Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus

We found the best review of the Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus tire at Consumer Reports, which compares it with 18 other performance all-season tires in a series of objective tests and ratings. The Canadian Automobile Protection Association also tests the MXV4 Plus, but that group only compares it with seven other tires. Many cars come equipped with this tire, so more than 1,600 owners have posted reviews of it at TireRack.com. The environmental organization Green Seal also reviews the Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus and compares its effects on gas mileage to those of 50 other tires. The manufacturer's official tire ratings, posted at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site, are also useful.

The Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus is an all-season tire for cars that earns points for stability, long life and gas mileage, though it is expensive. It's considered a grand touring high-performance tire, and it's designed for superior handling and heat-resistance at high speeds. While reviews praise its treadwear, some owners report durability problems. It also gets mixed reviews for traction. Some comparison tests and owners report excellent traction on wet or dry surfaces, but others disagree. If the Michelin tires seem too expensive, consider the most-recommended regular all-season tire, the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred (*est. $105).