Starfire tires are made by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, an American tire manufacturer that has been part of Goodyear since 2021.
Starfire is known as a value focused brand, offering budget conscious drivers dependable all season tires under the slogan a good deal on a great tire.
Cooper Tire and Rubber Company owns the Starfire trademark and has manufactured the brand since at least 1981, based on early trademark filings.
Knowing that Starfire is backed by Cooper, now part of Goodyear, helps explain the brand’s consistent engineering and testing standards.
This guide covers who owns Starfire, where the tires are manufactured, the brand’s history, and how Starfire compares to Mastercraft in the Cooper family of brands.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Starfire tires are made by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, which has been a subsidiary of Goodyear since June 2021. Starfire tires were originally produced entirely in the United States, though the majority of production has since shifted overseas, primarily to China.
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Who Makes Starfire Tires and Who Owns the Brand?
Starfire is owned and manufactured by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, with current products listed through Starfire Tires’ brand page.
Cooper Tire has held the Starfire trademark for tires since at least 1981, according to registered filings.
In June 2021, Goodyear completed its acquisition of Cooper Tire, bringing Starfire under Goodyear’s ownership umbrella, as confirmed by Wikipedia’s Cooper Tire entry.
Starfire sits alongside other Cooper family brands including Mastercraft, Roadmaster, and Mickey Thompson.
Where Are Starfire Tires Manufactured?
Starfire tires were originally produced and tested domestically in the early 2000s, with testing still conducted near San Antonio, Texas.
The majority of current production has since moved overseas, primarily to China, to keep the brand’s pricing competitive.
Some Starfire models may still be produced at American plants, though the exact split can vary by tire size and category.
Cooper, parent to Starfire, is based in Findlay, Ohio, and continues to oversee quality standards across its global production.
What Is the History Behind the Starfire Brand?
Starfire has been part of Cooper Tire’s portfolio for more than four decades, based on trademark records dating to 1981.
The brand was developed to give budget conscious drivers access to Cooper level engineering at a lower price.
Cooper itself has operated for more than a century, giving Starfire access to a long history of tire research.
The 2021 Goodyear acquisition folded Starfire into an even larger manufacturing network.
How Does Starfire Compare to Mastercraft Tires?
Starfire and Mastercraft are both Cooper family brands, sitting alongside each other in the value segment.
Starfire generally sits at a lower price point, focused primarily on all season passenger and light truck tires.
Mastercraft offers a broader lineup with additional truck and SUV options at a slightly higher price tier.
Both brands benefit from Cooper’s engineering resources, now backed further by Goodyear.
Are Starfire Tires a Good Value?
Starfire tires are generally seen as a solid budget option, backed by Cooper’s manufacturing standards.
The Solarus AS and Solarus HT lines carry warranties up to 50,000 miles, competitive for the price segment.
Owner reviews often highlight decent tread life and dependable all season traction for everyday driving.
For budget conscious drivers who want Cooper level quality at a lower price, Starfire is a reasonable choice.
Where Can You Buy Starfire Tires?
Starfire tires are sold through select independent tire dealers rather than a broad national retail presence.
Several online tire retailers stock Starfire models with delivery to a local installer.
Because Starfire has more limited distribution than flagship Cooper tires, availability can vary by region.
Shoppers comparing Cooper family brands may also want to read Who Makes Mastercraft Tires and Where Are Goodyear Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starfire Tires
Is Starfire a Cooper tire?
Yes, Starfire is a value brand owned and manufactured by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company.
Is Starfire owned by Goodyear now?
Yes, Goodyear acquired Cooper Tire in June 2021, bringing Starfire under Goodyear’s ownership.
Are Starfire tires made in the USA?
Some models are still tested and produced domestically, but the majority of current production has shifted overseas, mainly to China.
Are Starfire tires good?
Yes, Starfire tires are generally considered a good value, backed by Cooper Tire’s manufacturing and testing standards.
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.