I couldn't justify new rims and tires this year as the winters are starting to change (ie never know when the cold/snow is coming to Mid- Wisconsin) so I researched quality all-season tires to put on the stock rims (not to mention, I love the stock rims). After much research and discussion with TireRack, went with the Continental Extreme Contacts 225/45/18s on my stock rims (at $132 per tire).

Results: NIGHT & DAY!! Sticks like glue on cold pavements (temps have dropped into 20s couple times now), blazes through in rain, and ride is MUCH softer. So far have not pushed hard (just shy of 500 miles so still break-in period) but can use all year as these are also made for light snow/slush.

All in all, very impressed so far and hats off to TireRack for the assistance.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

 

Let us know how they do in snow.

 

Yes I would like to know the snow performance also...

I had toyo proxes 4 which were also very good in wet cond. and ok in the snow...

Looking for a new set for this winter myself.

 

The AVON M550 all seasons get great marks.

 

I had Continental on my SPEC-V. All I can say is I was really really glad to get rid of them.

 

Really... why?

 

They wore really really fast, got really loud, and their traction wasn't particularly good after the first 6 months.

Maybe they are better at a larger size but the 17's I had were junk.

 

Ok I had 225/55-16 on my Taurus SEL and they were awsome tires for awhile. After 8000 miles they started getting flat spots and were a bitch to keep from shimmying through the steering wheel.
Granted this is a FWD car and is hard on tires. Tire Rack suggested to rotate every oil change to keep them wearing correctly.
I hope you have good luck with them, some folks swear by them, I was kinda let down.