Time for an update on the single most reviled tire ever mentioned on the BITOG forums (though I'm doing my part to spread the word about what I reckon is an even worse tire: the Riken Raptor VR).
Like I said in my previous post, miles on my old Lumina are accumulating much more slowly now that I've taken it over- I drive a total of maybe 20 miles per day, entirely in town... whereas the wife drives easily three times as much- mostly highway miles.
But about the Goodyear Viva2 tires. I'm still happy with them- for the price. They have reasonably good traction, they're quiet- wearing pretty well. I have no complaints about this particular set of Viva2 tires (though I did buy a pair of used ones a few years ago that were absolute junk... but they were used so I don't know that I can really blame Goodyear).
I checked the tread depth the other day with a gauge. These tires originally had a depth of 10/35. I rotated them once after the first 16,000 miles, and I haven't rotated them since. Right now at 23,000 miles, the front tires have 8/32 and the rear tires have 9/32. If this car was still primarily driving highway miles, I think they'd have no problem reaching their 60,000 mile warranty. But for in-town driving, I think they'll easily make 40,000... which gives me at least two or three more years.
My only complaints about the tire are their HORRIBLE reputation (MOST people write negative reviews about them- my own results have been mixed), and the fact that they have a very soft sidewall and consequent poor handling in corners- not that I really care in an '01 Lumina. Wet traction and snow traction are average... which is impressive for the price. I think they're pretty good for a 'cheap tire'- and they'll do the job if you have low standards like I do.
But I don't know that I'll buy them again. Assuming that I'm still impressed with the Coopers on the wife's car a few years down the line, I'll probably pay a few $$ more and get a set of them- they're a much nicer tire. These goodyears were roughly $300 for a set of 4 installed. I think I can get a set of T-rated Cooper CS4's for about $420.