Looks to pick up some budget 225/60r16 tires and back in the day the Arizonan was pretty well regarded. Are these still a go-to or do we have better options in this price range now?
A good buy, for sure. As a possible alternative, I compare tires from Costco, as installation and warranty are included in the price. Costco has treated me very well, especially when there are problems.
I checked a few recent Arizonian dot's and they are coming out of a Mexican plant by the name of "Corporation De Occidente" but apparently Cooper actually now owns that plant. COOCSA Mexican plant owned by Cooper
Others are coming out of the Cooper plant in the U.S.
I don't know how much rain western Michigan gets (going on your profile info), but I just checked my AT page and their Arizonians cost $97-$99. You can get Hankook Kinergy 4S H750 for the same price. I think the Hankooks would do better with wet braking. that is not a budget tire from Hankook. I'll be putting them on my Highlander when the treads wear down enough for AT to give me prorate.
On my Sienna minivan, these 65K Arizonians gave me 22,400 miles before needing to be replaced. On a 98 Civic, I put 40,000 miles on a set of Arizonians. And that Civic got a lot of freeway driving, too, which should have prolonged the life of the tire.
They are fine, but wear fast. I'd only use them on a beater or basic transportation. Usually can get much better tires for just slightly more.