Originally posted by DanB:
I should clarify my position.
I am not against foreign made stuff, just pro-American made. Yes, the lines are getting more blurred, but I think part of that is the consumer's fault. Goodyear apparently owns Dunlop, but most Godyears are American made while most Dunlops are Japanese made.
All I seem to read here is Kumho, Nitto, Sumitomo, Yokohama, etc.! I would rather trust my life riding on Goodyears rather than tires from these smaller and probably less technologically advanced companies. Many of you guys seem to be buying the Kumhos, etc., based on price rather than long term value and quality.
Michelin does make a very fine tire, and I would consider purchasing that brand.
However, I guess, my point is that we should be more concerned about patronizing our own industries rather than the foriegn competition. We are getting bombarded with foreign made products, but our American made products are essentially banned from sale in countries like Japan.
DanB,
There will always be people who buy based solely on price.
However, looking at the 24 tires I have at my house right now (yes three cars, two sets each), I have 20 Japanese made tires and 4 made in USA. The Michelins were made in the USA, the 8 Firestone Firehawk SZ 50 EP's were made in Japan, as were the 12 Dunlop SP5000's.
The sad part is, why aren't the best passenger car tires in the world (as far as performance goes) made in the USA.
Yes, some have made their choice based on price. Others have chosen the best of class, and it is not a Goodyear.
I look at the ratings at tirerack with respect to handling and performance, and I've yet to see a Goodyear listed as #1.
TB
