Tire choice

I need to replace the front 2 tires on the 01 LS I just bought. The previous owner put used unmatched tires on there and I want to change them before I begin blaming/chasing down suspension demons. Anyone have any recommendations for tires? The rears are fairly new Goodyear Eagles.

I've used Kuhmo Ecsta ASX all-seasons on two cars now (including my wife's 02 LS) and have been very impressed with them. For the price, I think you'd have a hard time finding a better tire. Road noise is much lower with the Kuhmos than it was with the Firestones that were on it. You could probably replace all four tires on your car with Kuhmos for about the same price a pair of Goodyear Eagles will run you.

FWIW, I've never been happy with any Goodyear tire I've ever had, and have a few friends with similar experiences (poor wear, noisy, belt separations, bulges).

-Rod

Totally agree with you on the Goodyears, my mom's new Camry came with them and even the dealer told us to be happy if we got 25k out of them. They leaked air, were noisy and the traction sucked in the rain. I put some Falken Ziex 512's on there and its a world of difference. Not to mention the incredible price difference. I think I may get those or the Hankook es 405.
Still thinking about some 17" black wheels to help the appearance a bit, but I don't want to sacrifice my ride at all

I have Dunlop Sport 5000 245/50/17's on my 2001 LS. They are the quietest tires I've had and the size looks great. Better than the 235/50s that came on the car and much better than the Goodrich 245/45/17's that were as noisey brand new as the original Firestones were worn out.