I though I would share my impressions of the these shocks to help others make decissions etc re: which to buy. This is all very subjective, but every one spends alot of time on the high end shocks and the reviews are mixed. These are mid range/inexpensive shocks, available locally and quickly, were quite reasionable (aprox $125.00 for all 4, I know I cold get a better price online, but supporting a very helpful local parts store is also invaluable).
Installed these shocks on my car (220)last weekend. I know they are not the best but I thought I would pass along my imppressions. I like a softer ride so these shocks are good for that, I really don't want performance shocks as I do some pretty long runs. I would say that the fronts are just about perfect, the car is tracking very nicely, even in hard fast bumpy corners. I drive the same route everyday so it has been easy comparing. I imagine a stiffer shock might be better, but it is hard to say, the suppleness really helps keep the rubber on the road. For the record I drive hard, generally push till I feel/hear some slipping. Incidentally, car is very neutral re: under/oversteer. I don't quite know why, but with the set up I have now, i'm pusing pretty hard before anything slips, and then it seems to be all 4 wheels at the same time.
Since the car is tracking nicely it is hard to complain about the rears, but doing a bounce test, I would say the rears are maybe a little to soft, I kind of feel the car would feel more stable if the rear shocks were a little stiffer in both directions, of course then my rear might start slipping, giving me a little oversteer, which I prefer.
On the highway the overall feel is GOOD. I feel much more comfortable at high speeds. On the way back from the country sunday, 85 mph in close quarters felt fine, very stable and predictable. I just can't help feeling that a stiffer rear would be more comforting.
In conclusion, I imagine that these shocks are probably as good as it gets for a reasonable amount of $. Most likely given advances in tech, this was a good as the damping was when they rolled out the factory, and possibly better. I would love to try a car with bilsteins or other to compare. For now, I am happily, throwing my little wagon into the curves, crossing speed bumps without bottoming out, and generally having a good time. I hope this helps, Patrick.