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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 215/55R16 97H Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 215/55R16 97H Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars912 ratings910 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (767)
  2. 4 stars8% (75)
  3. 3 stars3% (27)
  4. 2 stars2% (17)
  5. 1 star3% (26)
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Showing 371-380 of 910 reviews
Jun 21, 2024
B Bob
5 out of 5 stars review

A Totally Different Michelin Defender 2 Compared To Defender1

Defender 2's have a smooth ride quality that is very noticeable as compared to regular Defenders. Makes my 97 4Runner have a ride it hasn't had using the original Defender. Very pleased with the looks, ride quality, and performance of the tire. Seems the tread design does not make much noise. My only regret after having tires for eleven weeks! Apparently ran over a piece of 1/2" steel that got inserted into the tire tread. Selling dealer, even with a paid protection plan, plug patched tire with only 1345 miles instead of replacing it? Hope the tire is safe with this repair and doesn't start having issues with belts separating and roaring like a snow tire.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Oct 20, 2024
PriusFiveDude
5 out of 5 stars review

Love these tires: good wet and dry traction, low noise

I bought Defender 2 tires for my 2014 Prius Five four weeks and 450 miles ago. I am thoroughly happy with the choice. These replaced some Continental SureContact units that had been scrubbed about a bit because of poor alightment. The dry traction of the Defender 2 is outstanding. I’ve had some opportunity to drive in wet conditions and the traction and braking is similarly impressive. Wet performance and noise characteristics were the primary drivers for my choice of this tire. Given that the Prius is a not well insulated car as the engineers wanted to keep the weight down, I am really impressed at how little tire noise gets into the cabin. That alone argues to put these things on my massive 2003 4,000-lb-plus Jaguar which will need new tires in the spring. The Prius’s mileage has dropped a little, but I really bought the car because it had cutting edge safety technology and I’m getting older. So trading a little drop in mileage for great dry/wet traction, exceptional handling and a low noise factor is just no biggie. As these wear a bit I would expect the mileage to slowly rise some. And at my age (75) and the amount I drive (~6000 a year) these tires should be just broken in by the time I trade the Prius in on what will likely be my last car.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Aug 25, 2024
Anonymous
4 out of 5 stars review

Nice tires but not performance oriented enough

Tires ride smoothly and quietly. Was hoping to replace my Michelin Primacy with another set of Michelin Primacy. Old tires had plenty of tread but were getting old (summer only car with low mileage). The Defender do not corner like the Primacy. The Primacy were more performance oriented and you can tell the difference. Unfortunately the Primacy in my tire size is no longer available (225R60/16). I do not drive like a race car driver but when I made a U-turn, you could tell they didn't grip the same. Also when making a left turn with and advanced light, sometimes I can tell my tires are slipping (accelerate a little too hard for the tires). I wish the Primacy were still available in my size.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Mar 21, 2024
JJ
3 out of 5 stars review

Harsh ride

These new Defender 2 tires provide a very harsh ride. I feel every little road imperfection. Especially noticeable at very low speeds. Feels like the tire is thumping, as though out of round. They are not. Have had dealer check and redo balance twice, last time on a Hunter Road Force Balancer. Tires and wheels all check out within all vehicle and tire specs. No manufacturing defects were noted (i.e. broken or separated belts, etc.). Tires are structurally sound. Also, alignment is perfect. I've had five sets of the prior version of this tire on different cars, Defender T & H, and was very satisfied with the performance and comfort. Never received the advertised 90K miles on any of those tires - more like 45-50K. But did not care. They gave a good ride. These Defender 2's feel like they are inflated to 50 lb! Very hard ride. But, I'll get used to them I am sure.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
reply from Michelin US

JJ, sorry to read of your disappointment in the ride. We have several families of tires that are each optimized to meet specific needs, such as mileage, durability, performance, control and comfort. As a last resort, remember that as part of the Michelin Promise Plan, there is a 60 day satisfaction guarantee. Simply return to the selling retailer for the tires to be swapped out. Contact us at 866-866-6605 with any questions.

Nov 10, 2023
Shrewsburyan
4 out of 5 stars review

Defender is a quality tire for New England conditions

This is my 2nd set of Defender tires. The Defender 1 or original gave me more than 85k safe miles and performed expertly in snow and rain. The Defender 2 allowed my car to hydroplane in a CT flash flood on I-84 at 40 mph. The Defender 1 gave me about 2% better gas mileage.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Jan 19, 2023
LarryP
5 out of 5 stars review

Michelin Tires are the BEST!

Amazing handling, and my car has never driven so smooth! I did see an immediate drop in MPG approximately 4 mpg due to having more rubber on the ground which explains the go cart like handling. The overall handling and comfort is well worth the small loss in mpg.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Mar 21, 2025
Rez
4 out of 5 stars review

Great tires and quiet ride!

The Michelin Defender 2 is an excellent upgrade for my 2018 Honda Civic EX-T. They offer great traction, smooth handling, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Wet and dry performance is impressive, and the ride feels more refined. With an 80,000-mile tread life, they seem durable and long-lasting. Overall, a solid choice for reliability and comfort.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Feb 27, 2023
DD205
5 out of 5 stars review

I’m committed to the D2 !

2003 Lexus LS430, replaced Continentals with the D2–and I am blown away at the better ride, noise, wet traction, feel… I have never felt such a difference with tires. The car sits better and has a better stance. I am a believer in Michelin Defender, the Defender2 is even better. I am very pleased with this decision 100%.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

DD205, thanks so much for taking the time to write a review on the Defender2, and thanks for your commitment to Michelin!

Dec 19, 2024
Anonymous
5 out of 5 stars review

Better Than Goodyear Assurance Max Life

I originally purchased a set of Goodyear Assurance Max Life tires in September. After putting 8,000 miles on them, I just wasn’t happy with them, especially after the first heavy rain. America’s tire bought the Good Years back and sold me this set of Michelins. I could feel the difference almost immediately. After almost a week on the tires, they are very quiet and smooth, even on rough roads. Have not driven in the rain with them yet, but I am sure they will be excellent. Very happy with these tires.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Nov 10, 2023
Bigbob203
5 out of 5 stars review

Using Only Michelins

I have used Michelin's on all my vehicles for many years. When I bought my 2014 Durango, it came with another brand. After 20,000 miles or so they were wearing. Michelins have been on it ever since and I not have almost 50,000 on them and not near wear points yet. Great traction in wet weather, low noise, and smooth ride. What not to like.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956