tire in this class. Road noice was average.

Strengths:
good value for dollar (price listed is CDN$) - at least when I first bought them a few years ago. Also has decent tread life

Weaknesses:
modest performance - probably fine for average driver. More demanding drivers will look for more grip, especially in wet climates

Similar Products Used:
Yokahama A510?? - Long time ago - I forget the model number

Price Paid:  $300.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001

Summary:
These tires are acceptable on dry pavement but don''t even think of using them on wet pavement ! I''m using them on my Camaro Z28 and wet it''s raining, I''m forced to drive as though I''m driving a wimpy little Firefly. I recently changed my worn out dept. store tires for these SVX''s and I definitely noticed a difference. FOR THE WORSE !!!

Strengths:
Looks good. Prevents my car from skidding and dragging along the ground.

Weaknesses:
Pathetic on wet roads !!! And expensive !!!

Similar Products Used:
None