Goodyear Viva 3 Review [2023 Updated]

By Tire Expert, Josh Boyd

The Goodyear Viva 3 is marketed as a budget-friendly all-season tire, intended for use on mid-size passenger vehicles. Goodyear stipulates that the Viva 3 provides “enhanced comfort and control” even at the affordable price point at which it retails. Sold exclusively at Walmart, the Viva 3 has gained quite the reputation as a tire for the masses, marketed to those on a relatively tight budget.

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Pros

Cons

Ratings

4.0

2.5

4.0

3.0

3.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

Wet Traction:

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Dry Traction:

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Snow Traction:

★★★★★ 3.5/5

Ride Comfort:

★★★★★ 2.5/5

Ride Handling:

★★★★★ 3.0/5

Ride Noise:

★★★★★ 3.5/5

Hydroplaning:

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Tread Life:

★★★★★ 3.0/5

Value For $$$:

★★★★★ 3.5/5

Traction - Goodyear Viva 3

Goodyear’s Viva 3 actually maintains an impressive degree of traction, under a wide array of weather conditions. This tire performs remarkably well, offering both significant dry and wet traction, while also playing the part when driving in light slush. Simply put, the Viva 3 is suitable for use in conjunction with a variety of roadway conditions, though it is certainly no off-road tire.

Much of the Goodyear Viva 3’s tractive ability comes as the result of the tire’s wide circumferential grooves, which rapidly evacuate moisture from its tread. This level of performance is further bolstered by Goodyear’s use of stable shoulder blocks, which optimize traction in dry conditions, and provide a noteworthy increase in overall stability.

Interestingly enough, Goodyear also equipped the Viva 3 with zig-zag sipes, much like those featured on many snow tires. Predictably, this increases the Viva 3’s traction on snow covered roadways, at least to a moderate degree. Because of this attribute, as well as those mentioned above, I feel that the Goodyear Viva 3 is worthy of a 4-star traction rating.

Traction Rating: 4.0/5

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Ride Comfort - Goodyear Viva 3

My feelings toward the level of ride comfort associated with the Viva 3 are quite mixed. In all honesty, the entire Viva line of Goodyear tires has been plagued by ride complaint issues since its initial launch. These issues were especially pronounced during Viva and Viva 2 production. This same trend appears to have continued, to an extent, during third-gen production as well.

The source of such ride comfort complaints centered around an abnormal number of Viva tires that experienced internal belt shift or separation. In my experience with earlier Viva-series tires, it seemed as if I would see one tire returned with belt-related issues, for every six to seven that we sold, mounted, and balanced. This tended to be the case for most other tire techs as well.

While problems of this nature do not seem as prominent as they once were, the Viva 3 has still received its share of similar criticism. However, one must also consider the overall price range of the Viva 3 itself, when considering whether or not such savings are worth the risk. In light of these circumstances, I have chosen to give the Viva 3 a 2.5-star ride comfort rating at best.

Ride Comfort Rating: 2.5/5

★★★★★ 2.5/5

Ride Handling - Goodyear Viva 3

The Viva 3 handles much better than many competing tires within this price range, though it is certainly no touring tire. This tire features a distinct tread pattern, complete with zig-zag sipes, which tend to adhere to the road, providing confident handling. At the very least, this is more than enough to provide consumers with a suitable driving experience, in almost every instance.

To date, Goodyear has published little regarding the tread compound utilized by the Viva 3. However, it is safe to say that the compound in use is of a rather basic design, especially considering the price point at which the Viva 3 is marketed. Nonetheless, this does not seem to affect the tire’s ability to corner with remarkable stability, during normal driving conditions.

This level of stability, at least in part, can be attributed to the Goodyear Viva 3’s use of rigid shoulder blocks, which tie the tire’s sidewall and tread together. This feature enhances surface contact between the road and the Viva 3’s traction surface when maneuvering through curves of any angle. This tends to hold true on both dry and wet road surfaces.

Ride Handling Rating: 3.0/5

★★★★★ 3.0/5

Ride Noise - Goodyear Viva 3

When designing their latest addition to the Viva lineup, Goodyear put forth a substantial amount of effort to supply consumers with a quiet ride. By most accounts, this is a mission that the manufacturing giant succeeded in. The vast majority of Viva 3 tires ride in relative silence, even more so than many economy tires offered by other reputable tire brands, such as Michelin.

The secret to the Viva 3’s quiet ride lies in the tire’s unique tread pattern, as well as Goodyear’s use of vertical serrations within the Viva 3’s inner and outer sidewalls. While the Viva 3’s tread naturally reduces the harmonics associated with roadway travel, the previously mentioned sidewall serrations dissipate the remaining vibration, by expelling it across a larger surface area.

However, this is yet another area in which Goodyear’s lack of consistency when producing their line of Viva tires, rears its ugly head. If you are unlucky enough to find yourself with one or more Viva 3 tires exhibiting belt-related issues, a substantial amount of road noise is sure to follow. For this reason, the Viva 3’s road noise rating drops from a solid 4-star mark, to 3.5-star.

Ride Noise Rating: 3.5/5

★★★★★ 3.5/5

Hydroplaning - Goodyear Viva 3

By all accounts, the Goodyear Viva 3 appears to perform moderately in wet conditions, providing ample traction to commute safely even in the heaviest of downpours. This level of wet weather performance is on par with many of the manufacturer’s more expensive tires, including the Goodyear Assurance All-Season. For a discount tire, little fault can be found in this regard.

The secret to the Goodyear Viva 3’s excellent wet weather performance lies in its well-designed tread pattern, which includes a set of wide circumferential grooves, which void any and all moisture at a rapid pace. Likewise, the tire’s zig-zag sipes create greater road-to-tire contact, even proving similar to those utilized in the construction of many dedicated winter tires.

Similarly, the Goodyear Viva 3 exhibits shortened braking distances over many new tires offered under the economy banner, even in less than ideal road conditions. This greatly reduces the risk of skidding or hydroplaning in wet weather, thereby increasing driver safety as a whole. This is one particular area in which the Viva 3 excels, despite its reputation as an economy tire.

Hydroplaning Rating: 4.0/5

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Tread Life - Goodyear Viva 3

The Viva 3 comes backed by a 60,000 mile warranty policy. Goodyear stipulates that all Viva 3 tires, when properly maintained, should exhibit satisfactory treadwear, up to a total distance of 60,000 miles. If any Viva 3 tire fails to meet this standard, consumers are eligible for a free or pro-rated replacement, depending upon the amount of tread remaining at the time of warranty.

This is yet another category in which Goodyear often falls short of its own standards. During the earliest days of Viva production, it was not uncommon to witness the return of numerous Viva and Viva 2 tires, showing considerable wear at only 30,000 miles. On the other hand, certain tires sold during the same time frame would exceed their specified standard of wear.

To a certain extent, this level of inconsistency has continued to plague Goodyear’s Viva-series lineup, even affecting Viva 3 production. However, for many consumers, this might be of little concern, as long as Goodyear continues to honor its long-standing treadwear warranty policy. This is especially true for those that live within close proximity to a Walmart service center.

Tread Life Rating: 3.0/5

★★★★★ 3.0/5

Value For Money - Goodyear Viva 3

It is hard to argue with the value associated with the Goodyear Viva 3. Is the Viva 3 the highest performing tire on the market today? No. Does the Viva 3 exhibit the highest level of quality and consistent craftsmanship of any tire currently available? Absolutely not. However, for the price at which they are offered, most will likely be pleased with the purchase of a set of Viva 3 tires.

This is the point at which perspective is key. If you are looking for a set of tires to increase your vehicle’s performance, you are better off looking elsewhere. However, if you are on a somewhat restrictive budget, or you are intending to sell your current vehicle in the foreseeable future and are just hoping to get by, the Goodyear Viva 3 is worthy of further consideration.

Additionally, the Viva 3 is offered in many different popular tire sizes, all of which are moderately priced. This provides a full range of coverage for the vast majority of sedans and minivans on the road today. This can be of value to consumers who are seeking to replace one or more tires in a pinch, without accumulating unnecessary expenditure of any type.

Value For Money Rating: 3.5/5

★★★★★ 3.5/5

Final Verdict - Goodyear Viva 3

In regards to my overall impression of the Viva 3, it suffices to say that beauty, or in this case quality, is in the eye of the beholder. When all goes as intended, the Viva 3 does its job and does it quite well. Priced as conservatively as any tire on the road today, the Viva 3 simply gets you down the road, in absence of additional fuss or financial obligation.

Nonetheless, purchasing a set of Viva 3 tires is somewhat of a gamble of sorts. You might be pleased to find that you have purchased a set of quality tires that are safe and slow to wear, or you might be faced with annoying belt-related issues in short order. There is a certain level of unpredictability associated with the Viva 3 that consumers would be wise to consider.

If one is able to look past this fact, there is a significant amount to like about the Viva 3. This economically-priced tire rides relatively smooth, in absence of excess road noise, when operating at its best. The Viva 3 also offers a level of traction that is on par with many tires offered at a higher price point.

All things considered, I would not look past the Viva 3 if I was strapped for cash. However, if I had a few extra dollars to fold, I would spring for an additional $200, and purchase a set of tires that I would feel more comfortable investing in for the future. As mentioned, The Viva 3’s overall worth largely hinges on a case-by-case basis, depending upon a particular consumer’s needs.

Meet Your Tire Expert

Josh Boyd

With 6 ASE Certifications between the passenger car/light truck and medium/heavy truck test series, Josh has 10+ years of experience working with cars and trucks.

Tire Recall Information

Recall information for the Goodyear Viva 3 is coming soon!

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Warranty Details

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Warranty Details

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Goodyear Viva Tires Quiet?

Generally speaking, Goodyear’s Viva line of tires is known to run rather quietly. However, some consumers have experienced belt-related issues with these tires in the past, which occasionally contribute to a significant increase in road noise.

How Long Do Goodyear Viva 3 Tires Last?

Goodyear stipulates that the Viva 3 should last for approximately 60,000 miles, backing the tire by a treadwear warranty of an identical length. Nonetheless, the exact length of time that any particular Viva 3 tire will last is dependent upon a number of variables, including the frequency of specified service.

Who Makes Goodyear Viva 3?

The Goodyear Viva 3 is manufactured by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, which was founded by Frank Seiberling in 1898. All Goodyear Viva 3 tires are produced in the United States of America, rather than being outsourced overseas.