Table of contents show
Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog and its affiliates may receive compensation if you purchase the products listed below.
- Cooper tires earned an overall score of 4.0 out of 5.0 in our most recent tire study.
- The company is one of the more affordable brands in the industry.
- Traditionally specializing in replacement tires, Cooper now manufactures Original Equipment (OE) tires for several well-known automakers.
Cooper review
According to our opinion:
Cooper tires are a great choice for drivers looking for affordable replacement tires without breaking the bank. Although not the largest manufacturer in the tire industry, Cooper is still competitive with Goodyear and Michelin. Many customer reviews mention brand loyalty, with some drivers having bought Cooper tires for over 20 years with few complaints. However, other reviews mention tread life issues with Cooper tires.
Branchenstand:
Tire variety:
affordability:
Customer Satisfaction:
Advantages
Affordable tire options
Tires designed with safety first
Tires with tread guarantee up to 80.00 miles
Disadvantages
Manufactures only car, SUV and truck tires
Limited selection of original equipment tires
4
Cooper Tires is one of the more affordable brands in the industry. Our editorial team wanted to see if these lower prices meant lower quality tires.
In this article, we are going to talk about Cooper tires in detail and go through industry reviews, popular Cooper models, tire cost, and customer reviews. We'll also see how the brand fares with thebest tirecompanies in the industry.
About Cooper tires
The Cooper Tire & Rubber company first opened in 1914. Based in Findlay, Ohio, the company started out selling tire patches and tire repair kits, but quickly grew into a leading manufacturer of replacement tires. In recent years, Cooper Tires has signed OE tire deals with Ford, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz.
Cooper Tires makes products for cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans. The company accounted for almost five percent of all tire sales inNorth Americain 2019. Goodyear acquired the company in 2021 but still operates Cooper as its own brand.
Cooper is also an independent manufacturer. This means its products are only distributed through independent distributors, some regional and national retailers and wholesale websites. Cooper also manufactures products under other tire brand names such as Dean, Mastercraft, Mickey Thompson, Roadmaster and Starfire.
Cost of Cooper tires
Cooper tires are known for their affordability. Popular everyday tires like the Cooper Trendsetter SE cost between $75 and $85 at TireBuyer. Other models range from $65 to about $475 depending on tire size, vehicle type, and tire specialty.
If you buy a large tire with special treads for mud or snow, it will cost significantly more than standard-size all-season tires for a car or SUV. Overall, however, Cooper tires cost significantly less than competitors like Michelin and Goodyear.
Cooper Tire Industry Ratings
Like all consumer tires, Cooper Tires products follow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) grading system called Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG). This system evaluates all tires (except winter tyres) based on their traction, tread wear and temperature resistance.
UTQG Evaluation Criteria
The UTQG system rates tires according to three main criteria. You can use these ratings to assess whether a particular Cooper tire is the right choice for you.
traction
This measures how well your tires "grip" on a wet road. Traction classes are rated AA, A, B or C from highest to lowest. Most quality standard tires are rated A or higher.
running clothes
This estimates the life of your tire and is evaluated by comparing a tire to a control tire. The control has a rating of 100, and most passenger tires have a rating between 300 and 500, meaning they last 3 to 5 times longer than the control.
temperature resistance
This measures a tire's heat resistance from highest to lowest labeled A, B, or C. This is important based on the design of the tires and how fast they spin. For example, performance tires tend to have higher temperature readings because they spin at higher speeds.
Cooper Tire UTQG results
Below we have compiled some popular Cooper Tires models and their UTQG classes using data fromNHTSA.gov(formerly hosted at SaferCar.gov).
| Cooper tire model | tire type | Treadwear-Score | traction value | temperature resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Evolution Tour H/T | SUV/Crossover All seasons | 600 | A | B |
| Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | all-terrain trucks and SUVs | 620 | A | B |
| Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 | Ultra high performance All seasons | 500 | AA | A |
| Cooper Trendsetter SE | Passenger All seasons | 440 | A | B |
| Cooper CS5 Grand Touring | SUV/Crossover All seasons | 780 | A | B |
| Cooper Evolution H/T | SUV, light truck All seasons | 600 | B | A |
It's important to note that NHTSA doesn't award these grades because they don't administer the tests themselves. Manufacturers commission independent companies to carry out tire tests. As such, these reviews should be taken with a grain of salt.
If you want to know more about a Cooper tire you already own, you can check the tire's sidewall for its UTQG rating.
The most popular Cooper tire models
Cooper specializes in replacement tires but also supplies OE tires for Ford, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. As the fourth largest tire manufacturer in the US, Cooper has become a trusted option for passenger, off-the-road, and high-performance tires.
According to TireBuyer, some of Cooper's top rated tires include:
- Cooper Zeon LTZ:An all-terrain truck and SUV tire with a special hybrid design for off-road and normal driving
- Cooper Evolution-Tour:An all-season tire designed for a comfortable ride with long tread life and innovative safety features
- Cooper CS5 Ultratouring:A durable all-season tire with a silica compound tread for strong traction on dry and wet roads
- Cooper Evolution Winter:A spikeable winter tire designed to reduce road noise, low rolling resistance and optimal braking in ice and snow
Each of the above Cooper tires received a minimum rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 on TireBuyer, reflecting customer satisfaction and popularity. These models are also well respected throughout the tire industry.
Buying Guide for Cooper Tires
No matter how well made or engineered a tire is, it will not do its job properly if it is not the right tire for your car. When shopping for new tyres, you should carefully consider how well a particular model will fit your vehicle, but also how it fits in with the weather where you live and how you like to drive.
Factors to Consider for Cooper Tires
There are several key factors that differentiate one tire from another in terms of performance, application and durability. Understanding these factors can help you determine which tire type is best for you and your car. They include:
- Profilmuster:A tire's tread design is important to how it interacts with the road and handles activities like cornering. Most tires have either a diagonal, symmetric, asymmetric, or combination pattern.
- Tire Life:Manufacturers usually state the expected lifespan of their tire treads in kilometers.
- tire construction:Most tires are constructed using radial, bias or bias belt designs. Bias-ply tires are generally cheaper, while radial tires tend to be more durable overall.
- Weather rating:Some tires are designed for all weather conditions, but many are designed for specific conditions. For example, winter tires sometimes have spikes or other elements that grip icy surfaces.
- Speed measurement:Tires are supplied by the manufacturer at a maximum safe speed. Exceeding this speed can lead to a dangerous situation. This rating is an important consideration for drivers who enjoy going fast.
- Noise rating:Tires can create a lot of road noise, but many companies design some tires to be much quieter. There can be a significant difference between these tires and others in terms of cabin noise.
Cooper Tire Warranties
Cooper Tires offers both a limited warranty and treadwear protection on its products. The Limited Warranty applies to Original Equipment replacement passenger and light truck tires and will replace any failed Cooper tire before the tread wears out. Cooper tread protection varies by model, but is capped at 80,000 miles.
Cooper Customer Reviews
To give you a better idea of the typical on-road performance of Cooper tires we have collected some customer reviews from TireBuyer. Cooper's reviews are mostly positive, but some customers mention issues with tread life and tread separation while driving.
Here are some examples of customer experiences with Cooper tires:
Positive experiences with Cooper tires
“This is the third time I've bought [Cooper Tour Evolution] tires online and saved between $100 and $200 with the discounts. First set I bought for my truck that hauls a horse trailer and they work great. I have 40,000 [miles] on them and they have a lot of tread left.”
– About TireBuyer
“I've only had [Cooper Discoverer A/T3 XLT tires] on the truck for three weeks, but they're smooth as glass and incredibly quiet for any tire - let alone an all-terrain tread. I even rolled down the windows on the way to work and heard nothing.”
– BRK via Tirebuyer
Negative experiences with Cooper tires
“[Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring] tires are not worth the money. These might be fine for a small car, but they're clearly not suited to a mid-size SUV. I've been buying Cooper tires for 20 years...that ends with these."
– Lyle via TireBuyer
“Good for the price but I would recommend paying a little more for something that should last longer. [Cooper Trendsetter SE tires] seem to wear out quickly and start to dry crack fairly early. They are a good summer tyre, they don't cause any problems in the wet and in snow and light mud."
– Tito over TireBuyer
Cooper Tires: Conclusion
We gave Cooper tires a 4.0 out of 5.0 star rating and voted the manufacturer the cheapest tire manufacturer in our most recent study. Cooper's price points, variety of spare tire options, and focus on safety make tires from the American company a strong choice for most drivers.
However, Cooper tires are often not the most durable on the market. Drivers looking for longer tread life tires may want to consider other options.
Cooper Tires: Recommended Competitors
While shopping for tyres, we recommend that you also take a look at Michelin and Pirelli. These brands did well in our ranking of the best tires in the country and may offer strong tire options for your vehicle.
Michelin: Best tire overall
Michelin offers a good selection in almost every tire category. Summer tyres, all-terrain tyres, road tires - Michelin leads industry and customer recommendation lists. We especially like the Michelin Defender T+H model for a durable tire.
Compare Michelin tires belowReifenkauf.com.
Pirelli: Best for high performance
You don't have to own a Maserati or Lamborghini to get Pirelli tyres, although the tire manufacturer is known for its high-performance tires for luxury and exotic car brands. Pirelli also makes tires for everyday cars, trucks and SUVs. For a premium price, you get quality tires that perform well in both wet and dry road conditions.
Compare Pirelli tires belowReifenkauf.com.
Cooper Tires: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cooper a good tire brand?
Cooper is a good tire brand, especially for those looking for an affordable option. The company produces serviceable tires at a lower price point than many of its competitors.
Are Cooper tires as good as Michelin?
Cooper tires are generally not as good as Michelin tires when it comes to overall quality. However, Cooper tires tend to be significantly cheaper than Michelin models, so some people see them as a better option for their needs.
Are Cooper tires made by Goodyear?
Cooper Tires is now owned by Goodyear, although they still operate as separate brands. Goodyear acquired Cooper in 2021.
Is Cooper a Chinese tire?
Cooper tires are not made in China. The company manufactures its tires in the USA.
Is it tires or tires?
"Tire" is the correct North American spelling of the word. People in the UK, Australia and elsewhere use "hoops".
Our methodology
Our research team strives to provide the most accurate, thorough and unbiased information possible to help people make informed decisions about the tires they buy. We use a standardized catalog of criteria to ensure the consistency and comparability of our ratings.
- Industry Reputation:To assess each company's overall reliability, we looked at industry ratings from organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and others, along with the company's longevity and other factors.
- Tire variety:Our team considered the full breadth of each manufacturer's tire range, giving higher scores to companies that offered a larger and more diverse selection.
- affordability:The costs are an important criterion when buying tires. We evaluated the price range of each company's products to determine their affordability compared to competitors.
- Customer Satisfaction:Our researchers scoured the web for customer reviews to assess how satisfied people are with their brand experience. We considered review results and looked for consistent patterns of complaints or praise.
FAQs
Do Cooper tires have a good rating? ›
Cooper Tires Rating: 4.0 Stars
Our team of experts rated Cooper 4.0 out of 5.0 stars and gave it the Best Value award. Along with generally positive Cooper tire reviews, the company's strong industry reputation, variety of available tires, and great value make it a top choice for many drivers.
Cooper tires are a strong choice for drivers looking for affordable replacement tires without breaking the bank. While it's not the biggest manufacturer in the tire industry, Cooper is still competitive with Goodyear and Michelin.
How many miles will Cooper tires last? ›| CS5 Grand Touring (T rated) | 80,000 miles (130,000 km) |
|---|---|
| CS5 Ultra Touring (W rated) | 50,000 miles (80,000 km) |
| Discoverer® HT3 | 50,000 miles (80,000 km)+ |
| Cobra G/T | 40,000 miles (64,000 km) |
| Zeon RS3-G1 | 45,000 miles/23,000 miles* (72,000 km, 36,000 km*) |
Akron, Ohio, U.S. Findlay, Ohio, U.S. From 1960, the company was a publicly held corporation and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange until it was acquired by Goodyear in June 2021.
Are Cooper tires made in China? ›Cooper Tires – Eldorado and Mastercraft are solid American brands, and they make their tires right here in the USA. GT – If you must. It is a Chinese-owned company, but they actually have a manufacturing plant in the Carolinas, which supports US Jobs.
Is Cooper a quiet tire? ›Cooper® Evolution™ tires are mid-range all-season tires designed for superior handling, a quiet ride, and long tread life.
Which tire gets the most wear? ›Under normal driving circumstances with a front-wheel drive vehicle (passenger cars, minivans, etc.), the front tires will wear at a slightly higher rate than the rear tires.
Who is the best tire manufacturer in the world? ›Michelin is the world's top tire manufacturer and leads the industry in innovation and trust. As our top Golden Wrench winner for Best Tire Brand, Michelin has a trusted track record for quality and longevity.
Are Cooper at tires good in snow? ›Cooper winter tires are made in the USA to the highest quality standards and designed for safety in winter's toughest road conditions. Unique tread design and tire compounds combine to provide excellent traction in snow, slush, icy roads or extreme cold dry roads.
Do Cooper tires wear out fast? ›If you only use them offroad or on-road in the winter as snow tires, they'll get their longest life. However, if you drive them on pavement and in warmer weather, they'll wear out faster than an all-terrain tire and much faster than a dedicated road tire like an all-weather radial.
What is the recall on Cooper tires? ›
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is recalling 430,000 tires from its Cooper, Hercules, Mastercraft, and Mickey Thompson brands because of concerns that the tires might develop sidewall bulges or separation from the sidewall that could lead to tire failure.
How many miles should a good tire get? ›How Many Miles Should Tires Last? Your tires should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles on average. But that really depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers build their tires to last up to 80,000 miles, while some design their tires to last as little as 30,000 miles.
What tire is comparable to Michelin? ›The best tire brands are Michelin, Goodyear, Cooper, Bridgestone, Pirelli, BFGoodrich, Continental, Yokohama, General, and Hankook.
Are Goodyear and Cooper tires the same? ›A little over a year ago, Goodyear acquired Cooper Tire for $2.5 billion, promising synergies among the two companies and streamlined services for dealers.
What tires are completely made in the USA? ›BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Kumho, Michelin, Mickey Thompson, Nexen, Nitto, Toyo, and Yokohama currently manufacture tires here in America. But these are not all truly "American" brands.
Where are Cooper tires made now? ›Cooper has factories in the USA and some countries, such as China, Mexico, Serbia, and the United Kingdom. All those facilities manufacture the tires. The factories work on tire development.
Is Cooper American made? ›If you are looking to buy tires made in USA, you should know that most foreign global tire manufacturers already have plants in America. In fact, there are only two genuine American brands: Goodyear and Cooper.
Why are my Cooper tires so loud? ›This happens when there is uneven tread wear. When you rotate the tires, the part of the tread with more rubber will create friction with the road surface, creating the loud noise. Not enough air in tires.
Do Cooper tires make noise? ›Personally, I have been well pleased with these tires. My first Cooper purchase ever, and my only complaint is that they are a bit noisy.
Which Cooper Tire is best in snow? ›For drivers looking for winter tires, the new Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw tire is made to perform in deep cold, on both snow and ice. The Snow Claw has already won the SEMA 2021 Runner-Up in Tire & Related Products Awards Segment.
Should you have your better tires on the front or back? ›
According to Tire Review, new tires should always go in the back. Rear tires provide the vehicle stability, and if they have little tread, then stability is lost.
Should I replace all 4 tires or just 2? ›It's always best to replace all 4 tires at the same time. This is because all 4 tires spin independently of one another, and different tread depths and/or styles can cause them to spin at different speeds. That could potentially damage the drive train, and possibly affect an indirect TPMS system if the vehicle has one.
Which tires wear out faster on a car? ›Since most vehicles wear their front tires faster, within a few thousand miles, the front tires will be more worn than the backs so you won't want to rotate them then.
What tire companies are owned by China? ›- • Zhongce Rubber Group (Westlake, Chaoyang, Arisun, Goodride y Trazano)
- • Giti Tire Investment.
- • Sailun Jinyu Group (Sailun y Jinyu)
- • Shandong Ling long Tire.
- • Zhengxin Rubber (industrial tires)
- • Double star Group (Double Star y Kumho)
- • Triangle Tire.
...
The Largest Tire Manufacturers in the World. (2021 Ranking List)
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Michelin | France |
| #2 | Bridgestone | Japan |
| #3 | Continental | Germany |
| #4 | Goodyear | United States |
3. Wet Grip, Traction, and Braking. Like most touring all-season tires, the Evolution Tour has a regular symmetric tread pattern with four circumferential grooves to dissipate water from the tread. This results in good hydroplaning resistance, meaning your car will remain stable when driving through standing water.
What is the difference between Cooper LT and XLT? ›For the train spotters, the main difference between the LT and XLT are that the XLT features more aggressive “rugged” shoulders, which are designed to bite into the dirt more, and provide a bit more protection on the trail.
Are Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires noisy? ›These tires are a little noisier than the original tires. I suspected this would be the case when I ordered them. All terrain tires will create some road noise. It is noticeable, not overbearing or loud.
How often do you rotate Cooper Tires? ›When to rotate your tires. Most people should think about rotating their tires every 6,000-8,000 miles.
Does driving fast increase tire wear? ›Driving at high speeds may make you feel the thrill of an adrenaline rush, but it will also wear down your tires and your car faster. At high speeds, your tires will generate a great deal of friction with the road, as well as very high heats. Prolonged exposure to high heats will soften the rubber and weaken the tire.
How many tires should you replace at a time? ›
Reasons to Avoid Replacing Only One Tire
To achieve optimum vehicle handling, ride comfort, and road traction, it's generally recommended that you have all four tires replaced at the same time.
As a general rule, the original tires on a new vehicle or quality replacement tires should last up to 50,000 miles. However, many factors will have a significant impact on any tire's life and may substantially shorten its life expectancy.
How long should a set of tires last? ›The straightforward answer is “it depends.” A normal set of tires should last for 60,000 to 75,000 miles, or about four to five years. But there are a few key factors that will affect your tires' lifespan.
Are Michelin tires at Costco the same quality? ›Are Michelin tires are Costco the same quality? The Michelin tires sold at Costco are the same as those bought anywhere else. Their quality, performance, and warranty are also the same.
Does tire brand really matter? ›Everything from tread design to rubber compounds is the product of intensive work, and an expensive premium tire from a large manufacturer will provide vastly better performance across a broader range of road conditions than a cheap budget tire from an unknown company.
Is Michelin the best tire in the world? ›MICHELIN® tires have been ranked the #1 Tire Brand across major categories and segments by industry experts and consumers alike. For nearly three decades we've been recognized for our achievements in Customer Satisfaction, Performance, Durability, Technology and Innovation.
Why did Cooper sell to Goodyear? ›Strengthens Leadership Position in Global Tire Industry.
In China, the combination nearly doubles Goodyear's presence and increases the number of relationships with local automakers, while creating broader distribution for Cooper replacement tires through Goodyear's network of 2,500 branded retail stores.
Goodyear's purchase of Cooper in 2021 was a big headline, but so far industry analyst John Healy says the deal hasn't resulted in a lot of change for tire dealers. The whole tire industry is waiting to see what happens next as Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. integrates the Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
How good are Cooper tires rated? ›Cooper Tires Rating: 4.0 Stars
Our team of experts rated Cooper 4.0 out of 5.0 stars and gave it the Best Value award. Along with generally positive Cooper tire reviews, the company's strong industry reputation, variety of available tires, and great value make it a top choice for many drivers.
Goodyear competitors include Michelin, Bridgestone Americas, Continental, Kumho Tire USA and Pirelli & C.. Goodyear ranks 3rd in Gender Score on Comparably vs its competitors.
Are Cooper tires made by Goodyear? ›
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company on Monday announced it has completed its acquisition of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, finalizing the merger agreement made public on February 22. Cooper, founded in 1914, is the fifth largest tire maker in North America based on revenue.
Which tire has a better rating? ›| Best Tire Brand | Overall Score | Industry Reputation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Michelin | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| 2. Goodyear | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| 3. Cooper | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 4. Bridgestone | 4.0 | 4.5 |
Goodyear's purchase of Cooper in 2021 was a big headline, but so far industry analyst John Healy says the deal hasn't resulted in a lot of change for tire dealers. The whole tire industry is waiting to see what happens next as Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. integrates the Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
What is the best rating for a tire? ›A rating of 100 means that the tire lasts as long as the test tire.
Who bought out Cooper tires? ›Cooper will be owned by Goodyear.
What time of year is best to buy tires? ›Although you should get new tires any time they need to be replaced, in general, the best month to buy tires is either October or April.
Which tires last the longest? ›- General Grabber X3.
- Longest lasting all weather tires.
- Michelin CrossClimate2.
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S.
- Continental CrossContact LX25.
- Continental TerrainContact H/T.
- Michelin XPS Rib.
- Michelin X-Ice Snow.
Cooper is a solid American brand. The company manufactures its products right in the country. Since it has four U.S-based facilities, each is in charge of a certain kind of tire, for example: Texarkana, Arkansas: Passenger and light truck tires.
Are Coopers made in America? ›No, it is still predominantly manufactured in England, even though the majority of the vehicles are created by a Netherlands contract plant. Now that you know who manufactures MINI Cooper, you should know it's had a grand transformation under BMW.
What is a Tier 1 tire? ›1. Tier One is made up of the major tire companies' premium brands. “They carry the highest price tags and have the highest profit margins for the manufacturers.” Examples: Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin. 2. Tier Two is made up of the tire companies' mid-market brands.
Are G or H rated tires better? ›
From a G to an H
Truck tires typically come in two load ratings: G and H. Load range G is a 14-ply configuration, while load range H tires have 16 plies. The heavier-rated tire will usually add between 700 pounds and 1,000 pounds more load-bearing capacity per tire (see "How Much is Too Much," next page).