JP,

I have Kumho Ecsta's on my '99 Taurus, way better than the factory
General "Ameri"s.  Quieter + better traction on all surfaces, even
compared to when the Ameris were new.   It's a bit softer than the
Generals so it'll wear faster, but I feel safer in the car...and I
cant beat 'em for the price.... $199 for 4 delivered to my door in NE
OH.  (2003)  I figure I'll get 3 or 4  winters out of em then change
'em out before they hit the wear bars.

I can't compare to Coopers but I'm extremely happy with these and
will probably buy them again.  

I also did the tirerack research like you, on several vehicles.   It's
paid off every time!

--Don in Cleveland OH

Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider student, CFI-SEL wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...<smack-smack-smack-smack...>"

What did the guys at the tire place say?

One thing I've found with tires, you may not care about this
of course, is that it's a lot easier to make a tire that handles
well than one that SOUNDS good.

I think that about 10-15 years ago the tire companies
worked out the best general tread design for wet traction,
and that everyone producing tires knows what it's supposed
to be.  That's why most tires all seem to score the same on
the reviews.  The basic tradeoffs are known - if you want
longevity you have to go with a harder rubber compound,
that reduces traction, etc.

What I think is NOT currently known, though, is what
the best design for NOISE REDUCTION is.  It seems to
me that whenever I've ridden in a vehicle that is running
on cheap tires, that at highway speed the sound level inside
the vehicle is so loud that your practically shouting at
each other.  By contrast if the tires are expensive they
run a -lot- quieter and the entire driving experience is a
lot more pleasant.  I think this is because the R&D required
to make a quiet tire is so much higher.

Ted