Firestone Tires Review: Brand Guide

About Firestone Tires

Established in 1900, Firestone has grown to become one of the most popular tire manufacturers in the world.

It was purchased by Bridgestone in 1988. And it has been operating under this brand up to today.  

Firestone currently takes up approximately 7% of tire sales in North America, making it one the biggest tire companies in the region and the world at large.

Firestone manufactures replacement tires for SUVs, trucks and cars. Its tires are available in almost all sizes and they are a reliable choice for the everyday driver looking for a budget-friendly tire option.

Most Popular Firestone Tires

Firestone manufactures tires for almost all types of vehicles. Whether you are looking for all-season tires, high-performance tires, winter tires or highway terrain tires, there is a high chance you will find a Firestone tire that fits your vehicle.

Also, Firestone manufactures tires for almost all types of vehicles including trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and passenger vehicles, among others. Some of its most popular tires include:

Firestone Destination A/T2

The Firestone Destination AT/2 is an all-terrain tire, designed to deliver year-round traction as well as a comfortable and cozy on-road driving experience.

Engineered for vans, SUVs, and trucks, this tire was released to replace the Destination AT, which was equally a capable performer.

According to Firestone, this tire is built to deliver outstanding wet performance combined with superb off-road traction. Some of its key features include:

Optimized Tread Compound

Firestone has provisioned this tire with a resilient tread compound, featuring L.L. Carbon black.

This combination enables the tire to deliver enhanced traction on wet surfaces as well as longer tread life.

Furthermore, its sturdy and rugged tread compound also helps the tire to resist abrasions and cuts, especially during off-road driving.

Its tread pattern features a continuous center rib, which helps to boost steering responsiveness while providing improved handling on dry roads.

The Destination AT/2 also comes with wider circumferential grooves as well as additional sipes, which help to prevent the risk of hydroplaning, thus improving the tire’s wet traction.

Rugged Shoulder Tread Pattern

If you take a closer look at this tire, you will notice that the tread blocks extend to its shoulders. And this design helps to increase its traction on a wide range of terrains.

So, even if you encounter muddy conditions during your off-roading escapades, you can trust this tire to get your vehicle moving.

Also, this tread design helps to boost the tire’s traction on ice and deep snow.

Interlocking 3D Sipe Technology

Similar to other premium tires from this manufacturer, the Destination AT/2 features Firestone’s exclusive Interlocking 3D Sipe technology. This technology helps to boost the tire’s traction in deep mud.

Apart from its outstanding driving performance, this tire also delivers a comfortable and smooth on-road driving experience, without the usual noise that you will find in the majority of all-terrain tires.

If you are looking for an all-terrain tire that delivers outstanding off-road performance, great on-road experience and a long-lasting tread, then the Destination AT/2 will be a decent choice.

Firestone Transforce HT

The Firestone Transforce HT is an all-season tire, specifically engineered for light trucks and various types of commercial vehicles.

It’s built to deliver reliable year-round traction, long tread life and a comfortable ride. Drivers who have used this tire claim it’s a great all-around tire, which lasts longer than most of the others in its category. Other reasons for choosing this tire include:

Impressive Stability and Steering Response

Its computer-designed symmetric tread pattern combined with the continuous center rib enables this tire to deliver increased stability and responsive steering, even when your vehicle is moving at high speeds.

Firestone has also outfitted this tire with intermediate tread blocks and notched shoulders, which provide superior cornering performance and stability both on wet and dry pavement.

Dependable Wet Performance

It also comes with 4 wide circumferential grooves, which help to evacuate water from its surface, thus increasing its wet traction. At the same time, the added sipes on its face provide biting edges, thus improving its traction on light snow.

Great Ride Quality

Firestone has also furnished this tire with its proprietary 5-degree noise reduction technology, designed to eliminate road noise while improving its overall ride quality.

Should You Buy the Firestone Transforce HT?

The Firestone Transforce HT is a highly dependable tire, which will deliver outstanding stability and traction on wet and dry roads, a comfortable and smooth ride as well as great cornering and stability at high speeds.

If you drive a van, a pickup, or a commercial vehicle and you are looking for an all-terrain tire that can haul heavy loads, then the Transforce HT will be a reliable choice.

Destination LE3

The Destination LE3 is an all-season tire, designed for SUVs, crossovers and light trucks.

According to Firestone, this new model comes with several improvements, compared to the previous version.

First, Firestone claims that it delivers better performance in wet and rainy conditions as well as improved snow performance.

It also comes with 10,000 more miles on its treadwear warranty, which is certainly welcome. So, how does this Firestone all-season tire perform in different conditions?

Dry Tarmac

Its performance on dry tarmac is nothing short of outstanding. Its steering on dry roads is responsive and assured.

Furthermore, its traction on dry pavement is equally impressive. And this can be attributed to its improved tread compound.

Its cornering grip is also excellent, even when the vehicle is cruising at higher speeds. And with its short stopping distances, you will struggle to find an all-season tire that delivers such an impressive dry performance at this price point.

Wet and Slippery Roads

If you live in an area that rains frequently, then you will need a tire that can provide superior traction on wet and slippery roads.

And this is where the Destination LE3 comes in. It feels solid on wet and slippery surfaces, without instances of understeer or oversteer.

Firestone has equipped this tire with its exclusive Hydro-Grip technology, featuring an optimized tread pattern, and open shoulder slots. This technology helps the tire to resist hydroplaning, for superior traction on wet and slippery roads.

Snowy Roads

Considering the Destination LE3 is an all-season tire, you may probably expect it to struggle on snow-covered roads.

However, that’s not the case. Unlike the previous iteration that used to struggle on light snow, this new model does a great job.

Its handling and traction are both remarkable in moderate and mild snowy conditions. Its braking in light snowy conditions is superb and handles corners with ease.

However, you should note that the Destination LE3 is not a winter or snow tire. As much as it may handle light snowy conditions comfortably, its performance in harsh winter conditions will be disappointing.

Hence, if your area experiences heavy snowing several times in a year, then it will be highly advisable to use a dedicated winter or snow tire.

Ride Quality

The Destination LE3 delivers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. It absorbs road imperfections such as potholes and bumps with ease.

Also, road noise is almost non-existent, even when you are driving at highway speeds.

However, its ride quality is not as refined as you may expect, especially when you encounter roads with numerous potholes.

Should You Buy the Destination LE3?

If you own a crossover, SUV or truck and you are looking for a pocket-friendly all-season tire that will deliver an impressive performance in almost all conditions, then the Destination LE3 will be a nice choice.

Firehawk Indy 500

The Firehawk Indy 500 is an ultra-high performance summer tire, built for high-performance sedans, coupes, and sports cars.

According to Firestone, the Indy 500 is built for drivers who are looking for a performance tire that can provide enhanced responsiveness, better grip, as well as assured braking.

With that being said, how does this tire perform in different conditions and surfaces? Let’s take a closer look.

Dry Pavement

The Indy 500 is mainly a summer tire. Therefore, you should expect it to impress when driven on dry pavement.

Well, it doesn’t disappoint on dry pavement. Its performance is surprisingly impressive, for a tire that comes at such an affordable price.

Its steering response is crisp, even when you are driving on winding roads and maneuvering tight corners.

Also, its traction on dry roads is nothing short of remarkable. And this explains why a considerable number of drivers continue to prefer this tire over its competition.

Wet and Slippery Roads

Since the Indy 500 is a summer tire, most people will expect its performance on wet and slippery roads to be poor.

But that’s not the case. It puts in a great performance on damp roads. Its great performance on wet roads can be attributed to the 3 wide grooves on its surface, which channel water away and help it to resist hydroplaning.

Firestone has also equipped this tire with its advanced Pulse Groove Technology, which helps to enhance the tire’s grip and traction on wet pavement while increasing its steering response.

While some premium ultra-high performance tires may deliver better performance on wet roads, what gives the Indy 500 an edge over the competition is its reasonable price.

Should You Buy the Indy 500?

Overall, the Indy 500 achieves what most other tires in its category have failed to do. It delivers one of the best all-around performances.

In fact, its performance is almost comparable to that of premium tires in its class. And considering that it comes at a lower price point, it will be hard to find another high-performance tire that can outshine the Indy 500.

Firestone WeatherGrip

If you usually drive your vehicle through varying conditions and surfaces, then you will need an all-weather tire.

But this doesn’t mean you can buy any all-weather tire that you come across. You will need a tire that can provide outstanding traction on different surfaces while delivering a safe and comfortable ride.

And that tire is none other than the Firestone WeatherGrip. Let’s take a closer look at how this tire performs in different conditions.

Dry Performance

As expected, the Firestone WeatherGrip performs excellently on dry pavement. It grips the road well, even when you are driving on twisty roads.

It also delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, whether you are driving in the city or cruising on the highway. However, its road noise is slightly noticeable, especially when the vehicle is moving at highway speeds.

Wet Performance

As noted above, the Firestone WeatherGrip is engineered to be used in different weather conditions. so, how does it perform on wet pavement?

Overall, its performance on wet and slippery surfaces is exceptional. Its hydroplaning resistance is one of the best in the category.

Furthermore, its cornering on wet roads is confident and predictable while its braking distances are short.

Snowy Roads

If your encounter roads covered with light snow during your commute, then this tire’s performance will surprise you.

Its performance on snowy roads is one of the best, compared to other all-weather grand-touring tires.

While its performance may not be perfect, it will get the job done. Furthermore, the Firestone WeatherGrip comes with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning it has been tested and approved to be used in harsh winter conditions.

Should You Buy the Firestone WeatherGrip?

With the Firestone WeatherGrip, you are getting a tire that will deliver responsive steering control, outstanding traction on light snow, excellent traction on dry pavement as well as assured control and handling.

Warranties and Guarantees

Tires are not cheap to replace. And you may want them to last as possible. Unfortunately, they may sometimes wear out prematurely or they may not last as long as advertised.

Fortunately, most tires come with warranties, designed to provide some relief to the buyer. And Firestone tires are no exception.

Firestone offers several types of warranties and guarantees, which may help to defray the costs when it’s time to replace the tire. They include:

Buy and Try Guarantee

All tires from this brand sold in sets of 4 come with a 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee.

So, if you are not 100% satisfied with your set of 4 Firestone tires, then you are free to return them where you originally purchased them, within 30 days of purchase.

Once you return them, you will get a full refund or an exchange, as long as you produce the original proof of purchase.

Run-flat tires, spare tires, winter tires, and OEM tires for new vehicles are not eligible for this guarantee.

Firestone Gold Pledge Limited Warranty

This warranty covers all light truck and passenger tires from this brand, apart from temporary use tires and winter tires.

Under this warranty, Firestone offers to replace a tire with a comparable new one, if the tire becomes unserviceable or unusable, arising from the company’s workmanship and materials defect.

If the tire develops a defect within the first 3 years from the date of purchase or 4 years from the manufacture date, then Firestone offers to replace the tire for free, with a comparable new one.

The replacement will also include free mounting and balancing. However, you may have to pay applicable taxes and related service charges like disposal fees.

And if the tire develops a defect after the free replacement period is over, then the replacement will be done on a prorated basis, for up to 5 years from the purchase date.

Under the pro-rated basis, you will be required to cover a certain amount of the replacement cost, depending on the percentage of original tread worn off the tire.

This percentage is then multiplied by the dealer’s current selling price. Your credit will then be applied when you purchase a new set of Firestone tires.

For example, your Firestone All-Season tire may develop a workmanship or materials defect, 4 years from the purchase date.

Assuming that the percentage of original tread worn off the tire is 60% and the tire is currently retailing at $100, then your replacement cost will be $60 per tire. Firestone will then pay the remaining $40 per tire.

It’s important to note that the tire will only be replaced if it’s not worn more than 2/32 inch of its original usable tread.

Winter and Spare Tires Warranty

Firestone winter and spare tires also come with a workmanship and materials warranty. Hence, if your tire becomes unusable or unserviceable due to a workmanship or materials defect, then Firestone will replace it.

However, you should note that winter and spare tires don’t have a free replacement period. Instead, the replacement will be done on a prorated basis.

The prorated amount is obtained by multiplying the percentage of used treadwear on the tire by the dealer’s current selling price.

The buyer is responsible for mounting and balancing charges as well as applicable taxes, service charges and disposal fees.

Tires shouldn’t be worn more than 2/32 of the original usable tread for them to be eligible. Coverage extends for 5 years from the purchase date or 6 years from the date of manufacture.

Supplemental Mileage Warranty

Some Firestone tires also come with a supplemental mileage warranty. Under this warranty, Firestone offers to replace your tire, if it’s worn evenly across its surface down to its last 2/32 inch before it attains the advertised mileage.

All replacements under this warranty are done on a prorated basis. Coverage for the tires extends for up to 5 years, from the purchase date.

The buyer’s pro-rated purchase price will be obtained by multiplying the percentage of warranted mileage the tire has delivered by the dealer’s current selling price.

For instance, the Firestone All Season comes with a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty. Assuming that wears out completely after only delivering 39,000 miles, then the tire has only delivered 60% of the warranted mileage.

And if the tire is currently going for $100, then you will only have to pay $60 while Firestone will cover the balance of $40 per tire.

Apart from paying part of the replacement cost, the buyer will also have to pay mounting and balancing fees, as well as applicable taxes and other service charges.

Possible Warranty Exclusions

As much as Firestone offers to replace tires that wear out prematurely or become unusable due to a manufacturer’s defect, some tires may not be replaced. Some of the possible exclusions under Firestone’s limited warranty include damage caused by:

• Road hazards
• Improper maintenance
• Improper operation or application
• Improper repair
• Degradation or contamination by chemicals, heat or other elements
• Weather elements

Also, tires used in commercial service are not covered by Firestone’s limited warranty, except the Firestone Transforce series.

Firestone Tires vs. Other Tire Manufacturers

Firestone has been manufacturing and selling tires for more than 100 years. And during that time, a couple of other tire manufacturers have come and gone.

Therefore, it will be safe to assume there is something this brand is doing right, to have kept it in business for such a long time. So, what sets this brand apart from the competition?

Brand Recognition

Firestone is, without a doubt, one of the most popular tire manufacturers not only in the U.S but also in the whole world at large.

Whether you are in Europe, North America, South America, Asia or any other region, there is a high chance you will come across a Firestone tire.

And having been in the industry for such a long time, Firestone knows how to create the right tire for each specific vehicle.

Its wide brand recognition, combined with its tire manufacturing expertise is one of the reasons why millions of people across the globe opt for Firestone tires.

Vast Selection of Tires

When shopping for tires, you will come across different types and models such as touring tires, all-season tires, mud-terrain tires, summer tires, performance tires and winter tires, just to name a few.

Unfortunately, some tire manufacturers don’t produce some tire types and sizes. But with Firestone, you are almost certain of finding a tire that fits your vehicle, regardless of the type or size.

And this is probably one of the reasons why most people opt to stick with Firestone tires, instead of the other options on the market.

Focus on Durability

Another factor that sets Firestone apart from its competitors, is the durability and longevity of its tires.

Its tires are among the most durable you can find on the market today. So, when you purchase a Firestone tire, you are more than assured of getting value for your money.

Affordability

Despite being one of the most recognized tire brands in the world today, Firestone has always ensured its tires remain affordable.

Despite its tires’ outstanding durability and top-notch performance, they remain affordable for most people.

With Firestone tires, you will be getting a high-quality and top-performing tire, without having to spend too much of your money.

Cost of Firestone Tires

Firestone is considered a mid-range tire brand. And as you may expect, its tires are considerably cheaper than premium brands like Goodyear, Michelin, and Dunlop.

For instance, a mid-range all-season tire costs approximately $100 to $300.

If you were to purchase the Firestone Destination LE3 all-season tire, then you will spend around $122 to $270, which is well within this range.

Firestone Tires Pros

• Reasonably-priced tires
• Great all-around performance
• Vast selection of types and sizes

Firestone Tires Cons

• Limited performance options

Our Take

Firestone tires deliver a perfect blend of comfort, safety, affordability as well as reliable, all-around performance. What sets it apart from other mid-range tire brands is its focus on quality and dependability, regardless of the model. One downside that some buyers have noted is the tires have a shorter tread life, compared to others from the same category. But overall, Firestone remains an excellent choice for drivers who are looking for basic everyday passenger and light truck tires.