General Tire
American tire heritage with Continental engineering behind it
History & Overview
General Tire was founded in 1915 in Akron, Ohio by William O'Neil and a group of investors. Akron was already the center of the American tire industry, home to Firestone and Goodyear. Rather than chase OEM supply contracts with automakers the way its larger competitors were doing, General Tire built its business around direct retail sales to consumers. That strategy gave the brand strong dealer relationships and durable name recognition with everyday buyers over the following decades.
The company built credibility in motorsport during the 1950s and 1960s, competing in NASCAR and drag racing against Firestone and Goodyear when American racing was at the peak of its cultural influence. General Tire had cars competing on ovals and at drag strips, going head-to-head with the biggest names in the industry during the era when tire performance on the track genuinely translated into consumer sales. The brand eventually stepped back from top-level competition as the cost and complexity of professional motorsport continued to grow.
Continental AG of Germany acquired General Tire in 1987, and that acquisition changed what was possible for the brand. Continental is one of the most technically capable tire manufacturers in the world, and General Tire gained access to compound development and materials science that an independent mid-size company couldn't fund on its own. General was repositioned as the value-tier brand in the Continental group, using similar technology at a more accessible price point. The two brands share manufacturing facilities across multiple countries.
Today General Tire is a strong choice for buyers who want Continental-backed engineering without the Continental price tag. The Grabber series for trucks and SUVs, particularly the AT2 and X3, earns consistent positive reviews for off-road capability at prices below BFGoodrich and Falken. The AltiMAX touring line covers passenger cars with reliable longevity and a quiet ride.
For official specifications, visit General Tire's official website.
Popular Tire Lines
AltiMAX RT45
Touring All-SeasonGeneral's bread-and-butter passenger car tire for high-mileage daily drivers who need reliability and longevity at a reasonable price. 75,000-mile warranty, comfortable ride, and consistent all-season performance backed by Continental engineering. One of the better value touring tires on the market. Available 14"-18".
AltiMAX 365AW
Grand Touring All-Weather3PMSF certified all-weather tire for drivers who get real winters but don't want to deal with a dedicated winter set. Silica-enriched compound stays flexible in cold temperatures for better snow and ice grip. Competes directly with the Michelin CrossClimate at noticeably lower prices. Available 15"-20".
G-MAX AS-05
Ultra High Performance All-SeasonPerformance all-season for sport sedans and coupes who need year-round capability without giving up handling feel. Responsive in dry and wet conditions with enough winter viability for most climates. Good value in the UHP all-season category for drivers who want one tire to cover everything. Available 15"-20".
Grabber AT2
On/Off-Road All-TerrainGeneral's most popular tire and the core of their truck lineup. Genuine off-road capability with decent highway manners, priced below the premium all-terrain brands. Consistent reviews place it near the top of its price class for off-road performance. A smart choice for truck owners who want real capability without paying BFGoodrich prices. Available 15"-22".
Grabber X3
Maximum Traction Off-RoadAggressive mud terrain for trucks and 4x4s that see serious trail and rock use. Three-ply sidewall handles abrasive terrain, and the open tread design with self-cleaning shoulder blocks clears mud effectively. 3PMSF winter rated for cold-weather usability. Available 15"-22".
Grabber HTS60
Highway Terrain SUVHighway-focused tire for trucks and SUVs that spend most of their time on pavement. Prioritizes ride comfort, quiet highway manners, and tread longevity over off-road capability. 70,000-mile warranty makes it a practical long-term choice for high-mileage drivers and tow vehicles. Available 15"-22".
Price Range
Brand Highlights
- Founded in 1915 in Akron, Ohio - over a century of American tire manufacturing
- Owned by Continental AG since 1987, with access to Continental's advanced compound technology
- Grabber AT2 and X3 compete directly with premium all-terrain brands at lower prices
- AltiMAX 365AW 3PMSF certified for genuine severe snow performance
- 70,000-mile warranty on AltiMAX RT45 and Grabber HTS60
- Products manufactured in Continental-shared facilities with consistent quality control
Motorsport Heritage
General Tire had significant NASCAR and drag racing involvement during the 1950s and 1960s when the brand was actively competing for OEM and aftermarket business against Firestone and Goodyear. The brand has since stepped back from mainstream motorsport, with Continental's racing programs carrying the group's competition presence.
Who Should Buy General Tire?
Ideal For
- Value-oriented buyers who want Continental-derived technology at lower prices
- Truck and SUV owners wanting a proven all-terrain without paying for BFGoodrich pricing
- High-mileage drivers who need a reliable, long-lasting touring tire
- Buyers who want 3PMSF all-weather capability without Michelin CrossClimate prices
- Anyone who has had good experiences with Continental tires but wants to spend less
Consider Alternatives If
- Performance enthusiasts who need maximum grip in extreme conditions
- Those who want the cachet of a premium tier brand
- Drivers who need the widest possible size selection (Continental has more options)
- Track day participants who need DOT performance or extreme compound tires
General Tire vs Falken
General Tire Grabber AT2 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W are both excellent value all-terrain options. The Wildpeak AT3W has an edge in highway comfort and a well-deserved reputation for heat diffuser technology that helps during towing. The Grabber AT2 is competitive in off-road situations and typically costs slightly less. Both carry the 3PMSF severe snow rating. The choice often comes down to brand preference and specific size availability for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Continental AG acquired General Tire in 1987. General Tire operates as a value-tier brand within the Continental group, using similar compound technology and manufacturing facilities but positioned at a lower price point. Think of it as the Continental family's more accessible option for price-sensitive buyers.
Within the Continental group, General Tire is the value-tier offering. Continental-branded tires typically cost 15-25% more and include the latest compound and construction technology first. General Tire usually receives similar technology with a slight delay and at a lower price. For most buyers who don't need the absolute latest, General Tire offers an excellent cost-to-performance ratio.
Yes, particularly the AT2. Multiple independent reviews and consumer ratings consistently place the Grabber AT2 among the best all-terrain values available. It punches well above its price point in off-road capability and has decent road manners. The X3 mud-terrain is similarly competitive. If you want a solid truck tire without paying premium brand prices, General Grabber is a genuinely smart choice.
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