Latest Consumer Reports
03-21-2009, 10:29 PM
#16
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CR is the only magazine that doesn't accept any advertising $$$, CR owns its own test track and employs decent test drivers and CR also buys all of the cars it reviews (anonymously from dealers).
While me may not always like the results, there is no agenda at CR and their results are what they are.
While me may not always like the results, there is no agenda at CR and their results are what they are.
Back a bunch of years ago there were a few reviews were CR rated product differently when the only difference was the color of the dye in the enclosure. That shouldn't put one as the best and the other as the worst.
I've seen cases where products that should have been the highest rated product left out of the testing.
They also weight the criteria in their assessment. So even if there is a product that outperforms others they will say that the tests that the product won aren't significant.
Finally, their ratings are "value" not necessarily the best. Another way they can massage the results.
I've found CR's reviews to be suspiciously biased and wouldn't go by anything they say. YMMV
03-21-2009, 10:36 PM
#17
Racer
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CR doesn't. However, their editors do have consulting contracts.
Back a bunch of years ago there were a few reviews were CR rated product differently when the only difference was the color of the dye in the enclosure. That shouldn't put one as the best and the other as the worst.
I've seen cases where products that should have been the highest rated product left out of the testing.
They also weight the criteria in their assessment. So even if there is a product that outperforms others they will say that the tests that the product won aren't significant.
Finally, their ratings are "value" not necessarily the best. Another way they can massage the results.
I've found CR's reviews to be suspiciously biased and wouldn't go by anything they say. YMMV
Back a bunch of years ago there were a few reviews were CR rated product differently when the only difference was the color of the dye in the enclosure. That shouldn't put one as the best and the other as the worst.
I've seen cases where products that should have been the highest rated product left out of the testing.
They also weight the criteria in their assessment. So even if there is a product that outperforms others they will say that the tests that the product won aren't significant.
Finally, their ratings are "value" not necessarily the best. Another way they can massage the results.
I've found CR's reviews to be suspiciously biased and wouldn't go by anything they say. YMMV
03-21-2009, 10:41 PM
#18
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It was "there is no agenda" comment. that prompted my reply.
03-21-2009, 10:43 PM
#19
Burning Brakes
Decent test drivers? I don't know but they are certainly not drag racers. According to CR (April 09 pg. 13) their Dodge Viper did 0-60 in 4.2 sec, which is way slower than it is in every car magazine test.
03-21-2009, 11:17 PM
#20
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Well, compared to most other auto magazines, there isn't. Their current top rated car in their latest buying guide, based on the test drive score, is the 911 Carrera S. Do we disagree with that? Is anyone going to suggest that Porsche paid them for the positive press?
03-21-2009, 11:26 PM
#21
Drifting
03-21-2009, 11:30 PM
#22
Drifting
if you are buying something you have little experience with, such as car, unless you have owned that model year of the make before, then CR's review is MUCH more important than your own uninformed opinion. Their view is not "Will you like this car" but rather "is this car a good purchase for the money". On that front, I think CR does well.
If someone doesn't care about that factor, that doesn't make CR's review meaningless or wrong.
03-21-2009, 11:38 PM
#23
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Actually that depends.
if you are buying something you have little experience with, such as car, unless you have owned that model year of the make before, then CR's review is MUCH more important than your own uninformed opinion. Their view is not "Will you like this car" but rather "is this car a good purchase for the money". On that front, I think CR does well.
If someone doesn't care about that factor, that doesn't make CR's review meaningless or wrong.
if you are buying something you have little experience with, such as car, unless you have owned that model year of the make before, then CR's review is MUCH more important than your own uninformed opinion. Their view is not "Will you like this car" but rather "is this car a good purchase for the money". On that front, I think CR does well.
If someone doesn't care about that factor, that doesn't make CR's review meaningless or wrong.
03-22-2009, 09:02 AM
#24
CR is looking for things like value for the dollar, gas mileage, reliability, etc., i.e. all the things I'll look for in a car when I'm wearing Depends and living off the $5 left in Social Security. Until then, give me my irrational, moderately gas-thrifty, mostly impractical, way overpriced, ***-engined **** slot-car. As mentioned before, when I need a new toaster, CR will be my first stop!
03-22-2009, 09:50 AM
#25
GT3 player par excellence
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CR, another reason i am against recycling. why dont they just stop printing useless crap.
03-22-2009, 01:10 PM
#27
I would be a lot more apt to believe their compilations regarding cars costing under $40K which is probably the price range for the cars owned by the vast majority of their subscribers, then I would for $80K+ cars.
03-22-2009, 01:10 PM
#28
Racer
Thread Starter
CR is looking for things like value for the dollar, gas mileage, reliability, etc., i.e. all the things I'll look for in a car when I'm wearing Depends and living off the $5 left in Social Security. Until then, give me my irrational, moderately gas-thrifty, mostly impractical, way overpriced, ***-engined **** slot-car. As mentioned before, when I need a new toaster, CR will be my first stop!
THIS WAS VERY POSITIVE PRESS/REVIEW OF THE 997
- They recommended the 997 as a "CR Recommended Buy"
- Rated #4 in total points on ALL cars they tested
- Show a picture of the car as a recommended
Considering reliability was "average" & cost to operate was poor (as were most expensive cars) yet CR gave such high ratings shows me they're open to other aspects besides economy, reliability & cost to operate. Seems to me CR is being pretty open minded on how they review cars now, yet many posters here first reaction is to bash CR....I guess you're entitled, but I recommended reading the latest issue...then post your thoughts.
Last edited by Tone; 03-23-2009 at 03:11 AM.
03-22-2009, 08:55 PM
#29
03-23-2009, 11:12 AM
#30
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That last part was freek'n hilarious!
I wouldnt' accept the opinions of a bunch of non enthusiasts like CR either.
CR is the only magazine that doesn't accept any advertising $$$, CR owns its own test track and employs decent test drivers and CR also buys all of the cars it reviews (anonymously from dealers).
While we may not always like the results, there is no agenda at CR and their results are what they are.
While we may not always like the results, there is no agenda at CR and their results are what they are.
CR doesn't. However, their editors do have consulting contracts.
Back a bunch of years ago there were a few reviews were CR rated product differently when the only difference was the color of the dye in the enclosure. That shouldn't put one as the best and the other as the worst.
I've seen cases where products that should have been the highest rated product left out of the testing.
They also weight the criteria in their assessment. So even if there is a product that outperforms others they will say that the tests that the product won aren't significant.
Finally, their ratings are "value" not necessarily the best. Another way they can massage the results.
I've found CR's reviews to be suspiciously biased and wouldn't go by anything they say. YMMV
Back a bunch of years ago there were a few reviews were CR rated product differently when the only difference was the color of the dye in the enclosure. That shouldn't put one as the best and the other as the worst.
I've seen cases where products that should have been the highest rated product left out of the testing.
They also weight the criteria in their assessment. So even if there is a product that outperforms others they will say that the tests that the product won aren't significant.
Finally, their ratings are "value" not necessarily the best. Another way they can massage the results.
I've found CR's reviews to be suspiciously biased and wouldn't go by anything they say. YMMV
Doesn't ANYONE remember who publically owned CR?? Way back when? C'mon- I can't be the only one.
ding ding ding!! We have a winner.