General Altimax Arctic

The General Altimax Arctic performs better than snow tires costing twice as much, tests show. It doesn't grip ice quite as well as the top-rated Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (*Est. $95), but it runs a close second -- and it actually gets better traction on wet roads than the Michelin does. However, the cheaper General Altimax Arctic doesn't roll quite as quietly or comfortably as the Michelin, testers say, and it has a higher rolling resistance (which can mean lower gas mileage). Unlike the Michelin, the General can be studded for maximum ice grip.

ConsumerReports.org conducts by far the most extensive review of the General Altimax Arctic, pitting it against a wide range of competing winter tires in tests on wet, dry, snowy and icy roads. Canada's nonprofit Automobile Protection Association (APA) and TireRack.com (a retail site) also test the Altimax Arctic, but give only one- or two-sentence summaries of their opinions. Wheels.ca also gives a short summary recommendation, but no testing is mentioned. Nearly 150 owner reviews at TireRack.com give a good idea of the Altimax Arctic's real-life performance.