Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Toyo T1-S Proxes on 2001 Miata LS 205/45/16
This tires are incredible!! It's a summer tire only. I have Blizzak LM-22's for winter. I have had other Bridgestone and Kuhmo Ecsta Supras on this car and these Toyo's are in a league of their own.
No doubt you pay more for the Toyo's but they have what few ultra performance tires have. Not only do they handle, grip and brake incredibely (in dry and wet) they are also a relatively comfortable ride. These tires have softer sidewalls than most but yet have to same treadwear as the Yoko AVS. These are the first tires that make my Miata feel stable and confident/planted at speeds over 80mph. Very satisfied with purchase even at $150 per tire.. Is the ride too harsh? NO, unless you are driving on horrible roads most of the time.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Ultra High Performace Radial Tire 205/40/ZR17
Appearance: These are low profile tires mounted on 17" rims. The Proxes T1-S has a uni-directional tread that is unique and very aggressive. The "on the car" look is great, generating very positive response from everyone who sees the car. The "wow" factor on the driveway is 5 out of 5. Driving Performance: These are marketed as Ultra High Performance tires that have exceptionally good wet and dry traction. I replaced stock 15" Michelin Pilot Sport's on my LS and readily admit they were well past their prime. Although I don't race on the Autobahn; I drive my car daily over varied surfaces, and like to drive the car agressively wet or dry pavement. These tires give great feedback of the road surface, they will create road noise on certain pavement surfaces but are very quiet on others. Handling is excellent with no fear of losing adhesion in a fast corner, switchback or freeway on ramp even when I may be moving at close to twice the posted speed. Performance is 5 out of 5.
I would not hesitate to purchase these tires again although I am interested in trying the Falken Azenis and the Yoko Parada S to see how they compare. I did look at both these other tire prior to makeing the decision to move ahead with the Toyo's based on feedback from other drivers.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter
TOYO T1-S PROXES 195/50/15
First TOYO product ever purchased.
Unlike some reviews, I found the tires to enchance steering substantially. Turn-in is quick and imparts a little more oversteer than my previous Fuldas. Grip is phenominal(wet/dry) while providing a super ride (considering the tires true purpose). I can see how the hardcore auto-crossers may find the sidewall a little soft but hey......I drive my car daily. For some one that enjoys spirited driving while still requireing an acceptable ride , these are the ones. Also, FM has said on their website that these are their favorite tires right now and they tend to know their stuff in all circles.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Performance tyre designed especially for the MX5/Miata/Roadster
Fitted a month ago and despite the fitter setting one of the pressures on 38psi (I) The difference it's made to the car has been superb. I was considering GD-3's but these weigh in at 2lbs lighter a corner so went for them instead. the tread pattern is awesome and the price was pretty good (we pay lower prices in the UK than our American counterparts) so worked out to less than £160 (or $240) for all 4. Have opted for 205/50/15's rear and 195/50/15's rear due to an upcoming SC install
The tyre walls are soft so I run 28 psi instead of the normal 26. Regardless the roadnoise is still significantly less than with my P6000's
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
High performance tire that performs great in both wet and dry.
I love my proxes. The only small problem I have with them is that I got less than 10,000 miles on my pair, but I drove them pretty hard.
Do not doubt the power of the proxes check out this link http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-article?article_id=3401 Just copy paste it if it isn't clickable.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Update to previous review.
After living with these tires for 2 months, I noticed the slow turn-in as well but... After installing the Flyin' Miata Stage 2 suspension kit (springs, KYB shocks, sways, shock tower brace) the turn-in is greatly improved. These tires really achieve a whole new level with a stiffer setup. The soft sidewalls provide a quiet comfortable ride and light weight. The stiffer springs, shocks and sways provide the crispness and response without harshness. I am quite happy with these tires and would recommend them to anyone with a stiffer than stock setup.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Max performance tires for street driving in size 195/50/15.
These are superb tires. The grip, noise level and ride comfort are all excellent. Considering the quality level, the price is very reasonable. They even have a functional rim protector. The sidewall rubber protrudes just enough to protect my new Rota Circuit 8s (15 x 6.5) from curb rash. The performance in the rain is also excellent. I feel very confident driving the car in wet conditions and through standing water.
An excellent tire that is also light and easy to live with. A treadwear rating of 280 means I won't be replacing them too often.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Toyo Proxes T1-S (205/50/15) Performance Tires.
Compared to my stock Michelin Pilot SX-GT's these tires have superior grip in wet or dry conditions and a smoother and more quiet ride. Life was on the order of 23k miles compared to 27k miles for the Michelin's. However, the Toyo's were not nimble at all (very slow turn in) due to flimsy sidewalls. With the Michelin tires you flicked the steering wheel and the car was there. With the Toyo's you flick the wheel, wait for the tires to react, then the car changes direction, then you straighten the wheel, then wait for the tires again, an so on.
I bought the Toyo's because of the great reviews on this site. I regret it. To me the Miata is all about nimbleness not all out speed or grip. The Michelin tires meet this criteria much better than the Toyo's. Since the Michelin tires have been discontinued I have since installed Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Positions. The S-03's seem to have all of the attributes of the Toyo's with better turn in but not as sharp as the Michelin's.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter
Toyo T1S tires in the size of 195-55-14
Yikes! third post... I returned the tires to the people I bought them from. This due to the severe shimmy that was occuring at 62mph+. I even spent the big$ to have the tires "road force" balanced.
3 of the tires were manufactured in the same month and 1 was a different month. I tried and tried to get Toyo to replace them but since I mail ordered them, it turned out that local vendors would not touch them...(can you blame them?). Anyway, all went back. I could of lived with the slow turn in etc. but I did not like going down the freeway getting a massage. The road force machine measures the tires and yes they were bad. "in the red zone". One was really bad but the other 3 were not so good either. So, I am out $100 in balance costs...:-( The tech even said after he "balanced" them "Good luck". while shaking his head. I think that he felt bad. Live and learn I guess. I hope it isn't a hassle getting them to refund my credit card! FM
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter
Toyo T1S tires 195-55-14
I want to back up my earlier post since I am not as happy as I was when I first got the tires. It has been raining here in Seattle for a long time now and the tires worked great then but we had a couple of dry days and it went out and tested the tires out...They are very "wishywashy" in the sidewall..Not really a good tire for all out performance(IMHO)Too slow a turn in and slow to take a set on transitions. They are quiet and have good grip but it just feels like they are sorta flat(I run 31psi cold). Definately NOT the "Sharpest edge" to go carving up windy roads with...Oh well..Maybe I will give them to my New G-Friend..:-(
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter
195-55-14
So far so good
As street tires, I am very happy with them. Very quiet compared with stock tires that came on the 94R that I just purchased. Breakaway is very smooth in both the wet and dry. Limits high and tire feel is good enough to know when you are approaching the limit. Got them for $88us+ $8 shipping. Happy with them so for but only had them on for a few days. They were pretty slippery until I slid them a few times to clean them off. A little more $ than some other offerings but an extra $120 a set is not that big of a deal for such a quiet tire. FM
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Toyo T1S "balanced" high performance tires. $125 each installed.
Didn't want to take a chance messing up the car so I stuck with the 195x50-15. After 6 weeks of testing I am very impressed. (Note: only tested on dry pavement).
Tires great at all speeds. Whisper quiet on highway and low speed high "g" turns. Tires unaffected by road surface irregularities even at speed (grooves / expansion joints). Never hunts. Balanced on center feel. Excellent grip. Very predictable. Instant response. The perfect balance between handling and comfort.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Ultra High Performance Summer Tire in a 205 45ZR16 size mounted on Rota Circuit 8 wheels.
One word: WOW. My car is a base 2000, so when I removed the stock 14" wheels with Toyo Observe G-02 winter rubber (highly recommended too!) and replaced them with the summer Toyo's the car was transformed. Specifically, the tires perform very well, seemingly limitless traction, and they are quiet. MUCH better than the stock Yokohamas in 185 70R14. About $225 Cdn each. Highly recommended!
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '90 - '97 1.6 liter
a new release from Toyo 195x45/R14 77V
I'd planned to get a set of Bridgestone RE71s to replace the Dunlop's on my '92. I knew that they came for 14" rims -- and I wanted to keep the lightweight BBS rims that were stock with my car -- and I wanted a tire that I could drive as well as do an occasional autoX. The RE71s were NOS so i called Bill Cardell at Dealer Alternative for other suggestions. He said that the new Toyo release was exceptional, although "pricey."
Toyo was apparently a little optimistic about their release date because it took nearly six weeks to get the tires. (Dealer Alternative, by the way, was as helpful and cooperative as anyone could ever ask throughout.) But I'm very glad I followed Bill's advice. I've had the tires on for a week now, and they are making me look like a good driver! That may be an overstatement, but the improvement over my Dunlop's is remarkable.
The first think I noticed is the precision and eagerness of the turn in on the tires. I can throw the car around as hard as I dare and the grippiness is sure and confident. When the edge of traction is being approached, the tires communicate their intention gradually and steadily. When they let go it is progressive and smooth so that it is easy to steer by throttle. I'm very impressed -- and I'm glad becase $123/pop is too much for something that is just "adequate." This purchase was well worth it.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '90 - '97 '99 +
215/45/15 V-Rated tires
i got these to go along with my 15x7 Volk TE-37 and i love them! they are just as good in the wet as they are on dry ground! the tread wear rating is pretty high considering it's a hi-po tire. price, on the other hand... too high! i paid $170 a tire! i'm not made of $$$ so, next time i'll get something a little more reasonable, even if these are the best tires i've ever owned.
performance good.
price bad.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Toyo Proxes T1-S Tires (Toyo Tire Company)
Applicable to '90 - '97 1.8 liter
Proxes T1-s , 195/45-15
I will be brief and use a 1-10 scale rating.
Value - $123. - 9.0
Appearance - Either a 1.0 or a 10.0 - They are agressive and different.
Living in Florida, I must always consider the consequences of driving in the rain. This is the first tire I have driven that renders true performance, wet or dry.
If you need more than these tires have to give, you'll also need to go to a racing tire.
Just don't drive in the rain.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
TOYO T1-S 195/40 15
Selected as part of conversion to Panasport 15X7 wheels
WOW-the handling improvement in both dry and wet is incredible. Looking back in a heavy rain, the tire tracks look almost dry! This size(+1) seemed to have none of the ride deteriation of larger sizes with side wall reenforcement talked about in tite reviews.Added bonus -a rim protector built into the sidewall to protect my nice new wheels!
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Toyo Proxes T-1 205-50-15
I'm an experienced SCCA "Old" racer and to me tires are extremely important. I do not care too much for the longevity of mileage, but look instead at the performance characteristics of the tire...how they perform in the dry for maximum adhesion and the wet. I've now found a new favorite to put on my Miata.
Thanks to Kevin Lakkis of the Toyo Tire Corporation I have been testing a set of Toyo Proxes T-1's in 205-50-15's. I replaced the BF. Goodrich Comp ZR T/A's with them and have had no prior experience with the Toyo brand. No expectations either. I am very surprised!!! The T-1's grip extremely well both in the dry and in the wet!!! Tire/road communication is excellent!! I have noticed little tread noise and the performance envelope of my modified "R" had been greatly enhanced due to the tires alone.
Everyday driving on the streets have subjected them to my aggressive driving habits in the dry and rain, and I can truely say I love these tires!! Confidence inspiring with little ride penalty. The side walls are stiff to enhance the dry performance, but I found they gave an acceptable ride and were not harsh at all. I will say though, that these tires are sensative to air pressure. Make sure you adjust the pressure accordingly to your suspension and driving style. I first had too much air in them and found that they understeered rather badly. Once I found the magical 31lbs of pressure, I marveled at the grip!!! As you all know the Miata is sensative to wheel/tire weight, and the T-1's did not upset the balance of the car at all. They took little balancing weights and I experienced none of the dreaded 65MPH shimmy!!! On the highway they never followed the rain grooves and track straight and true, and in the rain they disapated water very well...traction in the rain was however reduced, but not significantly so..not like my old favorite the Yokohama AVS's. The Toyo's were much better in both the dry and the rain than any tire I've had on my "R" so far...and those of you that know me..know that I've had several sets of the latest and greatest tires on my car before the T-1's!!!
I had the opportunity to also drive on Laguna Seca with them and I can say that they were absolutely fantastic. Very communicative, predictable sliding at the edge...with smooth ultra quick transitions!! By the end of the day you could tell you were beating them hard, but the wear was minimal. Again, minor air pressure adjustments allowed the tire to perform fantastically!!!
I do not know what the cost of the T-1's are, but when they wear out, I will buy another set no matter what it is!!! The combination of dry and wet performance has sold me on these tires!!! Help the performance of you Miata out and get a set of these tires!!!..IMNHO...
Back to Product Reviews | 29 May, 2004 |