Mesa tires are made by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company and sold as a private brand owned by Big O Tires.
Mesa has earned a name as an affordable house brand that covers passenger cars, crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks.
Cooper, the manufacturer behind Mesa, is a long established American tire maker that is now part of Goodyear.
Knowing that a major American manufacturer builds a budget house brand helps you judge whether the low price still brings real quality.
This article covers who makes Mesa tires, where they are produced, who owns the brand, what models exist, how they compare to a rival, and whether they are any good.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Mesa Tires?
Mesa tires are made by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company for Big O Tires, which owns the Mesa brand.
This is a useful arrangement, because it pairs a budget house brand with the engineering of a respected manufacturer.
Cooper has been building tires since the early twentieth century and is known for dependable light truck and all season designs.
So a Mesa tire benefits from Cooper’s manufacturing technology while carrying a lower house brand price.
That combination is the main reason Mesa appeals to shoppers who want known quality without a premium badge.
Where Are Mesa Tires Made?
Mesa tires are made mainly in Cooper’s United States factories.
Cooper operates large plants in Findlay, Ohio, in Texarkana, Arkansas, and in Tupelo and Clarksdale, Mississippi.
The bulk of Mesa production for the North American market comes from these domestic plants.
Some Mesa tires may also come from Cooper’s plants in Europe, Latin America, or Asia depending on the model and supply needs.
As always, the sidewall code identifies the exact plant where a given tire was built.
Who Owns Mesa Tires?
Mesa is a private label brand owned by Big O Tires.
Big O Tires is a franchise chain owned by TBC Corporation, which itself is a joint venture between Sumitomo Corporation and Michelin.
The manufacturer, Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, was acquired by Goodyear in 2021 and now sits inside the Goodyear group.
So Mesa is an interesting case where the brand owner and the tire maker are two different major companies, as detailed by tire industry sources.
What Models Does Mesa Offer?
Mesa keeps its lineup focused on practical everyday tires.
The Mesa AP3 is an all terrain tire built for light trucks and SUVs that need on and off road capability.
The Mesa HT is a highway all season tire aimed at a quiet, comfortable ride for trucks and SUVs.
Select Mesa models carry a treadwear mileage warranty, with some lines rated up to around 50,000 miles.
Mesa Tires vs Cooper Tires: How Do They Compare?
Because Cooper builds Mesa, the two brands are closely related, but they are positioned differently.
Cooper branded tires sit higher in the lineup, with more models, more sizes, and stronger warranty coverage.
Mesa is the value house brand, offering Cooper built quality at a lower price through Big O Tires.
For a shopper who wants the widest choice and the longest warranty, Cooper is the stronger pick, while Mesa wins on price.
Are Mesa Tires Any Good?
Mesa tires are a solid value for everyday drivers.
Being built by Cooper gives Mesa a quality edge over many no name budget brands at a similar price.
Owners generally report good traction and a comfortable ride for normal commuting and light truck use.
They are not a high performance line, so enthusiasts may want a premium tire, but for value the brand holds up well.
For budget shoppers who want known manufacturing behind a house brand, Mesa is a sensible choice at Big O Tires.
For more on related tire brands, see Who Makes Mastercraft Tires and Where Are Cooper Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesa Tires
Who makes Mesa tires?
Mesa tires are made by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company for Big O Tires. Cooper is now part of the Goodyear group.
Are Mesa tires made in the USA?
Most Mesa tires are made in Cooper’s United States plants in Ohio, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Some may come from Cooper plants abroad depending on the model.
Where can I buy Mesa tires?
Mesa is a house brand sold primarily through Big O Tires. Some online tire retailers also stock Mesa models.
Are Mesa tires good for the price?
Yes, Mesa offers Cooper built quality at a value price. That makes it a strong budget option for daily driving and light truck use.
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.