Firestone Firehawk SZ50

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $180.00 from Firestone

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 Audi A8

Strengths:
Quiet, good traction, safe.

Weaknesses:
Totally unacceptable wear properties, wear rating of 340 is deceptive - I have no idea how these tires got that rating.

Summary:
These tires provide nice initial performance. However, despite their 340 tread wear rating, they have really terrible life - mine are gone with 13,000 miles. This is not acceptable for such expensive tires with a good tread wear rating. For reference, I got 44,000 miles on the lower grade tires that came with the car, so 1/3 the lifetime is not the way I drive, it is the poor tires.

Price Paid:  $112.00 from FIRESTONE

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 PONTIAC/TRANS AM

Strengths:
Grip Not a noisy tire Handling improves Looks

Weaknesses:
None

Summary:
One word: UNBELIEVABLE. I am in DFW Texas area, and when it rains, it pours. I had factory GoodYear GSC's on my baby (2002 Trans AM), and they wore relatively quickly. Wet weather, I'd slip in a minor puddle never mind, taking off at a red light. The car would spin the tires easily in wet weather with the traction control on. Turning with those tries was less than comfortable (felt like marshmallows at times).I purchased these Firehawks and wow. Sticks to the ground in wet or dry driving conditions. In fact, just had a typical 2 inch rainstorm and it did not matter. The Firehawks are flawless. Not a noisy tire either. Tires look agressive as well and only enhance the look of the car. All I can say is HIGHLY recommended. I heard these tires are being discontinued, so snatch em up if you can.

Similar Products Used:
Goodyear GS-C

Price Paid:  $128.00 from Firestone

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1989 Chevy Camaro IROC 5.7

Strengths:
- Unmatched dry grip - Ok wet grip. Do not go crazy in the rain - Good price - Good wearing - Unique looking tread pattern

Weaknesses:
- They still break loose when you jump on it

Summary:
I bought these tires to replace a set of mismatched gatorbacks on my camaro. This was the best purchase I've made so far! I find myself taking 270 degree on ramp's at completely unsafe speeds just becuase I can :) I have to be doing 50 mph on a strong turn just to get these things to squeel. 4500 miles so far and they're wearing very slowly. These tires became worth it for me when a child found his way out in front of my car just out of a blind curve.. I locked up all 4 and stoped less than 10 feet in front of him. I've never felt stoping like that before. I'm sure his mother is greatful too.

Similar Products Used:
BFGoodrich Gatorbacks

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Came with Car

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2003 Matrix XRS

Strengths:
- Great Adhesion (wet traction is almost as good as dry traction from an all-season. This translates into incredible stopping distances - Very responsive and quiet (This tire doesn't squeal when cornering hard) - Incredible traction in wet conditions

Weaknesses:
-No weaknesses for summer use

Summary:
These tires are perfect summer tires. They handle better than any all-season tire in dry and wet conditions. This is a SUMMER tire, so please don't try using it in the snow!!!!! In order to really understand how good this tire is, look at the stopping distances between the Vibe GT and Matrix XRS. The Matrix stops in a considerably shorter distance than the Vibe GT from 60 Mph, even though both vehicles share the same breaking system and are very close in weight. The only difference is in the tires.

Similar Products Used:
I've only used all seasons such as: Michelin XGT V4, MXV4, and X one Yokohama Avid H4

Price Paid:  $155.00 from Firestone

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1997 Mustang

Strengths:
Rain Handling Corner Power

Summary:
These tires are excellent for street tires down in the south. These babies hold in the rain very well, especially since Mustangs seem to have rain troubles, these tires helped out a lot. Plus these tires have excellent grip for its price. My car gained a whole new attitude once these were put on.