CR Backs Off Disputed Test Results

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OK, here I go:

1) Yes, yes, yes, I miss the more indepth ratings system (especially for washers, of course) of the past. I would applaud a ratings list that listed exact spin speeds in rpms, the exact number of gallons of water each machine used, etc.

2) I am an online subscriber and did realize you'd have to keep track of when your year is up and cancel at that time. I don't plan to cancel. I log on regularly, especially when it comes time to buy a small or large appliance. I've canceled magazine subscriptions and not received a rebate for the undelivered issues. CR is certainly not out of step with most other subscription services in that regard, heinous as the practice might be.

3) I still think their tests give you a better idea of what to expect from an appliance's performance than will a showroom salesperson or manufacturer's advertising. You want real confusion? Go to the other leading laundry website and read the wildly conflicting posts about almost any brand/model washer you care to name.

4) They test many models of many, many different items, from bed sheets to automobiles. At some point, you're bound to disagree with their test results. For any number of reasons (availability, aversion to certain brands, cost factors) I rarely buy an item at the top of their ratings. Most of my Frigidaire appliances, for example, fall midpack in the ratings. But at least I get an idea of what to expect----what the general performance strengths and weaknesses will be. I bought the bottom-scraping Frigidaire TL'er and so far, everything CR said about it has proved to be true. It's a low-capacity water hog that doesn't clean large heavily-soiled loads well. I knew the machine wouldn't be my daily driver; I just wanted the old-school, slow-stroke, tub indexing tranny. Therefore, I'm not disappointed with it. Were I a parent of several laundry-producing offspring and the Frigi TL'er was my only machine, I'd probably be quite disappointed with it.

5) Are the reliability ratings scientific? Of course not. But neither is running a machine for 500 hours. The true test is how the machine holds up after several years of use, something quite different than how it will handle running for 500 hours when it's new.

CR isn't perfect, nor do I always agree with every one of their test results. But my new top-rated Kenmore vac is a dream and the top-rated SA8 detergent is the best I've used. Would I have known to make those particular choices without seeing CR's test results? Probably not.
 
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.
 
They rated at least one child seat from the test set of 12 ok.

It was later revealed the crash tests were done at 70mph.

Hey, what's the seat that passed? That's the one to buy!
 

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