Budget DD tire - Federal Formoza AZ01s, Sumitomo HTR P02s, Kumho PA51, or Federal SS595s

They're all around the same price ($80) for my size (205/50R17). From what I've read, the Sumitomos are solid tires but even better in the wet; the Kumho is slightly weaker in the wet grip department but are far better in the dry for grip and refinement; the SS595's are the obvious grip-for-days tire with less tread available (don't know how the wet grip is, or how long these tires outside of an autocross environment, or how noisy they are); and the Formozas are a question mark - all I've read is that they're a good tire, but no other real info.

I was underwhelmed by the PA51's. No experience with the others, but the General G-Max AS was better than expected.

I have run the Kumho PA51, Sumitomo HTRs, and the Federal SS595s in all sorts of conditions. Both the 595 and HTR are good tires, the 595 are a better track tire (but I wouldnt say grip for days...) and the HTR is a better all-season all-rounder, especially in snow. The 595 was great on a wet track, the HTR great on a wet road. From what I remember the PA51 was just OK.

If you can stretch your budget a little bit, the cheap tire that I have really been impressed with is the General G-max AS-05. As a street tire I am really happy with them in the dry and the wet, but I have not had a chance to test them on track yet. 

Anything I have put ss595 on has been wonderful. All I have to add. 

How about Falken, specifically the Azenis fk510? Looks like they cost about what the generals do. 

I'd spend the extra $15 per tire it would be to get the G-Max, but I'd rather not given it's a beater commuter. How's the NVH and/or treadwear regarding HTR vs SS595?

Also Hopman - seems like the FK510s are great tire, but I don't seem to be able to find them available in my size unless overseas.

I have the Federal 595 RS-RR on my challenge civic.  I would definitely describe it as grip for days.  With those big blocks of rubber, there is a bit of road noise, but not enough to bother me.

HopmanJones said:

How about Falken, specifically the Azenis fk510? Looks like they cost about what the generals do. 

Unfortunately they don't come in the exact size requested my the OP. I had the FK510, I liked them, I'd recommend them. There's objective data out there suggesting they're a good choice.

I drove my e36 on SS595s for 4 years. I got 10k out of the rears and like 5k out of the fronts. Blame my alignment and dead front struts for that. Killer grip dry and decent grip wet. I would compare them to my favorite tire the BFG Sport Comp 2 for traction. They were a little noisier though. I decided to try the Nankang NS25 as a replacement instead of buying the SS595 again, mainly looking for a slightly quieter tire.

I've been pleased with the ss595 on a 70 duster, 64 el camino, miata, and sn95 mustang. 

They blow goats in the snow. At least on the above mentioned vehicles. 

Ive had hpde customers use them on corvettes. They've been adequate,  especially given the price. 

Heavy heavy rain they hydroplane a bit quicker than others,  but have plenty of grip right up until they dont!

I wouldn't hesitate to use them.

I'll add GT Radial Champiro SX2 as a choice.

They offer a 225/45 and a 215/45 in a 17 wheel, both around $80 shipped at onlinetires.com (they run wide too). 

They are a '2nd tier' 200tw tire that can handle autocross and track duty and do quite well in the rain.  They are my summer tire on a 2019 GLI.

In reply to Dootz :

For a commuter that doesnt see track time, the HTR is my go-to cheap tire. I have had them on at least 3 different cars now and would back it 100% for that kind of use. I actually have a set on my 944 right now just for that reason. The federal SS595 is a fine tire, but does not mach the all-rounder abilities or tread life of the HTR from my experience.  

I'm not the OP, but I learned a lot from this thread. Thanks to those that posted. I picked up the General G-Max AS-05 for my Protege5 from Tire Buyer with a 7% discount for cyber monday. I read a lot of review for all the tires discussed and the Generals really seem like excellent bang for the buck, with the Sumitomo HTR PO2 coming in close behind.

Just came here to drop my $0.02 and say that I've been impressed by the dollars-to-value ratio of the Generals.

I've been very happy with the HTRs on my Subaru. Currently going through the 2nd set I've had on the car and no complaints so far.