[CoriolisSTORM]

Gents, I had to replace the horrible Firestones on my Caliber two weeks ago. If any of you have ever looked on Tire Rack, you've seen the wonderful quality stuff that's available in that size. </sarcasm> Anyway, there's finally a new choice available in the way of some Yokohama Avid TRZs in 215/55/R18 form. They're a touring tire and are supposed to wear better I think. So far, I am in love with them, the ride is better and they're quieter! No rain or snow (obviously...) driving in them yet, but I like them better than the Firehawks when they were new. As an FYI, I AM NEVER buying another Firestone POS after those things... My A/Ts on my Wrangler are quieter than them things, not to mention that ALL 4 were cupped... And No, I do not work with Yokohama OR Tire Rack. Final FYI, its a touring tire, so...

[cuemark8]

This is the first I posted since getting my new tires. Tire rack is a great place to shop, prices are all but impossible to beat. They also know their products. Anyhow, ifthey is a very limited amount of tires available in the 215/55/18. If you don't mind to change size there are many other choices in a 225/55/18 or even a 225/60/18 in you want to go bigger.
Gramps should take a look at this and move it the tire/wheel thread from previous posts. To CoroilisSTROm, go there and read the posts it's very informative.
The Firestones are junk they are so noisy and mine also cupped. I just installed Michelin Primacy MXV4 in a 225/60/18 they are a grand touring tire. Just awesome so far! So smooth and quiet. Knowing that the speedometer and odometer are off slightly due to the size increase I haven't noticed a change in MPG and they fit just fine.
I like the Compass a will always by American made vehicles but it is frustrating how much they nickle and dime and cut corners. That Firestone tire is crap. The price is cheap compared to even other tires in the same size. It's seems Chrysler brokers the cheapest price possible for tires, to bad the quality suffers as a result. The Firestones compared to the Michelin tire I just bought, it doesn't seem like there could be a wider difference in quality. It's as clear as night and day the difference between these tires.
Anyone with the 18" rims a tires should think about changing tires, you don't realize how bad they actually are! I think everyone should also complain to Chrysler. If Chrysler values quality and safety, you would think they would have wrapped the Compass and Patriot SUV's in something other than Firestone tires. Firestone tires ans SUV's don't seem to mix.

[CoriolisSTORM]

Firestone tires and SUVs don't match

To quote my beloved Wolfgang in my avatar, "Oh Snap!"

[Gramps]

It's nice to hear that there is a GOOD option on the original size! Not all 'stones are bad but the Firehawk definitely is!!

[PirateKatz]

How many wheel/tire options are there for the Compass from the factory? Are they dependent on model (ie, Sport vs. Limited) or are they a separate package?

If I recall, my Sport (2008) has 215/65-17 Goodyear Wrangler SR-A. Are these considered lower rung than the Firestones, since they're on the Sport? How do people generally feel about the Wranglers? Even though they get thoroughly trashed on the reviews at tirerack.com, I've been very happy with them. They might be a little loud on the highway but I've never had a car that handled so well in the snow.

[Gramps]

Compass:

The Sports standard tires were P215/60R17 Firestone Affinity- haven't heard any complaints on these.

Optional on the Sport were P215/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler SR-A - not a bad tire when new but as the tread wears down to about 4/32" can get a bit squirrely in rain and snow.

Optional on the Sport w/Rallye package and Standard on all Limiteds were the dreaded P215/55R18 Firestone Firehawks.

Patriot:

Standard on the Sport are P205/70R16 Goodyear Eagles - no feedback.

Standard on the Limited were the P215/60R17 Firestone Affinity - see above.

Optional on all were the P215/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler SR-A - see above.

[PirateKatz]

Thanks for the info!

[Elihawk]

Okay, my 08 Compass is only at 5K miles, so tire rotation #1 is the concern of the day. However, since the Firehawk tires aren't built for long life, are small and don't fill the tire wells and the Compass sits pretty low...what tires would you recommend that might solve these issues? Good tire that will last 50K, fills some of the gap in the tire wells and has the compass "up" abit...

I would appreciate any imput and those of you who have crossed this bridge, photos of your solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Gramps]

It really depends on your driving conditions. Go back to page 6 and have a look.

[ponderosa]

Michelin Primacy MXV4 225/60 18" was my choice with the stock wheel. Its not for off road use but gravel roads should be fine. I really hate having to work on anything anymore so hopefully I will sell the car with these tires!

The car drives a lot nicer, it sits a little higher and looks good.

John D.

[Tony1911]

Originally Posted by Gramps

17”

225/70R17” – 29.4" - Excellent selection Max

Has anyone actually tried these? This is a tire size I am interested in, but the overall diameter does sound rather big, assuming stock wheels and no spacers (which would be the whole point for going with 17" tires in the first place ).

[Argent33]

Anyone tried the Pirelli Scorpion A/T's? I see they offer them in 235/60/18 and are listed as an On/Off-Road All Terrain

(also would going up to that size mean I need to get my Compass re-flashed with new tire cals?)

[Gramps]

The dealer can only re-flash for up to the 28" Goodyear's that are optional on the Patriots. I had it done on mine just because they were only going to charge me less than $30 with the other stuff that I was having done. When the speedo reads 60 I'm really doing about 63/64.

I considered the Pirelli Scorpian A/T, just went cheaper because I was "testing" and I don't really have an endless supply of money.

[Argent33]

Hmmm

oh well - my firestones haven't died yet so I've got a while to hope maybe a better solution will come along

[Gramps]

225/55-18 have some nice options and only about 27.8" tall. The Tire Rack.