I just replaced my OEM Toyos (215/55 16) with Michelin MXV4+'s which I don't like - not a great ride (surprisingly) over bumps and not as tight of handling as the Toyos, even if they are quiet. The MXV4+'s just aren't a good match for the Maxima I think. So I'm planning to exchange the tires at Costco where I got 'em last Friday. Costco can now get the Potenza RE950's which they couldn't even order as of last week in my size...

Spent time on Tirerack.com and it appears the RE950 and the Dunlap SP Sport A2 are the two tires of choice for the Maxima, even if they probably won't be as quiet as the Michelins (OK, I guess I'll live). A few comments about the RE950's disturb me about gas mileage being reduced. Anyone have any experience with that? Anyone with a 2000 GLE gone with either of these tires? I assume handling is good with both. How is the ride compared to the OEM tires?

Thanks,
Andrew

I have the Potenza RE950 tires on my 2001 SE and I love them! They are a huge improvement over the Toyos. The RE950 is a pretty good dry-weather tire, but it seems to be even better in wet weather (I can't account for snow since I drive in either the San Francisco Bay Area or Las Vegas). Good handling and no tire squealing yet.

As far as gas mileage being reduced, don't believe it. I've had no such problem since getting the tires.

I wish Bridgestone made the RE950s in the tire size for the OEM 17" wheels as I will be getting those wheels on my car soon.

But don't pay over $100 per tire no matter where you go as that is about the going rate from TireRack.com.

Thanks Kenny! Coscto offers the RE950's for $120 each, installed, with road hazzard warranty. So I think that's close enough to $100/tire to be happy.

Andrew

While I agree with his post on most issues I do not on the price. I put the 235/45/17's on my stock SE rims and they were 150 a piece from The Tirerack, plus shipping.

I like all aspects of the tires however they are a little loud, but then again the Max is a POS when it comes to interior sound levels.

They are a little on the loud side, but the wet traction can't be beat. The dry grip (IMO) is more than my old Yokohama A540 summer performance tires had. I highly recommend them, BTW I was able to get them at a Firestone retailer for $104 each.

There's something I don't get. The RE92 (we all know really sucks) is considered a "High Performance All Season" by tirerack and the RE950 are also considered the same.
However, it seems the RE950 are way better...
It's like, huh?

The two tires are in the same class, but both are different technologically. Here's the skinny from Bridgestone's website:


RE92
====
The Potenza RE92 all-season, world-class high performance tires complement today’s sporty coupes, sedans and sports cars.

Computer designed tread utilizing variable pitch technology:
Excellent performance in wet and dry conditions coupled with remarkably quiet ride.

Spiral wrapped nylon cap and belt edge layers:
High speed durability; excellent balance and uniformity.

Dual tread compound:
Enthusiast level grip with high heat resistance and long life.

Circumferential tread grooves:
Efficient evacuation and channeling of water that helps reduce hydroplaning and improves wet traction.


RE950
=====
The high performance that made the Potenza name so famous advances to an even higher level in the Potenza RE950 with UNI-T AQII. The unique tread and sidewall design is inspired by the Bridgestone Potenza racing rain tire. The tread features a center tread groove which minimizes hydroplaning and adds agility on wet and dry roads. UNI-T AQII further reinforces the UNI-T AQII advantage of wet handling as the tire wears.

Innovative Tire Design - A Comprehensive Tire Design Method:
This method improves handling in wet or dry conditions and reduces irregular treadwear by combining the ideal tread design, casing shape, materials and construction.

Innovative Roundness - Rounder Is Better:
Rounder overall tire shape provides better balance for wet or dry handling.

Innovative Compound - Longer Is Stronger:
L.L. Carbon utilizes a special form of molecular re-engineered carbon black, a key factor in improving tire wear while enhancing wet performance.

Super EPC:
Super EPC consists of advanced technologies, an Anti-Hardening Resin and Link Stabilizing Agent, to counteract the effects of heat so worn tires have the flexibility needed for wet performance.

Dual Layer Tread:
As the tire wears, more of the inner tread is exposed so the tire continues to grip the road in wet conditions.

Super EPO:
Super EPO goes beyond in improving wet handling as the tire wears. The interactive elements are Super EPC and an enhanced version of Dual Layer Tread.

Consistent Surface Contact (C.S.C):
C.S.C, a pattern of tread blocks designed for uniform contact pressure, improves dry and wet handling, reduces irregular wear, and results in better ride comfort.


As you can see, the RE950 is technologically superior to the RE92.

Peace.

That there was a final process that Bridgestone actually skips on the RE92's to save money and that also saves the Nissan, Subarus, etc.. on the price.