The Products Tested By Consumer Reports
Obviously, "Consumer Reports" has stirred up passion among both supporters and critics. That's good. And even we CR supporters have some gripes, some of which have been posted above and I won't try to reinvent the wheel since my fellow posters have done a good job for me. But allow this long-time CR subscriber (and Consumers Union member) to make a few observations:
1. CR does indeed poll its subscribers to find out what products should be tested. Being that CR's demographics generally lean toward upper middle class and educated readers, it's no surprise that the more popular "status symbols" such as expensive sports cars and some high-end luxury items are tested. But CR still offers a fair amount of low-priced items in its tests; I use both Great Value dishwasher detergent and Costco's Kirkland Signature laundry detergent (both CR Best Buys). My Roper washer/dryer, GE above-range microwave, Frigidare gas range with self-cleaning oven and Whirlpool fridge were chosen with help from CR; so was my Sony Wega flat-screen TV.
2. However, I don't blindly choose everything CR recommends. The magazine rates the Saturn Ion among the worst subcompacts, but I have been very happy with my 2004 Ion 2; it rides and handles very well, has plenty of room for my long legs and has given me little trouble. My Saturn dealer is a model of competence and respect--one reason I traded my 2000 SL1 for the Ion when I got a good deal from rebates/trade-in/low financing offers.
3. As for the infamous reliability ratings, I look at several sources (including CR) when it comes to a product's potential longevity. I find that for the most part, CR is spot-on; my Roper w/d pair have served me for nearly a decade without a single repair. But the reliability rankings only predict the CHANCE of something going wrong; there will always be problems with mass-produced products. And yes, there may be some bias. But I find my odds are better with CR.
4. Like many of you, I miss the very long articles about each product (and I don't subscribe to the website, no matter how many cards I get for a special offer for CR magazine subscribers). On the other hand, the lag time between product introductions and test results is much shorter than ever before, a tribute to the staff and its larger quarters (which were completed in the early 1990's).
5. Yes, CR made a major mistake with the infant seat tests (and maybe third party testing is not the way to go if the results aren't carefully checked). But consider the fact that Consumers Union has had a very stellar reputation for accuracy, quality and reliability in product testing during its 71 year history. That accounts for a lot, and I commend the staff for staying true to its mission. I am confident CU and Consumer Reports will come through this debacle stronger than before, with lessons learned. Time will tell.
Obviously, "Consumer Reports" has stirred up passion among both supporters and critics. That's good. And even we CR supporters have some gripes, some of which have been posted above and I won't try to reinvent the wheel since my fellow posters have done a good job for me. But allow this long-time CR subscriber (and Consumers Union member) to make a few observations:
1. CR does indeed poll its subscribers to find out what products should be tested. Being that CR's demographics generally lean toward upper middle class and educated readers, it's no surprise that the more popular "status symbols" such as expensive sports cars and some high-end luxury items are tested. But CR still offers a fair amount of low-priced items in its tests; I use both Great Value dishwasher detergent and Costco's Kirkland Signature laundry detergent (both CR Best Buys). My Roper washer/dryer, GE above-range microwave, Frigidare gas range with self-cleaning oven and Whirlpool fridge were chosen with help from CR; so was my Sony Wega flat-screen TV.
2. However, I don't blindly choose everything CR recommends. The magazine rates the Saturn Ion among the worst subcompacts, but I have been very happy with my 2004 Ion 2; it rides and handles very well, has plenty of room for my long legs and has given me little trouble. My Saturn dealer is a model of competence and respect--one reason I traded my 2000 SL1 for the Ion when I got a good deal from rebates/trade-in/low financing offers.
3. As for the infamous reliability ratings, I look at several sources (including CR) when it comes to a product's potential longevity. I find that for the most part, CR is spot-on; my Roper w/d pair have served me for nearly a decade without a single repair. But the reliability rankings only predict the CHANCE of something going wrong; there will always be problems with mass-produced products. And yes, there may be some bias. But I find my odds are better with CR.
4. Like many of you, I miss the very long articles about each product (and I don't subscribe to the website, no matter how many cards I get for a special offer for CR magazine subscribers). On the other hand, the lag time between product introductions and test results is much shorter than ever before, a tribute to the staff and its larger quarters (which were completed in the early 1990's).
5. Yes, CR made a major mistake with the infant seat tests (and maybe third party testing is not the way to go if the results aren't carefully checked). But consider the fact that Consumers Union has had a very stellar reputation for accuracy, quality and reliability in product testing during its 71 year history. That accounts for a lot, and I commend the staff for staying true to its mission. I am confident CU and Consumer Reports will come through this debacle stronger than before, with lessons learned. Time will tell.
