When shopping for reliable, high-quality tires, Cooper Tires often enters the conversation as a trusted brand with over a century of heritage. Known for their excellent all-season, off-road, and performance tire options, Cooper has become a go-to name for drivers seeking a balance of quality, durability, and price.
But beyond the product catalog, a question many consumers are now asking is: Who owns Cooper Tires? This isn’t just a matter of curiosity. Understanding ownership helps reveal insights into manufacturing quality, technological innovation, and even customer service standards.
In recent years, Cooper Tires underwent significant changes that affect not just how the company operates but how its products compare to those of its parent brand and competitors.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down who owns Cooper Tires, explore their corporate structure, and evaluate the performance, design, and real-world value of their tire lineup.
Whether you’re considering Cooper for your next tire purchase or just want to understand the business behind the brand, this guide delivers everything you need.
What I Like
Before diving into ownership details, let’s explore what makes Cooper Tires a popular and well-regarded brand among both consumers and professionals.
1. Strong American Legacy
Founded in 1914 in Akron, Ohio, Cooper has a rich history of U.S.-based manufacturing and innovation. Even today, they maintain significant operations in the U.S., which resonates with drivers looking to support domestic production.
2. Wide Product Range
From passenger cars to light trucks and SUVs, Cooper’s lineup is extensive. Notable models include:
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 – All-terrain for trucks and SUVs
- Cooper CS5 Grand Touring – Comfortable all-season touring
- Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 – High-performance UHP for sporty sedans
3. Value-Oriented Pricing
While Cooper tires aren’t the cheapest on the market, they offer an impressive value, high performance at mid-tier prices. They consistently compete with brands like Falken, General Tire, and Hankook.
4. Real-World Durability
Many Cooper tire models are praised for long tread life, even wear, and strong warranty support. The Discoverer AT3 series, for example, offers up to 65,000-mile warranties and holds up well in mixed-use driving.
5. Excellent Warranty Coverage
Cooper’s warranties are comprehensive, offering protection ranging from 45,000 to 80,000 miles depending on the model. Their road hazard coverage and 45-day test drive guarantee are additional bonuses.
What Could Be Better
While Cooper tires offer a lot of value, there are a few drawbacks worth considering:
1. Wet Performance in Budget Models
While premium models like the CS5 Grand Touring or Zeon RS3 perform well in wet conditions, entry-level Cooper tires sometimes struggle with hydroplaning or reduced traction in rain.
2. Road Noise (on Some A/T and M/T Models)
The Discoverer Rugged Trek and STT Pro are solid performers off-road, but they produce more road noise than competitors like the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W or BFGoodrich KO2.
3. Limited Availability in Niche Sizes
While Cooper covers the major OEM and aftermarket sizes, those with highly specialized fitments or custom setups may find fewer options compared to giants like Michelin or Bridgestone.
4. Global Manufacturing May Vary
Though many Cooper tires are made in the USA, others are produced in facilities abroad. Quality remains high, but some buyers specifically seek U.S.-only manufacturing.
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My Personal Experience
I’ve run Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S tires on my 2020 Ford Ranger for nearly 30,000 miles. Here’s a breakdown of my experience:
On-Road Driving
The tires offer a smooth, stable ride with solid grip on both dry and wet pavement. Even during heavy downpours, I felt confident thanks to the aggressive siping and water-channeling tread design.
Off-Road and Snow
The AT3 4S shines in gravel, mud, and snow. With the 3PMSF snowflake rating, I had no problem navigating mountain passes during Colorado winters even without chains.
Tread Wear
At 30K miles, there’s still plenty of life left. I’ve done regular rotations, and tread wear is even across all four tires. Based on current usage, I expect to reach 60,000+ miles.
Road Noise and Comfort
Noise is minimal for an all-terrain tire. The hum is noticeable at higher speeds but never intrusive. Ride quality remains comfortable, even on rougher roads.
Design
Cooper’s tire designs are engineered for balance, grip, longevity, and comfort. Here are key design features found across their lineup:
Tread Patterns
- CS5 and Evolution models feature asymmetrical patterns for optimal cornering and water evacuation.
- Discoverer A/T and STT series use large shoulder lugs and zigzag siping for off-road traction and self-cleaning.
- Performance models like the Zeon RS3-G1 have wide ribs and silica-infused tread for grip and quick response.
Sidewall Construction
Cooper tires are built with reinforced sidewalls, especially in their off-road range. Many feature Armor-Tek3 construction for added protection against punctures, bruises, and impacts.
Compound Technology
- Silica-based compounds in their UHP and grand touring tires improve flexibility and grip in cold weather.
- Wear Square technology helps users visually monitor tread wear and alignment issues.
Performance
Let’s break down how Cooper tires perform across different categories:
| Condition / Terrain | Touring (CS5) | A/T (AT3 4S) | M/T (STT Pro) | UHP (RS3-G1) |
| Dry Pavement | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Wet Roads | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Snow/Ice | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Off-Road Dirt/Gravel | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Noise Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ride Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Tread Life | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Build Quality
Who Owns Cooper Tires?
In June 2021, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company officially acquired Cooper Tire & Rubber Company for approximately $2.5 billion.
This merger brought together two of the largest American-based tire brands, creating a combined entity capable of competing globally with giants like Michelin and Bridgestone.
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
- Increased Research & Development: Cooper now benefits from Goodyear’s tech and testing facilities.
- Expanded Distribution: Greater availability in retail stores, especially for Goodyear/Cooper hybrid dealers.
- Preserved Brand Identity: Cooper remains a distinct brand under Goodyear’s umbrella, retaining its core designs and production methods for now.
Manufacturing Locations
Cooper Tires are produced in several key locations:
- USA – Findlay, Ohio; Tupelo, Mississippi; Texarkana, Arkansas
- Mexico – Joint venture with Corporación de Occidente
- China – Some models manufactured by GRT and ACTR in China for global markets
Cooper maintains a strong presence in the U.S., although global production helps keep prices competitive.
Alternative Option
Looking at other options in the same performance/price category? Here are some strong competitors to Cooper Tires:
1. General Tire (a Continental brand)
- Grabber A/TX is a direct competitor to Cooper Discoverer AT3
- Slightly better wet traction, similar treadwear
2. Falken Tires
- Wildpeak A/T3W offers outstanding snow performance and road comfort.t
- Similar pricing and durability
3. Firestone
- Destination A/T2 competes well with the A/T3
- Backed by Bridgestone technology
4. Hankook
- High treadwear warranties and a growing off-road lineup
- Competitive in touring and UHP categories
Cooper holds its own against all of these, particularly when it comes to off-road performance, warranty, and American manufacturing.
Final Thought
So, who owns Cooper Tires? The answer is clear: Cooper is now owned by Goodyear, following a major acquisition in 2021. But this isn’t just a financial merger, it’s a strategic move that combines Goodyear’s global resources with Cooper’s domestic legacy and off-road credibility.
Despite the ownership shift, Cooper Tires continues to operate as a distinct brand, delivering reliable performance, innovative design, and good value across its lineup.
Whether you’re looking for rugged off-road grip, all-season reliability, or affordable high-performance, Cooper offers a wide selection that competes with and often beats similarly priced options.
In short, yes, Cooper Tires are still a great buy, and their future under Goodyear looks brighter than ever.
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FQAS: Who Owns Cooper Tires | My Honest Review
Who owns Cooper Tires now?
Cooper Tires is owned by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, following a merger completed in June 2021.
Are Cooper Tires made in the USA?
Yes. Many Cooper tires are manufactured in Ohio, Arkansas, and Mississippi, though some models are produced internationally to serve global markets.
Is Cooper a good tire brand?
Absolutely. Cooper is known for strong durability, balanced performance, competitive pricing, and excellent warranty support, especially in all-terrain and touring categories.
Are Cooper and Goodyear tires the same?
Not exactly. While they’re owned by the same parent company, Cooper and Goodyear have separate product lines, designs, and brand strategies.
How long do Cooper tires last?
Depending on the model, Cooper tires typically last between 45,000 and 80,000 miles, with regular rotations and proper alignment.
Are Cooper tires good for off-road use?
Yes, especially the Discoverer AT3, Rugged Trek, and STT Pro lines, which offer excellent off-road grip, puncture resistance, and mileage.
