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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 235/50R18 101V Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 235/50R18 101V Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars902 ratings902 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (758)
  2. 4 stars8% (74)
  3. 3 stars3% (27)
  4. 2 stars2% (17)
  5. 1 star3% (26)

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Showing 401-410 of 902 reviews
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
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Aug 1, 2024
Dennis55
3 out of 5 stars review

Tire Squirm

I bought these tires a month ago and I am not happy with them. They have constant tire squirm at highway speeds. I constantly have to make microadjustments in my steering wheel to keep straight. I dont believe its an alignment issue as it wasnt there before the new tires.

Review from michelinman.com
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Nov 13, 2023
Carl
2 out of 5 stars review

Don't expect good MPG

I decided on Defender 2s for my 2017 Acura TLX V6. I live in Florida but occasionally drive north in the winter. The tires are very quiet. The handling of the car is exception. These two aspects get 5 stars. What I have found that my mileage has decreased about 20 to 25%. I need to fill up after 300 miles instead of the 400 miles on the OEM tires.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Michelin US

Carl, thank you for providing feedback on your experience with Defender2 tires. New tires having full tread depth will have more grip and rolling resistance in comparison to worn tires.  As the new tires wear, the rolling resistance decreases.  Over the life of the tires, all things being equal, the fuel efficiency should improve.

Jul 19, 2024
willjax2
5 out of 5 stars review

Smooth ride, great handeling

I purchased a set of these to replace a set of General AltMAX RT 43's. Boy, what a world of difference. Much quieter, and smoother ride. Handeling was noticeably quicker response. These tires really hug the road. Have driven on multiple road surfaces and they grip well in all terrain.

Review from michelinman.com
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Aug 25, 2024
Frank W
5 out of 5 stars review

Worth the Extra Money!

When we bought our new 2024 Subaru Forester it came with unacceptable tires which I insisted that the dealer replace with a set of Michelin Defenders. I had researched all tire offerings for this vehicle and these proved to be the highest-rated and best value and they have not disappointed me in any way. Premium rubber for a competitive price is always a great value. That your life and the lives of your family are at stake makes the decision an easy one. As we also roll on Michelin X-Ice 3s in the winter means that we will be covered for years to come!

Review from michelinman.com
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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
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Apr 12, 2024
Ross
5 out of 5 stars review

Great Tires

I only use Michelin Tires on both of my vehicles, and have for many years, Michelin Defenders in the summer & Michelin X-Ice in the winter. I have always received great service, traction & ride, and highly recommend Michelin Tires to my Family & anyone who has asked.,

Review from michelinman.com
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May 6, 2025
BillTrekker
5 out of 5 stars review

Smooth and quiet

These tires have changed the way my 25 Crosstrek drives. I love how smooth and quiet my ride is now. Have not had a chance to test on wet roads yet. But I would certainly recommend these tires. I have always gone with Michelin on all of my vehicles and the Defender 2 did not disappoint.

Review from michelinman.com
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Aug 19, 2024
Matthew
5 out of 5 stars review

Excellent handling and quiet

With only 10,500 miles on our 2024 Honda CRV Sport Touring AWD Hybrid, we picked up a nail in a non-repairable spot (I spent 25+ years in automotive repair and tires so I know when I have to replace and not repair). Unfortunately it was going to take about a week to ge the same exact Michelin tire to replace this one, but my daughter has to leave to go back to college in the early morning. The option was to buy another set of tires and keep the 3 good ones. So that is what we did. The Michelin Defender 2 is a great tire with an 80,000 mile life expectancy. It handles well and provides a nice smooth and quiet ride. If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is a noisy ride on my car (looking in the direction of other major tire brands that sponsors variations of auto races and monster trucks). Back to these specific tires though, the handling is great and my daughter that drives this car even mentioned that she likes these tires better than the orignial ones that came on the car. The tires are responsive and flex the way they should to provide a smooth and quiet drive. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an excellent tire.

Review from michelinman.com
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Aug 27, 2024
Smitty
5 out of 5 stars review

Top Quality Tire

Installed new Defender 2 mid April 2024. Very pleased with the handling when driving are 2015 Elantra. Notice a big difference in wet conditions. Like driving a different vehicle. Very pleased with the performance of this top notch tires. Definitely good value for the buck. Highly recommended.

Review from michelinman.com
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