consumer reports? are they really reporting?

[toggleswitch]

This is what sums it up for me....

Years ago CR downgraded Maytags (the top-loaders) because they don't have a "lip" (indentation) around the perimeter on top near the lid to catch water.

Now who in their right mind gives a flying f---? Petty petty petty B/S.

 

[panthera]

Ah, Steve

You should try our Öko-test here in Germany. They search for equally absurd reasons to downgrade items which they are testing. I remember them once taking two whole points (from five possible) from a portable radio because it could "also" be powered by non-rechargeable batteries if the consumer so desired...

 

[toggleswitch]

I guess that AC/DC/OFF switch is a killer to master.... *LOL*

 

[bajaespuma]

I remember the 1969 issue of Consumers Reports (the first one I ever saw, BTW) criticizing the Maytag A606 (which it rated as #1, anyway) because its "backsplash trim judged difficult to clean". I concluded at this point that their testers didn't get out much. I also concluded that they were paid off by the Maytag company; all the criteria for what made a washing machine excellent that year were intrinsic to the Maytags.

I will say that I agree that I found CU much more useful and more entertaining when it published substantial WRITTEN reports on tested items rather than those idiot graphs it uses now. I think it's still a good starting point for people who are about to go buy a big-ticket item with no knowledge of either brands or the item itself. This was the case with me when I started to shop for a large flat panel tv without knowing the difference between a plasma and an lcd monitor. Now I know.

 

[stainfighter]

let's also not forget...CR 'errors' in auto test

slightly OT but in 1978 they had a splash cover about the Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon which they stated they should be taken off market due to unsafe handling almost like the Corvair, "Unsafe At Any Speed" type of thing. The cars themselves were not techno marvels nor legendary in reliability. But they soon lost me as a subscriber b/c later on it was revealed the test involved having their driver take the wheel and turn it a full-half turn then take their hands off the wheel - at 45 MPH. Imagine that! The vehicle begins to spin horribly and is nearly out of control!?! Whoda' thunk' it??? Would a reasonable driver do that, no... but CR would!!!
RIP...

 

[maytagbear]

Center dial Maytags

were rated highly, not because they were superior in every way, but more because they were deficient in no serious way.

And I agree. I had an A208, and the backsplash was difficult to clean.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[launderess]

Cancelled my CR subscription years ago, now rely on a neighbor who forwards their's instead of chucking it into the recycling.

Today's issues are a poor showing compared to CR even as recently as the 1980's or 1990's. Writing copy is horrible, testing methods/reports are boring and somewhat non-informative. What also bothers one is that it seems only the most basic testing information is covered in print. To receive the full reports one has to use CR's online service. Well after paying for a subscription, why should one have to go online to read anything?

L.

 

[neptunebob]

Laundress you are right about the writing of Consumer Reports, it's good that you let your neighbor buy it. Sometimes for items like ranges and refrigerators they don't even have the full Ratings, just 4-5 "quick picks". In the latest issue, the article that explains what happened to the car seat tests they got into trouble for is written in the third person - as if it is not in the same magazine. Then take a look at the expression on Jim Guest's face - not someone I want to run into on a dark alley!

 

[launderess]

What "buy"? They give it me. *LOL*

L.

 

[beadsobleach]

Changing times

Hi, I'm new here, and have subscribed to CR since the 70's. It seems to have changed to make the text more conversational. Also there seems to be more of a focus on high end items. It use to be a magazine for working people on how to get the most of their limited spending money. Now, it just seems like most articles are on Lexus vs. BMW, or $5,000 plasma TV's. I know it will be awhile before I replace my CRT. just a few thoughts.

 

[toggleswitch]

A warm welcome to you Mike!

 

[petek]

I bought the May issue for the lawnmower report even thoug I'd already bought my new LB. They didn't even mention what make of engine is on each different model in a lineup. An important piece of info I think.