Firestone
An American original with over a century of racing history
History & Overview
Harvey Firestone founded Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1900 in Akron, Ohio. Firestone and Henry Ford were personal friends, and that relationship translated directly into business: Firestone tires became standard equipment on the Model T, one of the first significant OEM tire contracts in the industry. Supplying the most popular car in America gave Firestone early scale and name recognition that most competitors couldn't touch. Akron was already becoming the center of the American tire industry, and Firestone was a major reason why.
The Indianapolis 500 connection started from the beginning. Firestone tires competed at the first Indy 500 in 1911, and the brand accumulated more race wins at Indianapolis than any other tire manufacturer over the following decades. Oval racing put enormous demands on tires, with sustained high speeds, heavy braking zones, and heat cycles that nothing on the street could match. The knowledge gained from competing there genuinely influenced how Firestone built tires for passenger cars.
Firestone stepped back from IndyCar in the mid-1970s but returned to the series in 1995 in a direct competition with Goodyear. When Goodyear withdrew around 2000, Firestone became the sole tire supplier for IndyCar and has held that position since. Every car that lines up at the Indianapolis 500 runs on Firestones. It's one of the longest-running partnerships in American motorsport and a genuine connection to the series, not just a sponsorship arrangement.
Bridgestone acquired Firestone in 1988, and the combined company was the second-largest tire manufacturer in the world at the time, behind Michelin. Bridgestone has maintained Firestone as a distinct brand targeting value-oriented buyers in North America, positioned a step below Bridgestone's premium tier. The Destination series for trucks and SUVs is consistently one of the best-selling tire lines in North America, and Firestone remains one of the most recognized tire names in the US.
For official specifications, visit Firestone's official website.
Popular Tire Lines
Firehawk Indy 500
Max Performance SummerFirestone's performance tire, named after their decades of success at Indianapolis. Asymmetric tread pattern optimized for dry grip with reasonable wet capability for a summer tire. A solid choice for sports sedans and coupes that undercuts most European performance brands on price. Available 17"-20".
Firehawk AS
Ultra High Performance All-SeasonFor drivers who want performance feel year-round without dealing with seasonal tire swaps. Good dry and wet performance for most of the country, with enough cold-weather grip to handle light snow. A sensible option for sport car owners in moderate climates. Available 16"-20".
Destination LE3
Grand Touring All-SeasonThe tire most truck and SUV owners mean when they say Firestone. Quiet highway ride, durable compound with a 70,000-mile warranty, and consistent wet performance. One of the top-selling passenger and light truck tires in North America by volume, and genuinely deserving of that position. Available 15"-22".
Destination AT2
On/Off-Road All-TerrainAll-terrain for light trucks and SUVs that splits the difference between off-road capability and highway manners. 3PMSF severe snow rated, so it handles winter conditions better than most all-terrain tires. Aggressive enough for trail use without being obnoxious on pavement. Available 15"-20".
WeatherGrip
Grand Touring All-Season3PMSF certified all-weather tire for drivers who want one set that covers everything. Decent summer performance with genuine cold-weather and light snow capability. Good fit for regions with variable seasons where you don't want to deal with seasonal swaps. Available 15"-20".
Champion Fuel Fighter
Standard Touring All-SeasonBuilt around low rolling resistance for commuters who prioritize fuel savings. Not a performance tire, but it does what it's designed to do well. A practical choice for economy cars, hybrids, and anyone focused on maximizing MPG over the long haul. Available 14"-18".
Price Range
Brand Highlights
- Sole IndyCar Series tire supplier since approximately 2000, after returning to the series in 1995
- 67+ Indianapolis 500 victories, more than all other tire manufacturers combined
- Standard equipment on the Ford Model T, beginning one of the longest OEM relationships in tire history
- Now part of Bridgestone, the world's largest tire company
- Destination LE3 is consistently one of the top-selling passenger and light truck tires in North America
- 3PMSF certification available across multiple lines for genuine all-season versatility
Motorsport Heritage
Firestone's connection to motorsport is as old as American racing itself. The brand competed in the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and has supplied tires to the race for most of the century since. Firestone left IndyCar in the mid-1970s, returned in 1995, and became the sole tire supplier after Goodyear withdrew around 2000. Today, every car that races at the Indianapolis 500 runs on Firestones.
Who Should Buy Firestone?
Ideal For
- Buyers who want a familiar American brand with proven reliability
- Truck and SUV owners looking for a solid, long-lasting all-terrain or touring tire
- Price-conscious shoppers who want quality without paying premium brand prices
- Anyone who drives a lot of miles and needs a durable everyday tire
- Buyers who want IndyCar-associated heritage from a recognizable name
Consider Alternatives If
- Drivers seeking maximum performance in wet or extreme conditions
- Track day enthusiasts who need a purpose-built performance tire
- Buyers who prioritize absolute dry grip over value and longevity
- Snow country drivers who need a dedicated winter tire (summer lines only)
Firestone vs Goodyear
Firestone and Goodyear are direct American competitors at roughly similar price points. In the all-season touring category, both brands offer comparable longevity and ride quality. Goodyear's Assurance WeatherReady generally edges out the Firestone WeatherGrip in severe winter testing. In the performance category, Goodyear's Eagle F1 is a more accomplished tire than the Firehawk Indy 500. That said, Firestone wins on price in most cases and the Destination series is genuinely excellent for trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Firestone has been owned by Bridgestone since 1988, when the Japanese company acquired Firestone Tire & Rubber. The acquisition created the second-largest tire company in the world at the time, behind Michelin. Bridgestone maintains Firestone as a separate brand targeting value-oriented buyers in North America, while Bridgestone-branded products sit at a higher price point.
Yes, genuinely. The Destination LE3 in particular is a solid all-season touring tire that competes well against pricier alternatives in real-world testing. It consistently scores well in treadwear, ride comfort, and wet traction. For most truck and SUV owners who aren't doing anything extreme, it's a smart buy.
Yes. Firestone returned to IndyCar in 1995 after a two-decade absence and became the sole tire supplier around 2000 when Goodyear withdrew. Every car at the Indianapolis 500 runs on Firestone tires. The brand is deeply embedded in the series, and it's a genuinely meaningful motorsport connection rather than just a sponsorship logo.
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