Consumer Reports - red circle or black circle?

[Ruttiger]

I've subscribed off and on for a few years now and always find the magazine interesting with solid research to back up their recommendations, especially as it relates to automobiles. Someone I respect recently mentioned they didn't have much time for it due to their bias towards GM vehicles (a quick Google search didn't reveal anything other than conflicting claims of bias towards various manufacturers.....of course)and the fact they accept money from manufacturers, something they plainly deny doing.

Anyway, just got me thinking - do people here use their information? Religiously? Good/bad experiences?

[Fozzie_DeBear]

I definitely use it...as one of many sources of data for researching autos

[Bobblehead]

I use it.

The biggest drawback is attempting to find the model numbers they tested. Even though there is a Canadian section, manufacturers seem to change models so often that finding the listed models can be a challenge.

But the things where I have used it's ratings, I have had good luck.

[Vulcan]

I use it for basic information if I don't have a clue about what I'm buying such as my lawn tractor. I don't have much faith in them beyond that though and I can understand accusations of bias towards some manufacturers and just poor reporting.

[RedMileDJ]

I used it for researching my latest vehicle.

Compared the Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Chev Cruze and Honda Civic.

Ultimately the Elantra came out on top. All I needed to do was test drive the vehicles. Ended up buying the 2013 Elantra and I've been happy since.

We've also used CR for checking on appliances, printers and TVs. Been happy so far with the reports.

[Ruttiger]

Yeah I tend to use it for vehicles and larger purchases along similar lines to what others here have said. Generally had good luck with the results - our current printer hasn't been stellar but it could have been a one off.