General

General Exclaim UHP

[7/19/2011] Reviewed by: Paul Mason

Applicable to: '99-'05 '06+ 1.8 liter

General Exclaim UHP 195/50 15

I hate these tires. Admittedly, I was looking for a performance tire, which these are decidedly not. I've owned two Miata's, the current a 2000 LS I bought new. I have over 90k miles on it now. It came with Michelin Pilot Sports that were great. When they wore out I put on a pair of Bridgestone Potenza S-02's. Also very nice, but they flat-spotted one winter (while parked for 4 months = stupid) and were never the same after. Now I put on the Generals based on the positive reviews. Guys, I just don't get it. The sidewalls are Buick soft. They roll over screaming at the first steering input. The ultimate grip is WAY lower than the earlier two tires. Throttle inputs while cornering are really spooky; more slip angle change than I've ever experienced before. They do have great hydroplaning resistance and are comfy and quiet. Conclusion: do you want a cheap comfy tire for cruising around? Get these. Do you ever plan to drive aggressively? Stay away.

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General Exclaim UHP

[3/20/2011] Reviewed by: Jon Weinberg

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99-'05 '06+ 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

(this is a follup review to the one I submitted on 10/6/2008)

I now have about 31,000 miles on these tires and the probably have another 3-5,000 left on them. I still think they are fantastic tires for the money. They still ride comfortably, turn on a dime, and as they wear down to the wear bars they are only marginally noisier than they were new. They may be getting to the end of their run as Tire Rack recently had them on closeout and doesn't list them as available anymore (although I think you can still get them elsewhere). I will probably replace the ones I have with another set of them if I can. If not I'll probably go with a set of Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500s.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely

General Exclaim UHP

[9/8/2010] Reviewed by: Alan D.

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99-'05 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

195/50 15

At first, I was worried about buying cheap tires for my miata. I saw that these had good reviews on tire rack and tested well (especially considering the price), so I decided to get a set to put on my new 15" Kosei K1 Racing wheels. I've had them for about 1,500 miles and I've been very happy with them. They are quiet, and very comfortable (at 26 psi, the ride does get quite a bit harder at 29 psi). I've never had any complaints abou their handling, but I've also never autocrossed with these tires. Overall I've been very happy with these tires, and for the price, I don't think anything else compares.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely

General Exclaim UHP

[10/6/2008] Reviewed by: Jon Weinberg

Applicable to: '06+

General Exclaims are marketed as an ultra high performance (UHP) summer time, but on the sidewall it says M&S (mud and snow). They have a fairly agressive tread with angled grooves cut into the tread. I'm running size 215 45 R17, which are the next size up from the stock 205 45 R17s.

I've driven over 3000 on mine so far, much on a trip to Cape Breton Nova Scotia (including driving on the Cabot Trail). Have driven on them in both warm and cold weather, and through some torrential downpours (including the remnants of hurricanes Gustav and Hannah).

Compared to the OEM Michelin Preceedas which they replaced they are quieter, softer riding, handle as well dry, and far surpass the Preceedas in the rain. They do not become hard the colder it gets, which the Preceedas did. I suspect they will handle a light snow fine. I'm quite pleased with them - for the price they are a great value.

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General Exlaim UHP

[9/7/2007] Reviewed by: Bob Dziadzio - bayview@maine.rr.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Summer Tires

Very Favorable after 2000 miles.

These tires are a Miata Owner's dream: well-made, exceptional performance and relatively cheap, ((about $30-40 [each] less than comparable Toyo's). They replaced Michelin Pilot Exaultos which had serious balancing problems (65 mph shimmy). Normal balancing didn't produce the "shimmies" with the Generals. These are quiet, corner well and hold the road nicely in moderate rain. I would buy these again in a hearbeat.

Under 5 minutes to remove

General XP2000II

Reviewed by: Bryan Dover - bryandover@aol.com

P19560R14 Tires on my Mariner blue 92 Miata

These tires are for the 35 and up crowd who are afraid that their teeth will loose their fillings with some of the other "stiffer" tires on the market.... Also for those who shudder at the thought of every pothole methodically working your car into "rattle-dom". Hey, I'm all for performance, and on the track the other lower profile tires are great! But, let's be realistic here and realize that the majority of us  drive our little cars everywhere on roads that Reagan's gas taxes haven't helped. These tires are quiet,  reliable, and hold the road relatively well, even in tight corners. I have taken curves that have switched  the location of my kidneys without any complaints from these tires. They are EXCEPTIONAL in the rain, too! Are they a compromise? Certainly. But at my age, they are a blessing, too! Even if I buy   15" rims next time, these tires will get my nod (If a 60 series will still fit).