Goodyear Eagle GT II Review: Born to Fly, Built to Last

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The Goodyear Eagle GT II is a high-performance summer tire targeted at sports cars and performance sedans. This tire was designed to provide exceptional grip, handling, and traction for drivers who want a thrilling driving experience.

As a maximum performance summer tire, the Eagle GT II is engineered for responsiveness and control in dry and wet conditions. It utilizes Goodyear’s FuelSaving Technology which combines silica-enhanced tread compound with a directional tread design to deliver enhanced handling and fuel efficiency.

With its asymmetric tread pattern and continuous center rib, the Eagle GT II is optimized for straight-line stability at higher speeds while also maintaining precise and predictable handling through curves. This makes it an ideal fit for powerful vehicles with precise steering and responsive suspension systems.

Overall, the Goodyear Eagle GT II delivers an exhilarating, confidence-inspiring drive for enthusiasts who want to experience the full capabilities of their sports car or performance sedan. Its advanced design provides the grip, control and feel needed to take on twisty roads and challenging conditions.

List of Other Goodyear Tire Reviews

• Goodyear Assurance All-Season Review
• Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Review
• Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Review
• Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT Review
• Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT Review
• Goodyear Wrangler SR-A Review
• Kelly Edge Touring A/S Review
• Kelly Safari TSR Review
• Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT Review
• Goodyear Endurance Trailer Tire Review
• Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT Review
• Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT Review
• Goodyear Wrangler AT Adventure Review
• Goodyear Eagle GT II Review
• Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Review
• Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse AT Review
• Goodyear Fierce Attitude MT Review
• Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3 Review
• Goodyear Wrangler Boulder MT Review
• Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse HT Review
• Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT Review
• Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric Review

Tread Design

The Goodyear Eagle GT II features an asymmetric tread design optimized for performance in both wet and dry conditions. The inside shoulder has larger tread blocks and sipes to enhance grip and water evacuation, while the outside shoulder uses smaller blocks tuned for dry handling and steering response.

This directional tread provides strong overall traction, with reviewers praising the Eagle GT II’s wet weather capabilities in particular. The silica-enhanced tread compound balances grip and longevity, delivering a competitive treadwear warranty of 45,000 miles on the standard H-speed rated model.

Owners report achieving 35,000 to 40,000 miles on their sets before replacement, with some stretching it to 50,000 miles or more. The continuous center rib with stable blocks promotes straight-line stability, while the intermediate ribs and independent tread blocks on the shoulders enhance cornering ability.

This combination enables responsive, sporty handling along with a smooth, quiet ride. Overall, the asymmetric tread design enables the Eagle GT II to deliver an impressive balance of dry/wet traction, long tread life, and year-round performance.

Construction

The Goodyear Eagle GT II features an internal construction designed for responsive handling and a quiet, comfortable ride. The tire utilizes twin steel belts reinforced with spirally wound nylon to provide strength and durability.

The internal structure includes Goodyear’s Stabilink technology, which connects the individual belt edges to help keep the tread flat on the road for enhanced grip and steering response. The Eagle GT II is available in rim sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches, able to accommodate a variety of vehicles.

The tire carries load ratings that vary by size, but many sizes are V, W, Y speed rated, meaning they can handle sustained speeds up to 149, 168, and 186 mph respectively. This makes the Eagle GT II well-suited for a wide range of sports cars and performance sedans.

The internal construction combines strength, responsiveness, and high-speed capability, giving the Eagle GT II the performance to match modern sports coupes and muscle cars. The variety of load ratings and rim size options ensure drivers can find the right fit for their vehicle. The Eagle GT II delivers both robust construction and tuned precision for exhilarating handling.

Performance of Goodyear Eagle GT II

The Goodyear Eagle GT II tire delivers impressive performance in terms of dry grip, wet traction, and handling response.

Dry Grip and Braking

The Eagle GT II utilizes an all-season tread compound that provides strong grip and short braking distances on dry roads. The asymmetric tread pattern features large inboard shoulder blocks and intermediate ribs to maximize the tire’s contact patch when cornering. Test drivers have praised the Eagle GT II for its stable braking and confident handling through sweeping curves.

Wet Traction

Goodyear’s Aquachannel Grooves and EPA-Approved tread compound give the Eagle GT II excellent wet-weather traction. The grooves channel water away efficiently to prevent hydroplaning, while the silica-enhanced rubber maintains its grip on wet pavement. In wet conditions, drivers report the Eagle GT II feels composed and easy to control.

Handling Response

This tire delivers responsive steering and handling due to its rigid internal structure. The polyester casing and two steel belts provide a stiff foundation that allows the Eagle GT II to react quickly to driver inputs. The stiff sidewalls also minimize body roll when changing directions. Overall, the Eagle GT II offers agile handling with precise steering feedback.

Ride Comfort of Goodyear Eagle GT II

The Goodyear Eagle GT II tire offers a smooth and quiet ride thanks to its asymmetric tread design and sound absorbing materials.

Noise Levels

Goodyear uses an all-season tread compound designed to minimize road noise. Independent testing shows the Eagle GT II ranks among the quietest in its category for a touring all-season tire. At highway speeds, road noise is negligible and fades into the background. Even at faster speeds, noise remains lower than expected. The asymmetric tread pattern helps to reduce noise by varying the pitch as the tire rolls.

Vibration

The Eagle GT II keeps vibrations to a minimum through its rigid internal construction and stable tread blocks. The polyester cord body prevents energy loss so vibration is not transferred into the cabin. On smooth highways and well-maintained roads, vibration is almost unnoticeable. On rougher or uneven pavement, there is some detectable vibration but not to troublesome levels. Overall, the tire absorbs bumps and shocks extremely well.

Impact on Ride Quality

With its emphasis on comfort, the Eagle GT II delivers a smooth and relaxed ride. The tire absorbs impacts from bumps and potholes without harshness. Handling is responsive without being overly stiff. The Eagle GT II offers a balance of comfort and control. For drivers prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling, the plush ride should provide satisfaction. The tire lives up to its promise as a comfortable long-distance tire.

Warranty

Goodyear provides a 45,000-mile or 6-year limited tread life warranty on the Eagle GT II tire, whichever comes first. This covers defects in workmanship and materials. If the tread wears down to the treadwear indicators before reaching 45,000 miles, Goodyear will replace the tire on a pro-rated basis based on the remaining tread depth.

This warranty is for the original purchaser only and is non-transferable. It does not cover damage from road hazards, improper inflation, overloading, or improper maintenance. To take advantage of the warranty, the tires must be rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles. Overall, Goodyear provides a fairly standard warranty for this category of high-performance tire.

Pricing

The Goodyear Eagle GT II tires come in a wide range of sizes to fit most passenger vehicles, and prices vary depending on the size you need. The starting MSRP for 15″ tires is around $130, while larger 17″ and 18″ tires have an MSRP starting around $180.

Compared to other touring all-season tires in the same category, the Eagle GT II is competitively priced. For example, the Michelin Defender T+H and Continental PureContact LS have a similar MSRP range of $130-$180 for most common sizes.

The GT II is a bit more affordable than premium tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4, which starts at around $160 for 15″ tires. Overall, the Goodyear Eagle GT II offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and treadlife at a reasonable price point.

While not the absolute cheapest tire, it provides good value given its impressive wet and dry handling. The pricing is aligned with other major brands in the touring all-season category.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent dry traction and handling from the asymmetric tread design
• Confident wet weather performance thanks to full-depth lateral grooves
• Quiet and comfortable ride quality on the highway
• Durable tread compound and sturdy internal construction
• 50,000 mile treadwear warranty from Goodyear

Cons

• Snow and ice traction could be better for a tire in this category
• Higher price than some competing touring all-season tires
• Can be noisy over rough pavement
• Not optimized for off-road or track use

Alternatives

The Goodyear Eagle GT II competes in the ultra high-performance all-season tire category. Some of the top competitors include:

• Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 – Michelin’s latest max performance all-season tire designed for sports cars and performance sedans. Provides exceptional dry grip and handling with Michelin’s MaxTouch Construction. Also features maximum wet weather performance through full-depth sipes and asymmetric tread design. Priced similarly to the Eagle GT II.
• Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus – Continental’s ultra high-performance all-season tire focused on grip, handling, comfort and longevity. Utilizes +Silane additives for excellent wet traction along with SportPlus Technology for dynamic handling. Slightly more affordable than the Eagle GT II.
• Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus – Pirelli’s ultra high-performance all-season tire designed for sports cars and performance sedans. Made in Germany and features unique IdealGroove technology for improved handling, control and stability in wet or dry conditions. Comparable pricing to the Eagle GT II.

While the Goodyear Eagle GT II competes well with these tires, it doesn’t definitively stand out as the top choice. The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 and Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus offer comparable performance, while the Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus provides a more luxurious high-end option. Ultimately the choice comes down to brand preference and pricing.

Conclusion

The Goodyear Eagle GT II is an excellent high-performance all-season tire that offers strong wet and dry traction, responsive handling, and a quiet, comfortable ride. It’s a great option for drivers looking for a tire that can handle a wide variety of weather conditions while still delivering sporty handling and control.

The Eagle GT II is best suited for sports cars, performance sedans, and sporty crossovers and SUVs. Drivers who want a tire that excels in dry conditions but still performs well on wet roads will be very happy with the Eagle GT II. It’s also a good choice for drivers in areas with variable weather patterns who need one tire that can handle all conditions.

Overall, the Eagle GT II delivers an impressive blend of grip, stability, comfort, and tread life. While it doesn’t excel in any one particular area, it performs very well across the board. Drivers looking for a versatile high-performance tire that provides year-round traction without sacrificing ride comfort should definitely consider the Goodyear Eagle GT II.