I have a laser red '03 G35 Coupe 6mt that came with Michelin Pilots. Great tires, but the roar from the cupping became unbearable. They lasted 20,00 miles.

For replacements, I purchased some Avon Tech M550s (225/45/18 Front and 245/45/18 in the rear) from a local tire dealer. I believe he went through Tire Rack, since that is where I found the tires. Total price for the Avons (Incl shipping/balancing) was about $700, which is $300-$400 less than the Michelin Pilots. The ride is better with the Avons, but handling is not quite as good. The handling was crisper with the Pilots, and the car stuck to the pavement ALL the time.

When I push the car to its limit, Avons are a little sloppier. You don't notice it unless you are pushing the car (i.e. Taking the 35mph off-ramp at 60-65mph)

90% of the time, the Avons are a great tire. Great ride and good handling. But for that 10% of the time when I'm pushing the car, I miss the Pilots.

 

I was just thinking of the Avon's for my 03 sedan but not the all season. I've heard the regular Avon's are a LITTLE better.

 

I also heard that the Avon 500 were more performance oriented and noticeably better than the 550. But that came from only one opinion. The 500 is probably worth looking at.

 

Avons are great tires, very popular in Europe but tend to be a bit soft in the sidewalls i think because they are not a US compound and designed for the roads overseas... They make incredible motorcycle tires, after i put a set on my old bike, i never put another brand on it