Firestone tires are made by Bridgestone Corporation, the Japanese tire giant that acquired Firestone in 1988.
Firestone is known for its long motorsport history, including six decades of Indianapolis 500 victories and its current role as exclusive tire supplier for the NTT IndyCar Series.
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, purchased Firestone Tire and Rubber Company for 2.6 billion dollars in 1988, outbidding a rival offer from Pirelli.
Knowing that Firestone is a Bridgestone owned brand helps explain why the two share manufacturing plants and research facilities today.
This guide covers who owns Firestone, where the tires are manufactured, the brand’s history, and how Firestone compares to sister brand Bridgestone.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Firestone tires are made by Bridgestone Corporation, which acquired the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1988 for 2.6 billion dollars. Firestone is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and continues to operate its own manufacturing plants within the Bridgestone Americas network.
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Who Makes Firestone Tires and Who Owns the Brand?
Firestone is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, with current lineups shown on the Firestone Tires official website.
Bridgestone acquired Firestone in 1988, bringing one of America’s oldest tire brands under Japanese ownership.
Firestone’s headquarters moved from Akron, Ohio to Nashville, Tennessee in 1992, where it remains today.
Despite Bridgestone’s ownership, Firestone continues to operate as its own distinct retail and product brand.
Where Are Firestone Tires Manufactured?
Many Firestone tires are still produced at the original Firestone Plant One site in Akron, Ohio, now home to the Bridgestone Advanced Technology Workshop.
Bridgestone’s broader corporate history and Firestone acquisition are documented on Wikipedia’s Bridgestone entry.
Firestone also shares production capacity with other Bridgestone owned plants across the United States.
Bridgestone has continued investing in Firestone’s manufacturing footprint, including new plants in India and Mexico that support broader production needs.
What Is the History of Firestone Tires?
Firestone was founded in 1900 by Harvey Firestone in Akron, Ohio, originally producing tires for horse drawn carriages.
The company became a key player in early motorsport, supporting competitors at the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911.
By the 1980s, Firestone had scaled back its own manufacturing operations, prompting the 1988 sale to Bridgestone.
Firestone extended its IndyCar Series tire supply deal in 2025, reinforcing its motorsport legacy under Bridgestone.
How Does Firestone Compare to Bridgestone Tires?
Firestone and Bridgestone are sister brands under the same Japanese parent company, sharing manufacturing and research facilities.
Bridgestone generally sits at the premium end of the lineup, while Firestone targets a slightly more accessible price point.
Both brands lean heavily into motorsport credentials, with Firestone focused on IndyCar and Bridgestone historically tied to Formula 1 and other series.
Drivers who want a slightly lower price with the same corporate backing often choose Firestone over Bridgestone.
Are Firestone Tires a Good Value?
Firestone tires generally offer solid performance backed by Bridgestone’s manufacturing standards and quality control.
The Destination A/T2 remains one of the brand’s most popular all terrain options for trucks and SUVs.
Owner reviews frequently note dependable treadwear and strong warranty support.
For drivers who want a legacy American name backed by Japanese manufacturing scale, Firestone remains a solid choice.
Where Can You Buy Firestone Tires?
Firestone tires are sold through Firestone Complete Auto Care locations, along with retailers like Discount Tire, Walmart, and Amazon.
The Firestone website includes a store locator to help find authorized sellers nearby.
Most online tire retailers also carry Firestone’s full lineup with local installation options.
Shoppers comparing Bridgestone family brands may also want to read Who Makes Bridgestone Tires and Where Are Goodyear Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firestone Tires
Is Firestone owned by Bridgestone?
Yes, Bridgestone Corporation has owned Firestone since acquiring it for 2.6 billion dollars in 1988.
Are Firestone tires made in the USA?
Yes, many Firestone tires are still built at Bridgestone owned plants in the United States, including the original Akron, Ohio site.
When was Firestone founded?
Firestone was founded in 1900 by Harvey Firestone in Akron, Ohio.
Is Firestone a good tire brand?
Yes, Firestone is a well established brand backed by Bridgestone’s manufacturing quality and decades of motorsport heritage.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.