Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
This is a high performance "summer" tyre designed for wet and dry driving conditions. These tyres are in the stock size 205-45-16, and has a unidirectional tread pattern on them. Black in colour.
This is an excellent tyre! It grips very well in wet weather (much better than the Turanza's), and is more quiet on the road than the previous tyre also. When the outside temperature is cold, the tyre almost has a "flat" spot, but once the tyre reaches operating temperature, it's fine. When going into a tight turn, I can feel the sidewall rolling over a little bit, but the overall grip of the tire compound is excellent. With the previous tyre, I could hear the tire start to howl before the grip gave out. This tyre doesn't scream, and is very difficult to break traction under spirited driving.
My previous Bridgestone Turanza had to be replaced at 15,000 miles (yeah I was kinda hard on them), but I really expected better mileage out of them. The Goodyear has a better traction rating (and it shows!), but it also has a better wear rating too. I haven't bought a Goodyear tyre since the middle eighties, but if this is an indication of where Goodyear is going, I'm impressed. I would definitely put these Eagles on the top of my shopping list next time (hopefully longer than the 14 month Turanza's). Oh, and I bought these tyres from Tire Rack (something I hadn't done before), but the reviews that I read there really sold me on this tyre.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97
195/50R15
Holy Moly, what a grip! Even on wet roads, these tires stick like flypaper. The directional tread cuts through puddles so the car doesn't even feel them--it's amazing! There's no noise, and the ride is smooth. The car has a mildly aggressive alignment, and with these tires the only thing that limits cornering is my nerves. The F1's are affected by ruts and ridges more than I'd like, but all the positives far outweigh that. They look as aggressive as they perform. I have them on Borbet Type H 15x7 rims.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3. High-performance street tire.
First set, after six previous sets of Toyo T1-S tires. 3500mi put on them, so far.
Review: Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 tires At about $85ea, this tire is a very good value. For a high-performance street tire, it's a great match for the Miata. Similar to the Toyo T1-S in most respects, with a bit more stability through corners, a bit sharper turn-in, a tad less ride quality and less noise. Very high wet grip, and exceptional dry grip bested by only a few other street tires. At nearly 3500mi driven on them, so far, they appear to be wearing well enough to last over 15Kmi (with much spirited driving). Sticky enough for autocross, though these won't vie for the top spot compared to R-compound tires. My six previous tires have been the Toyo T1-S in all flavors of 15in sizing. This tire is every bit the performance equal of the T1-S. For me, the F1 GS-D3 tires rank with the top handful of street tires for the Miata. Nice tire that is everything Goodyear claims them to be. Would consider purchasing again.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 +
Goodyear Eagle F1 DS-D3 in 195/50/15
Chose this tire becuase of its good reviews and $50 rebate from Goodyear. Much better tire than the stock Michelins on my 99. Tremendous amount of grip but slower turn in than the Michelins. Cool tread pattern is the icing on the cake.
Excellent tire in the wet and dry. Transforms the way the car handles. Can't go wrong with this tire.
Not an installed item
The performance ability of this tire really suprised me. I think this tire is designed as a high milage, "performance-look" tire. They came on the car when I bought it. When I looked at the treadwear rating on the sidewall (which I think is over 400), I figured they would handle poorly. Fortunatly, I was pleasantly suprised. They have decent dry grip, are predictable at the limit, and sipe away water sufficiently for high speed stabability on highways. Unfortunatly, the hard compound becomes evident when trying to pull out of wet intersections. A delicate right foot is required to keep traction.
If you drive a lot of miles, and need a low profile tire that will last for a while, I would recomend these tires. Thier performance won't set the world on fire, but they hold their own. I've owned performance tires from Good Year, Pirelli, Yokahama, Michelin, BF Goodrich, and Dunlop ( all in only 7 years: I'm only 23 yrs old!). These are on par with the competition.
| Back to Wheel & Tire Reviews | 31 July, 2005 |