I purchased a set of Michelin Pilot Exaltos in 205/65R/15's for my dad's 04 Camry. The Camry came fitted stock with Continental Touring Contact AS tires which went 70k miles and still had tread left! These tires are like 50 bucks so I thought I'd spend a little more and get some safer and better performing tires, or so I thought... The Michelins were 96 bucks (plus mounting, etc) from Sears. I read up on both tires and the Michelins had far better reviews from users than the Continentals so the decision to upgrade to the Exaltos was pretty simple.

After getting my car back, the first thing I noticed was the noise level of the tires when I left the parking lot. I went over some small rocks and the tires kicked them up into the wheel well and it was pretty loud. The Continentals didn't do that at all. I also noticed that my acceleration was more sluggish and the brakes weren't as responsive as they used to be. To top it off, I average about 4 mpg less than I did with the Continentals. As for cornering, they might be a little better but it's hard to tell with the Camry since the suspension is so soft which limits you to how fast you can take a turn.

Has anyone had any experience with these tires? I'm not regretting my decision but was just surprised at the performance of the Exaltos compared to the cheaper Continentals.

 

Let them break in...

Firestone FTW

 

I'd be willing to bet the Exaltos are softer, hence picking up rocks, and fuel economy is suffering as well for the same reason. Like ajtcl said, drive them for a while and see if things improve.

I'm pretty sure this shouldn't be in Ramblings also. Maybe Car Talk.

 

:ibmovetocartalk:

 

One thing is for sure: the Exalto A/S are way better than the OEM MXM4s that came on the TL-S.

 

I just got a set of Michelin Hydroedge tires installed on Tuesday, sized P185/65R15. It was $510 for the entire set, "out-the-door," not including the $48.75 for a 4-wheel alignment. These were for a 96 Saturn SL2, BTW.

The tires are extremely quiet and the ride feels very "cushioned" and "isolated," despite inflating the pressure to 36F/32R, up from the previous 33F/29R, and much higher than the recommended 30F/26R.

I would definitely check your tire pressure and bump it up a few pounds. If all else fails, see if you can exercise Michelin's no-questions asked return policy (30 days) if you are still eligible.

 

The Pilot Exalto A/S are the best tires I have ever experienced...

I have had PS2's F1's Nokian WR's etc... on my TL, I bought these for my GF's new accord coupe which i installed HFP suspension and 17'' rims on... they were the most expensive tires on tires.com, but they are BY FAR worth the extra cost...

I only wish they made them in a size for my TL

Also- after trying many different brands of tires, I have learned that you get what you pay for and Michellins are absolutely worth it.

 

Put these on my mother's CTS several months back and she loves them. The Goodyer RS-A's on it were crappy and she always complained about them (for about 19k miles). She's commented several times how much she likes the Exaltos.

As far as performance I can't really say - she doesn't exactly push the car much, if you know what I mean

 

i got the extaltos for my 3g tl and so far they are the best tires ive owned.