So I've done the research, many hours of reading. Some nonsense, a lot of good. Bottom line is I've got an '04 AT coupe with performance tire & wheel package. The OEM Pilot Sports are harsh, but damn, they handle great. I got 27k out of them and the rear indicator is about to bloom. Fronts still have around 1 - 3k on them, but they are just too distorted now and the ride / sound sucks. Time for new tires.

From all the research, it sounds like the way to go is with the Avon Tech 550 A/S. I don't race the car or go to a track, but I'm concerned about the handling capability of the Avons. Again, from the reviews, I wouldn't get anything other than the Pilot Sports if I was to go to a high performer.

So which would you choose?

 

To me there's only one choice......Michellins! When
I got my new wheels I knew I wouldn't go with
cheep tires. I called up the TireRack and ordered
Michellins Pilot Sport A/S tires. The tred depth looks
much deeper than the factory tires and the price was
right. LOL

 

I have the Avon 550's as my A/S set. They are as you say, not something you will take to the track. But for a daily driver, they are quiet, wear very well, and are a great value for what you get. Just dont expect razor sharp response, or sidewall stiffness because thats not what they do.

As a suggestion, I have been real happy with my Yokohama AVS ES100 in 225/45/18 as my summer ultra-performance. They are not too loud, and are very responsive. For $156 from tirerack, I think they are a good alternative to the Pilots.

 

You get what you pay for in tires unless they are made by old line domestic owned suppliers with high pension bills. They are forced to cut cost dramatically to still ship a product.

""So last year Goodyear had to contribute $264.6 million in cash to its plan (more than twice the level of the year before). Meanwhile, the plan's unfunded obligations have continued to swell, as the company approaches balance-sheet insolvency, with no tangible net worth at all."