Predicted Car Reliability 2011 - Consumer Reports' Top Ten Autos

Recently Consumer Reports released charts of its predicted short-term reliability of sedans, coupes, convertibles, wagons, minivans, sport-utility vehicles, and pickup trucks. Its predicted reliability is based on the infrequency of serious problems within the three preceding model years - 2008, 2009 and 2010 - or fewer when an insufficient data history limits model year inclusion.

consumer reports vacuums best buy

In this article I list the Top Ten by CR's predicted reliability for model year 2011. Not included in this list of CR's most reliable are those automobiles with only a one-year data history, as a reliability predicted on the basis of one year may be quite inaccurate.

Consumer Reports

The Top 10, 12 by tie or near tie, are:
The Toyota Yaris, a small sedan or 2-door or 4-door hatchback
The Honda CR-V, a small sport-utility vehicle
Toyota Motor Corporation's Lexus LX, a large luxury SUV
The Honda Fit, a small 4-door hatchback
Toyota's Scion xD, a small 4-door hatchback
The Honda Civic coupe
Honda Motor Company's Acura RL, a luxury sedan
The V6 Toyota RAV4, a small SUV
Honda's front-wheel-drive Acura TL, an upscale sedan
The Toyota FJ Cruiser, a midsize SUV
The Mitsubishi Outlander, a small SUV
The 4-cylinder Toyota RAV4, a small SUV.

Toyota Motor Corporation accounts for 6 of the 12 most reliable, Honda Motor Company for 5, and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation for 1.

The Toyota Yaris and its predecessor, the Echo, have an excellent long-term reliability history. Their combined 2010 Auto Reliability GPA, for model years 2000 to 2009, is a perfect 4.00 over a 9-year data history. Other 2010 Auto Reliability GPAs of the best of model year 2011 are:

Honda CR-V: 3.63 over 10 years of data
Lexus LX: 3.79 over 9 years
Honda Fit: 4.00 over 3 years
Scion xD: 4.00 over 2 years
Honda Civic coupe: N/A, but the Honda Civic sedan has a GPA of 3.75 over 10 years
Acura RL: 3.27 over 7 years
V6 Toyota RAV4: 2.95 over 4 years
Acura TL: 3.25 over 10 years
Toyota FJ Cruiser: 4.00 over 2 years
Mitsubishi Outlander: 2.88 over 5 years
4-cylinder Toyota RAV4: 3.88 over 10 years.

Predicted Car Reliability 2011 - Consumer Reports' Top Ten Autos

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports - Payday Loans

With all the payday loan companies sprouting up like mushrooms all over the place (both in the real world and online, at that), it's often hard to choose which one to get your payday loan from. Some may have lower fees than others, and some companies may offer more flexible payment terms. Worse, there are some that have some nasty things being said about them. Is there a way to find out exactly which company is best suited for your needs?

consumer reports magazine

Fortunately, you can refer to consumer reports. Consumer reports are basically reports on a payday loan company that outlines its background, history, fees, payment terms, track record, etc... basically everything you need to know about the company. Collating consumer reports on the companies that you're eyeing can help you make a good choice and ultimately save yourself from the inconvenience of dealing with a difficult company.

Consumer Reports

There are several places to find consumer reports on payday loan companies that you're considering. The Internet is probably the easiest place to look for quick consumer reports. A quick Google search can often get you what you need. Otherwise, there are several government and nonprofit organizations out there who conduct and provide consumer reports upon your request.

Another nifty, although unorthodox, way of getting a consumer report is through word-of-mouth. That's right, you can go ahead and ask friends, relatives, or colleagues about their experiences with certain payday loan companies. They can point you in the right direction as to which companies have great track records, and which are the ones you'd do well to avoid.

Of course, you'll need to make sure that the people you get your word-of-mouth consumer reports aren't affiliated with any payday loan company. If they are, then they might be biased, and this could put you in danger. After all, what company in its right mind would advertise its failures? It's best to get impartial advice from those who actually got good help from certain payday loan companies on more than one occasion.

Getting consumer reports on payday loan companies is a great way to sort them out. In the end, it's always best to err on the side of caution, as a bad choice can lead you into a debt trap that's more difficult to get out of than those that result from secured, longer-term loans.

Consumer Reports - Payday Loans

Consumer Reports

Affiliate Marketing For Websites Consumer Reports

As an online entrepreneur who has an affiliate marketing business, you will want to know what people think about your website. So, here is affiliate marketing for website consumer reports that will help you understand what is in the minds of consumers surfing the internet on a daily basis.

consumer reports best baby products

First of all, people are bombarded with advertising on a daily basis. From TV ads to radio ads, to newspaper ads to internet ads, you have to consider that people finds this natural and tend to ignore most of what they see. Some ads can catch people's attention, some ads are ignored, and there are also ads that can be quite annoying to some people. With affiliate marketing for website consumer reports, you will be able to know how to improve your website and make advertising work for you in order for you to earn more cash as an affiliate marketer.

Consumer Reports

Most people think that affiliate marketing programs or advertising in websites are just naturally there. Most people do it in order to make some extra cash and people see it everyday. The affiliate marketing for websites consumer reports will be able to provide you with information on how you can improve your marketing strategy in order to make people click on the affiliate program displayed in your website and purchase a product.

In the affiliate marketing for websites consumer reports, it has been found that people will likely click on the link or the affiliate program banner if it is placed strategically in the website. Also, if people like what they read in a particular website, they will most likely click on the link you provide in your website in order to redirect them to the merchant website.

In the report, the design of the affiliate program displayed in the website is also very important. It should be eye-catching and it should also be placed strategically in the website. If you place it in the wrong place, people visiting your website will just ignore it.

Try placing the affiliate marketing ad below the article you wrote in your website. You have to consider that most people will most likely purchase something if they knew what they were purchasing and this is after they read your article that is actually pre-selling the product. After reading, they will look for a link or a website on where to purchases a product. If the affiliate program or the link is placed right after the article they read, it is easier and far more convenient for your readers to find where to click in order to purchase the product you just wrote about in your website.

Getting your hands on consumer reports in affiliate marketing for websites can definitely help you out a lot if you are in the affiliate marketing business. With this report, you will be able to know what people think about affiliate marketing programs. And, by having this information, you will be able to know how to improve your website in order for it to make more people click on your affiliate program link.

Just keep in mind that the design of the affiliate program, where it is placed in your website, and also the articles you wrote in your website are crucial in affiliate marketing. Remember these tips, and you can be sure that you will be able to improve your website and make more people click the link and buy the products you are pre-selling.

Affiliate Marketing For Websites Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

Looking For Consumer Reports on Anti-Aging Face Creams?

There are a lot of anti aging face products, lotions, treatments and more that are supposed to reverse the effects of aging in the face and regenerate the skin tissue. The problem nowadays is that there is a lot of misinformation and confusion on what really works and what not.

consumer reports subscription

A good place to start your research is on consumer reports, you will be able to read other peoples reviews, opinions and experiences of different facial products. Some professional consumer reports can actually cost a lot of money, but you can also find some useful information free on the internet.

Consumer Reports

You can do a simple search on Google for "brand name" review and you will read the different opinions from other consumers. You can also search for skin care forums and search for posts that talk about product reviews.

There are a few things that you should always look for in an anti aging product:

A good anti aging product should have in its label all the ingredients it uses.

You should check out that the ingredients of the product are natural or organic and that they do not contain harsh chemicals.

There are some synthetic ingredients that you should avoid in any anti aging product like: Acylamide, Alcohols, Fragrances, Mineral oil, Parabens and Padimate-o.

Avoid products with collagen, because collagen on it self can not penetrate the layers of the skin. On the other hand what you should do is buy a product with ingredients that will stimulate the growth of collagen in your skin.

One of the most important recommendations i can give you is that any facial product that you buy should be made of 100% natural ingredients. In the US there is no regulation or restrictions on what chemicals skin care products can use, so be aware.

Looking For Consumer Reports on Anti-Aging Face Creams?

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports Best Elliptical Machines - Is This A Reliable Source?

Which brand of the elliptical machine report is the most reliable? If you take a look at the Consumer Elliptical Machine Report, you will find that it provides you with an inside track, helping you to learn which of the many brands and models of elliptical trainers on the market are the best products for your needs. It is very true that people of all types are looking forward to providing you with the elliptical machine to put into your home. They want you to purchase their product because they claim that it is the best product for the consumer. They want you to look no further for your purchase, staying with their brand only. But, is it really that?

consumerreports.org

In most cases, it is up to you - the consumer- to determine if the elliptical machine is a good choice, a good value, or if it is something that is less than worth your time and your money. The fact is, the elliptical machine is a tool to aid for your body's ability to become fit and active. But, not all models are offered with the best quality or for the right price. That is why using this report can help you to see just what is out there for marketing purposes, and how well it provides for the consumer's needs.

Consumer Reports

The fact is, there is not one brand that is better than all others. But there are models of those brands that are better choices overall. In fact, the consumer reports state that their findings will give you an idea of what each has to offer you. While looking at their report, take a look at several keynotes - for example, you should learn about the quality of the machine and how each area is accepted by previous buyers. You need to learn the price as compared to others that are similar to the unit. Another thing to look at are the elliptical machine's features, and how they stand against each other. In all, there are many, many things that you need to take into consideration to determine if the unit is the best possible project for you or if it is anything but that.

Consumer Reports Best Elliptical Machines - Is This A Reliable Source?

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports Air Purifiers - Which is the Best Air Purifier For Allergy Sufferers?

The consumer report air purifier deals with the different types of air filter, there classification, and there application. If you suffer from allergies or asthma then you need to buy the air purifier that is right for you.

consumer reports best baby products

There are several type of air purifier and just as many brands out there, what I want to do is to talk briefly about the different methods employed by the air purifiers to remove pollutants and there effectiveness. Some air purifier uses a combination or techniques to clean the indoor air.

Consumer Reports

The four main types of applications that air purifiers use are:

1. HEPA air purifier or filtration system
2. Electronic ionizers
3. UV purifiers
4. Ozone generators

HEPA Air Filters
The first of the lot is Hepa filtration system or High Efficiency Particle Air or High Efficiency Particle Arresting. These purifiers use pleated filters and a fan of some sort to pull the air through the filter and then beck into the air. This method of purifying the air is by far the best and most effective. The hepa purifiers are able to remove particles as small as 0.3 microns. So even some viruses and bacteria, mold and minute dust particles will be removed. Because they use fans to pull of push air through the hepa filters, these type of air cleaners can be a bit noisy, but the air will be much cleaner.

Electronic Ionizers
This process of removing particles from the air uses an electronic process that reverse the electric charge of particles in the air. The charged particles in the air are then collected on metal like plates in the device. The problem with this type of pollutant removal system is that most of the dust and the contaminants will be deposited on your furniture and your clothes and floor and drapes and your dog. So you will have to vacuum and dust and clean which means that the pollutants will be air borne again.

UV Purifiers
These purifiers work by using UV to destroy microbes such as some mold spores, viruses and bacteria, and some dust mites. It is a proven fact that these contaminants can be killed if they are subjected to enough UV for a good length of time, however, most of the UV air cleaners on the market fail to expose these pollutants to the UV long enough to kill them, rendering them ineffective unless they also have a filter.

Ozone Generators
I hope no one is using these anymore but just in case they are still out there, you should get rid of them. These do absolutely nothing to remove pollutants from the air and they produce a lot of Ozone that is can be dangerous for your health. A large amount of ozone can neutralize some bad odors like smoke but that all they will do. They are also banned in California.

Any air purifier you plan to get should have hepa filtration. This is the most reliable and effective way to get rid of air pollutants and contaminants in your home.

Consumer Reports Air Purifiers - Which is the Best Air Purifier For Allergy Sufferers?

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports Delivers the Skinny on Diets

A panel of nutrition experts at Consumer Reports conducted an in-depth analysis of diets and dieting and made a shocking discovery. The surprising finding is that the basic diet strategy that many programs have used for years-- labeling some foods as evil and others as good -- may be part of what's undermined so many dieters attempts at weight loss.

consumer reports subscription

The bottom line is that smart diets focus on small, simple shifts in lifestyle (like the Enlita Weight Loss Program) instead of highly restrictive diets.

Consumer Reports

Choosing a Comprehensive Diet Program

Leading the pack was the Volumetrics diet plan, which focuses on eating as much as you want of low calorie, nutrient dense foods.
Weight-Watchers came in second because it has the highest long-term adherence. Jenny Craig and Slim-Fast rounded out the top four.

The diets given the lowest rankings were eDiets, Zone Diet, Ornish Diet and the Atkins Diet. The experts were concerned that these diets were too complicated and don't seem to be able to retain people for the long-term.

The report also gave the big thumbs down to three popular dieting strategies -- diet pills, "angel and devil foods," and plans based on glycemic index, which scores foods according to how quickly they boost blood sugar levels -- arguing that there's no good science to support any of them.

Diet Books Demystified

The diet books were ranked as follows:

1. The Best Life Diet - "Oprah endorsed", with straightforward recipes and nutritional meal plans.

2. Eat, Drink & Weigh Less - excellent Mediterranean recipes but little attention to exercise.

3. You: On A Diet - simple but lacking in details or flexibility.

4. The Abs Diet - strong emphasis on exercise, but scored lower for pushing whey supplements.

Bringing up the rear in the diet books were the South Beach Diet, the Sonoma Diet and UltraMetabolism, all of which were "needlessly restrictive" or "overly elaborate".

Advice for People Who Don't Want a Diet Plan

The report also gave 8 tips for people who are looking to achieve natural weight loss on their own.

1. Eat breakfast.

2. Lower your total fat intake and switch to healthier fats (Omega-3s rather than trans-fats).

3. Have a healthy diet: increase the fruits and veggies, moderate amounts of lean meats, fish and whole grains and avoid the refined grains, potatoes, and sugary snacks.

4. Exercise, exercise, exercise.

5. Cut back on carbs.

6. Fill up on low-energy density foods (i.e. foods with fewer calories per bite).

7. Weigh-in at least once a week.

8. Limit your selections as variety stimulates your appetite.

Consumer Reports also points out that many people have to try a few diets before they find the one that is right for them. Because we are all so unique and have unique eating challenges it seems that the right diets are out there for everyone, but they're not always easy to find. This comparison of diets is designed to give consumers a good place to start looking.

Dr. Amy Neuzil's comment:

Right now 41% of Americans are trying to lose weight, 63% have dieted at some point in their lives, 16% are enrolled in free weight loss programs and another 8% are in paid programs. It is clear that there needs to be a strong comparison of diet programs, but unfortunately I don't think this is it.

Consumer Reports got the right idea by observing that the best diets focus on lifestyle changes and good nutrition rather than strict rules and lists of good and bad foods. Sadly, they've neglected to look at any of the other factors that need to be present in a weight loss program.

The rankings didn't take into account any information on mental and emotional factors in weight loss, individualized strategies for people with different metabolisms, or medical barriers to weight loss such as toxicity, hormonal imbalance, digestive disturbance and depression.

My biggest objection to this report lies in the 8 tips for people losing weight outside of a program. Some are clearly good advice while others fall far short of the mark. I will evaluate them below, one by one.

1. Eat breakfast.

-I agree, as breakfast is vital to boost your metabolism and help you shed pounds.

2. Lower your total fat intake and switch to healthier fats (Omega-3s rather than trans-fats).

- This one is partially correct. Staying away from trans-fats and boosting your omega-3s is great advice for anyone, especially when you're trying to lose weight. However, eating a low-fat, high-carb diet is NOT an effective way to lose weight--it can make you gain weight.

3. Eat a healthy diet. Increase the fruits and veggies, moderate amounts of lean meats, fish and whole grains and avoid the refined grains, potatoes, and sugary snacks.

- For weight loss to last long-term the plan has to promote a healthy diet that you can learn to use and enjoy on a daily basis. Otherwise you may lose weight for a while but the pounds will come right back when your nutrition slips back into old patterns.

4. Exercise, exercise, exercise.

- Exercise is vital to build muscle, which increases your resting metabolic rate. Also it improves your insulin sensitivity which helps your body burn fat more easily. Exercise also conditions your heart and lungs for cardiovascular health and to prevent heart disease. Exercise is an absolute must for all people, not just those who are working on losing weight.

5. Cut back on carbs.

- What kind of carbohydrates? Does this mean fruits and veggies? Whole grains? Refined carbs and sugars? I say increase the fruits and veggies, and decrease the refined carbs, starches, sugars and artificial sweeteners.

6. Fill up on low-energy, high-density foods (i.e. foods with fewer calories per bite).

- This one needs some help. Some low-energy density foods are great, but some are not. The goal should be nutritious and low-energy density. Foods like carrots, celery, lettuce and berries that have fewer calories per bite but lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will allow you to eat more and also to get more out of your food.

But some people need to eat calorie dense foods like avocados, red meat, coconut milk, nuts in order to be at their best. It is clear that one diet does not fit all. .

7. Weigh-in at least once a week.

- Weigh-ins are important to keep you on-track, keep you motivated and help you to understand when your diet is working and when it isn't but they can be misleading because muscle weighs more than fat. Instead, the best thing to do is take your body fat percentage and body part measurements.

8. Limit your selections - variety stimulates your appetite.

- I couldn't disagree more! Variety is the spice of life and boredom is one of the biggest reasons that people quit their diets. Eat lots of variety just make sure it's healthy variety. Appetite is not the enemy, but poor food choices are. Eating still can be a pleasure, just a healthy pleasure.

While Consumer Reports has a good start with general weight loss advice, they neglected to include the following five vital weight loss and health principles.

1. Avoid processed foods and chemicals - they will contribute to your weight gain far more than just high-calorie foods will.

2. Sleep - insomnia will cause weight gain even if you have the healthiest diet in the world. Our bodies need time to repair and restore.

3. Drink lots of water - your body can't lose weight if you're chronically dehydrated and losing weight means there's a lot of metabolic waste. Water is vital.

4. Have a weight-loss buddy. Even if you're losing weight outside of a program make sure there is someone you can go to when you're having a weak moment, when you have a major breakthrough or when you just need to talk.

5. Set small goals. One big long-term goal is essential, but having small goals in between helps you to have success along the way and success is a huge motivator. Your goal can be as simple as "Today I am going to have only positive thoughts." or "Today I will drink 10 glasses of water."

Consumer Reports is right in that successful weight loss does not come from following rules and that it needs to include lifestyle changes, but they have only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making important lifestyle changes.

This is why our staff of natural health physicians and weight loss experts developed the Enlita Weight Loss Program- to pick up all the pieces that other diets leave behind and focus on you as a whole person. Great nutrition and exercise information along with detoxification, mental and emotional support, easy ways to stay motivated and custom weight loss information specifically for your individual nutritional needs.

Click here to learn more about how Enlita can help you reach your ideal weight.

Consumer Reports Delivers the Skinny on Diets

Consumer Reports

Discover How Consumer Reports Best Rated HEPA Air Purifiers Can Improve Your Quality of Life

If you are searching for a way to make sure that your home humidifiers are producing only top quality air for your family to breathe you may to check out the consumer reports best rated HEPA air purifiers. This is because not all purifiers are created at the same quality, although the manufacturers would like you to believe so. In fact, sometimes even the most expensive purifiers are not the best choices for you home as they rank low on the consumer reports best rated HEPA air purifiers list.

consumerreports.org

This is due to the fact that sometimes expensive air quality monitors are over equipped with fancy features that sound good, but are not overall effective at their main purpose of purifying the air in your home. Of course, on the flip side choosing a cheap purifier is not always the answer either as there are not too many budget devices that make the consumer reports best rated HEPA air purifiers. This can lead consumers to feel a little confused and wondering how they should go about choosing the best purifier for their home.

Consumer Reports

Actually, the best way to proceed is quite simple. First, you should of course check the consumer reports best rated HEPA air purifiers. After you get a close look you should head to the store and inspect the packages of air quality monitors and home humidifiers. You will find that the best choices are usually the ones that provide simple explanations of what you want, which is ultimately a clean air environment. Choose a device that keeps it basic but with a professional body make and you will be well on your way to a clean home and air as clean as the outdoor morning.

This is the type of air environment that you want establish in your home on a consistent basis. Many people have been able to successfully get the indoor air quality they desired my simply obtaining the right purifier. It may take a bit of time and a small investment but it will surely be worth it in the end. Just stay committed to improving your air quality and it will happen.

Discover How Consumer Reports Best Rated HEPA Air Purifiers Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Consumer Reports

Best Rated Mattress - Ratings Tips From Consumer Reports You Cannot Afford to Miss

Discovering the best rated mattress through the help of reviews and ratings is not rocket science, but purchasing the wrong mattress may give you the worst night mares for years! This article serves as a mattress ratings navigator that will help navigate and point out info crucial to your understanding of mattresses.

consumer reports magazine

Before you purchase the first mattress on a website or consumer magazine knowing a few facts and tips is worth your while if you want to enjoy the comfort and deep rest that comes from sleeping on good mattresses. Variety is the spice of life so the saying goes. With the vast amount of variety found in the mattress world, looking for a new mattress can seem like a complicated journey that leads to nowhere. There are various mattress types, brands, sizes and forms.

Consumer Reports

Perhaps your spouse prefers the firm mattress, while you want to fall into a soft bed at the end of the day. So which one do you go for? You already know that getting a good nights sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health and well being, and having the best rated mattress makes it possible.

When determining what mattress to purchase, of course, the most sensible thing to do is to go test one out in the store, but this does not give you the best long-term answers. Consumer reports best rated mattresses will provide accurate information on a mattress rating over the life of your mattress.

So what do you need to consider when purchasing a mattress? Any best rated mattresses guide will give you information on the following elements of mattress, and understanding these terms will help you make an informed decision.

WARRANTY

Mattress warranties are one of the most confusing warranties you need to consider. Make sure that you are getting full coverage from your company.

Many mattress ratings are a little lower due to the "pro-rated warranty". What does this mean? Every year you own your mattress the warranty loses value. If your mattress fails after several years, you will be responsible for any expenses.

A non-prorated warranty will cover any work that you need done on your mattress, so make this an imperative part of considerations in the mattress ratings.

FABRIC PROTECTION

The seller offers fabric protection and adds it to your mattress. This will not only protect your mattress, but will also keep the warranty in effect. Often, a warranty is voided with stains on the mattress, so spend this little bit of extra money to make the best rated mattress functioning for its whole life expectancy.

TYPES OF MATTRESSES

The best mattress will vary depending on your needs. Don't buy on impulse. Read online reviews, and compare prices on the internet.

* MEMORY FOAM is one of the newest mattress materials on the market. These are reported to be some of the best rated mattresses for people who suffer from back or neck pain.

* TRADITIONAL INNERSPRING mattresses have a wide range of mattress ratings, and one of the key things to look for is the coil count.

* GEL MATTRESSES such as the Interlined that has grown in popularity receives one of the best mattresses ratings as well. It is designed from a gel material that has been used in hospitals for burn patients and those with bed sores, to provide a superior comfort for a good night's sleep.

If you do not want to buy the bed mattress of your dreams just to find that you cannot get it into your room, there is the all important subject of getting the right mattress

As you read consumer reports about the different brands and types of mattresses, bear in mind that mattress manufacturers in many instances sell the same type of mattress to different retailers who then dress the mattresses with fantastic different sounding names. Naturally you will then end up with different prices!

What brand than do you then go for and what are pros and cons for each brand. Mattress review product sites will address this and other issues that you may want to explore so as to invest in that longed for good nights rest.

Best Rated Mattress - Ratings Tips From Consumer Reports You Cannot Afford to Miss

Consumer Reports

Find the Best Free Consumer Reports Cars Reviews and Ratings

If you're thinking about buying a new car, the chances are you're interested in doing as much research about your car as possible and scouring any consumer reports or reviews you can find.  In the past, there were only a few choices if you wanted to do research into car ratings and prices: ConsumerReports, NADA, and Kelly Blue Book.  While all three of these resources have moved online, they generally charge per use based on their good name historically.

consumer reports

However, since online media formats are much different than print, there have been many other car report websites that have come about to help consumers.  The websites operate on ad revenue that is based on their sites, but they still offer objective car reviews and ratings as well as gas mileage specs and used car trade-in values.  Without a doubt, you're going to be much better off and feel more confident about your new or used car purchase if you do your research first.

Consumer Reports

On top of charging individuals more than they should just to read their car ratings and reviews, Consumer Reports has also had problems in the past with their objectivity.  They claim to be the best independent automobile rating and review service, while many times their reviews don't match up well with other independent review companies.  For example, JD Power and Associates ratings of cars tends to be more even over the various car brands while Consumer Reports tends to rate Toyotas much higher and Honda or GM products much lower historically.  This has held true over the past few years even while Toyota's dependability ratings have dropped significantly, while GM's have gone up and Honda's have always been high.  This discrepancy leads one to wonder just how objective Consumer Reports really is.

Find the Best Free Consumer Reports Cars Reviews and Ratings

Consumer Reports

Factors Included In Microdermabrasion Equipment Consumer Reports

Not only is the skin the largest organ of the human body, it is also the most exposed. This is the reason why people are willing to cross great canyons just to achieve healthy skin. It is not surprising therefore that there are more equipment, creams, concoctions, and methods aimed at fixing skin problems than there are skin problems.

consumer reports best baby products

Among the many skin treatment approaches that are considered by many to be the most effective ones is the use of microdermabrasion equipment. Microdermabrasion is the popular choice to treat minor skin problems like pimples, sun-caused damages, wrinkles, and unwanted lines. Basically, the procedure involved in microdermabrasion is peeling off the dead skin cells so that only the fresh and elastic skin surface will be exposed.

Consumer Reports

Researchers and dermatology experts have listed three very important determinants that people usually think about and weigh before deciding to visit skin clinics or cosmetic salons to have skin treatment. These factors are effectiveness, safety, and cost. In an objective study, researchers and skin experts tried to match microdermabrasion equipment with the factors mentioned. The results are as follows.

Effectiveness

People are most concerned about the effectiveness of the type of skin treatment they have chosen. Unlike other treatment for other parts of the body, skin treatment involves the most exhibited organ of the body. People hate to take chances with anything that has to do with the skin.

As for microdermabrasion equipment, a report published in a consumer magazine issued by the Food and Drug Administration states that over a million people have picked microdermabrasion procedures over any other skin treatment methods available in the market. In fact, microdermabrasion has become the fastest rising skin treatment approach in terms of popularity since its introduction to the United States in the 1990's.

This exceptionally large number of clients could only mean that microdermabrasion equipment works. This can not be hype or a fad because the results are spread over several years. If microdermabrasion is not effective, it would never reach a consumer base of one million in just a few years.

Safety

The next concern that people have in their minds before undergoing skin treatment is safety. Many types of skin damages are irreversible, and people do not fancy having to end up in a far worse situation after the treatment approach has been applied. People who want to have their skin problems remedied would want lesser risk.

Microdermabrasion equipment procedures are considered on of the safest in the industry. The only known aftereffect of microdermabrasion is mild redness or inflammation of the treated area. And even so, moisturizers and creams can easily remedy this side effect.

Cost

Cost is the last factor considered by people who want to have their skin damages remedied. While this is the last criterion, cost is definitely not the least of the factors. A skin treatment that is safe and effective may still be abandoned by a potential client if the cost of the treatment is exorbitant.

The average price range for skin treatment using microdermabrasion equipment is between and 0 when done in clinics or spas. If the treatment calls for several sessions for better results, the cost could reach up to ,000, which is spread over a number of days or weeks. Home microdermabrasion, on the other hand, can be as low a . These figures are far lower than other types of skin care treatments available.

Factors Included In Microdermabrasion Equipment Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports - Finding The Best LCD TV

It's only just that relay of television signals has changed from analog to high definition digital signals, leading to the people procuring new high definition flat screen televisions in preference to the older cathode ray kind boxy television. These TVs come in an array of different screens for example PLASMA, LED, and LCD screen. Amongst the most popular of these high definition screens are the LCD or liquid crystal display TV screen. If this Christmas you have chosen to bring home a LCD TV in that case just read this article to have knowledge of how to choose the best LCD TV your money can purchase.

consumer reports subscription

A knowledgeable buyer is familiar with all the regular features that are usually connected with a flat screen LCD TV for instance pixels, refresh rates, screen resolution, contrast ratio, viewing angle, HDMI inputs, USB 2 port and all that. The number of pixels as well as screen resolution concludes the quality of the picture. All televisions has specific amount of pixels, the more the better. Similarly screen resolution for HD ready TV is 1366 x 768 and that of full HD TV is 1920 x 1080, here the latter offers better as well as sharper images.

Consumer Reports

Response in addition to refresh rates uphold the picture stable by refreshing the number of images every second these can differ from 8 milliseconds to 2 milliseconds, the lesser the better as well as refresh rate between 50 HZ to 600 HZ, the more the better, these maintain the picture stable at the same time as you are enjoying a fast paced scene from the movie. The shopper ought to be aware of all these figures for the LCD TV he intends to buy. Besides, the quality of the picture will be subjective to your distance and viewing angle, so make sure that you get a LCD TV with greatest viewing angle of 178° x 178° for LCD.

For that reason, if you are in view of purchasing a LCD screen it would be judicious if you choose the screen that can be viewed from every angle and distance possible. Viewing TV is not enjoyable by any means if the image is unsteady and shadowy. All these attributes and the size of the screen that can differ from 32" to 50" and more establish the price of a television. The rate of a first-rate LCD TV can differ from some hundred dollars to thousands of dollars and hence is a major buy for any family and is required to be planned and considered in a suitable manner.

Nowadays there are many consumer reports on LCD TV a few printed in several technology magazines and some are offered online with several consumer reports portals. Here you get honest reviews straight from end users of the product and review by different professionals in the field who scrutinize huge claims made by different TV brands on their LCD TV by checking these TVs to the confines. Whether these claims as revealed in their advertisements are functional or not is clearly substantiated by these LCD TV consumer reports. It is a significant decision to procure a LCD TV and would be annoying to procure a pricey television just to find it failing. Hence it is crucial to find as much facts as possible regarding the LCD TV you aim to purchase.

Consumer Reports - Finding The Best LCD TV

Consumer Reports

Infrared Heaters Consumer Reports - Lifesmart Amish Infrared Heater Review

The LIFESMART Amish inspired power plus 1200 square foot 6 element infrared quartz heater boasts a top of the line design that offers more copper for greater heat transfer than any of the other leading infrared heaters. LIFESMART products are advertised as being smart for the consumer and smart for the planet.

consumer reports laptops

The LIFESMART produces no emissions and is 90% efficient in the room its being used. This is compared to 60% efficiency that is produced in furnace heat by the time it reaches a room.

Consumer Reports

The LIFESMART is a portable heater and advertises to heat any area up to 1200 sq. feet (depending on how efficient the space is). The air emitted by this LIFESMART heater is evenly distributed, will not dry out, and is moved through a built-in lifetime air filter that destroys bacteria and other organisms.

The Power Plus by LIFESMART offers safe heat. It will not burn children or pets and produces no emissions. This heater has a full ETL certification for safety features. It offers a consistent heat so that the temperature remains the same, without the loss of heat, from ceiling to baseboard. It will save on the heating bill as it will use up to 1500 watts of electricity, which is about the same as a hairdryer.

The LIFESMART power plus heater gets efficiency from the six infrared quartz elements rated at 25,000 hours. There are also four copper heat exchanges, three that wrap the quartz elements and one at the exit.

The efficient and innovative design allows for the absorption of infrared energy and the production and circulation of heated and purified air back into the room. One of the most efficient heaters on the market.

It has a soft touch LED control screen to change settings or offers a remote control so that temperature and fan changes can be made across the room for added convenience. Settings can also be put on a time frame, rather than temperature, not all infrared heaters offer this function. It is a lightweight 40 lbs. and comes with EZ glide wheels for added mobility, making it one of the most portable infrared heaters you can buy.

The LIFESMART heater has a 110 volt plug & play with a 6 foot long cord for easy placement anywhere in the home.

Lifesmart Amish Features

The heater is rated to heat up to 1200 sq feet Healthier, cleaner air: built in lifetime filter that destroys bacteria, virus, mold, mildew and other unhealthy organisms. Eliminates contamination caused by forced air heating and space heaters Safe Heat: The LIFESMART infrared heater will not burn children or pets and includes several safety features. Portable and easy to operate: E-Z glide wheels are included as well as a soft touch LED control. There is also a remote control to operate the unit from across the room No special installation: 110 volt plug and play with a 6 foot cord

Lifesmart Amish Reviews

Overall, users really liked the performance of the LIFESMART heater. There were several comments about the ease of use and the convenient controls on the heater and the remote, including that users are able to set a temperature range and the heater will turn on when it falls within two degrees below the requested temperature.

Most consumers have mentioned that their heating bill only went up a small amount after using this infrared heater as a large source of heat in the home. A few users, who reported having small apartments, even used this heater as the only source of heat in their home. Most comments were that it heated evenly without any cold spots. Consumers also loved how quiet the unit was.

The complaints were that it did not heat up an area as large as it advertised or that users did not get the "infrared" feel from the infrared heater that they had hoped.

They seem to be a good buy for the money, overall, users like the LIFESMART.

Infrared Heaters Consumer Reports - Lifesmart Amish Infrared Heater Review

Consumer Reports

Teeth Whitener Consumer Reports - Know The Facts

Any time you are doing something with your body, you want to make sure you have your facts straight. This is especially true when you are trying to make progress on something as important as your smile. To put it quite simply, this is the first thing about you that people will see and notice, so it needs to be dazzling. There are tons of different products out there and they all have little differences that should be noted. Choosing the right one can be hard, unless you use the consumer reports that have been published about them. These reports are intended to help consumers understand what they are getting into before they make a big decision.

consumer reports magazine

So what are the facts that you will learn from the various consumer reports? First and foremost, you will find out that teeth whitener products come in many different forms, with many different programs attached. You will generally have to invest a number of months into your teeth to make them whiter, but results should start showing up right away. What the consumer reports will tell you is that those companies that offer unreal results probably are not able to deliver. Nothing is instant with your body, so be aware of that fact when considering the different sales pitch tactics.

Consumer Reports

The facts are that you should be able to find a teeth whitening product that will give you a trial to see if it works. If the whitener does not provide this trial period, then perhaps you should look elsewhere for another product. It truly is a buyer's market out there in terms of what is available. So many companies compete that it is necessary for consumers to take advantage of all of the things at their disposal. If you could get a free trial that comes at no cost and no risk to you, then wouldn't it be a good idea? It most certainly is, and that's what the consumer reports out there attempt to tell people.

Really, a lot of the stuff is common sense. Put in the time to research the different teeth whitening companies, so that you can figure out how they operate. Find out if their program is legitimate and take heart when you read the reviews of what they have to offer. When you do these things, you'll have a better chance of getting the right item.

Teeth Whitener Consumer Reports - Know The Facts

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports - Treadmills and Ellipticals

Buying a new treadmill or elliptical fitness machine is a big decision. You want to make sure, as you do with any significant monetary investment, that you are getting the best value possible from your purchase. Consumer reports, (treadmill and elliptical reports), are there to help you buy smart. Spending too much is obviously not a good idea, but neither is going too cheap and having the machine break down on you. What should you look for in consumer reports on treadmills or ellipticals?

consumer reports subscription

1) Price value. You want to know that you are getting a machine that is considered under priced, rather than over priced, by industry experts. Make sure that the reports you or reviews you read are comparing the treadmill or elliptical to another model that is in the same price range. You don't want to compare a 0 fitness machine to a 00 one. Decide on your budget ahead of time and search accordingly.

Consumer Reports

2) Warranty. The terms of the warranty are important, of course, but so is the customer service offered by the company when handling warranty claims. You want to find out from the consumer report, what the person who wrote it had to say about their experience dealing with the company. A warranty is only as good as the company that is backing it. What good is a warranty you can never claim?

3) Performance and durability. How long has the writer of the report owned the machine? How often did they use it and how strenuously did they work out on it? Did the performance live up to the claims being made by the manufacturer or was it a disappointment?

Consumer Reports - Treadmills and Ellipticals

Consumer Reports

Home Security System Consumer Reports

It goes without saying that before choosing a home security system that fits your requirements and budget your own thorough research must be made. This research should involve reading as more as possible information, both in online and offline sources.

consumer reports subscription

The majority of people always pay a particular attention to consumer reports and this is a wise decision to make as in this way it is possible to discover good and bad facts about the product you are going to pay money for. That is the reason why while looking for home security system it is important to consider home security system consumer reports. And in this article you will find out the key points of such reports.

Consumer Reports

First of all, you need to check whether the product gets high marks systematically. Seek the information that concerns false alarms because usually they identify home security system that is not worth to be obtained.

The next thing you should draw attention to while looking through the consumer reports is the customer service policy. Read how the company reacts to the complaints sent by its customers.

If you are choosing between wireless and hard wired home security systems, then pay attention to the reviews left by customers concerning this technological solution. Are they satisfied with such innovation?

You should also estimate the duration of the product you are interested in.

In addition, these consumer reports involve information about:
- user-friendliness
- reacting of a provider - prompt or not?
- the influence of home alarm systems on everyday life - does this cause any discomfort?

The last but not least step that should be made is contrasting negative and positive reviews left by customers.

So, now you are ready to start your research and with the points mentioned above it will become easier for you to choose a product that meets your expectations.

Home Security System Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

Consumer Anti Wrinkle Cream Reports - Dr Oz and Dr Acai Review

Some of the latest consumer reports on the most recent anti wrinkle creams which are now available on the market were recently reviewed by Dr Oz, America's celebrity medical expert and Dr Acai - or Mr Pericone - famous in the field of dermatology.

consumer reports 2011

This year has seen many NEW anti-wrinkle creams hit the shelves and now after their initial release, a consumer review was conducted by both these two Doctors in relation to how these creams have fared and the effects they have had on consumers who have been applying these latest serums to help eliminate wrinkles.

Consumer Reports

What these new anti-wrinkle creams have in common are some of the latest anti-oxidants which skin experts argue can offer potentially the same results as a wrinkle filling shot.

Laced with Acai, Resveratrol, Amino vitamins and minerals along with the latest peptide technology known as Pentepeptide-Compound-3, both Dr Oz and Dr Acai suggest consumer reports have been extremely positive.

Skin experts involved in this new anti-wrinkle technology state that they are not surprised as some of these ingredients contain the highest ORAC value of any plant type ever tested scientists, which means that they offer the greatest strength at replenishing your free-radicals.

Free-radicals are found in the air, water and food we ingest and however healthy our lifestyle there is no avoiding these everyday toxins.

Therefore, why consumers - mainly in the U.S - have offered such refreshing feedback, dermatologists argue is that so many of the previous serums in the market are unable to get right into your facial tissue like an injection can.

What these new anti-wrinkle creams can achieve manufacturers state, is the ability to delve much deeper into your facial tissue, instructing the growth of collagen through their new peptide technology.

Collagen is KEY

Collagen is KEY as it is the structural support of your skin.

When levels are high your skin will be tight and firm but when levels dip, you loose that support and wrinkles are born.

With their new technology, consumers have reported that this new peptide compound appears to offer quicker, stronger and longer lasting effects through a reduced application.

Peptides are integral at instructing the growth of collagen as they are your chemical messengers which determine how much collagen is produced.

By combining such rich and highly concentrated anti-oxidants combined with this new peptide technology - deep within your damaged skin tissue - doctors argue,  will match most wrinkl- filling shots - just without the needle!

Consumer Anti Wrinkle Cream Reports - Dr Oz and Dr Acai Review

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports: High Chairs

You'll want a stable, sturdy model that can stand up to spilling, kicking, and regular cleaning for at least a year (some babies can't bear to sit in a high chair after that). A chair with a tray that can be released with one hand is also a plus. Picture your baby occupying your other arm while you're opening and closing the tray; it's just one of the many physical feats you'll be asked to master as a parent.

consumer reports

A high chair usually consists of a frame of molded plastic or metal tubing and an attached seat with a safety belt and a footrest. There are still a few old-fashioned wooden high chairs out there with a removable tray or arms that lift the tray over a baby's head, although they aren't always as comfortable for babies as the modern, form-fitting models on the market now, and most of them aren't certified as meeting the latest safety standards. You'll also find a few hybrid units, which can double as a swing or convert into other types of gear, such as a chair for an older child or a play table.

Consumer Reports

SHOPPING SECRETS

Look for a chair that has a waist strap and a strap that runs between the legs. If a tray is used, there should be a passive restraint, such as a crotch post, used in conjunction with the harness straps. A high chair, like a car seat or a stroller, is one of those shake-rattle-and-roll buying experiences. We suggest visiting the baby store near you with the broadest selection. Then do the following:

Open and close the fastener on the seat's safety harness (try it one-handed) to make sure it's easy to use. If it's not, you might be tempted not to use it every time your child is in the seat, although that's imperative.

Adjust the seat height to see how well that mechanism works. Some seats come with as many as seven possible heights. You may only use one or two, but you can't know for sure at this point.

Assess the seat cover. Look for a chair with upholstery made to last. It should feel substantial, not flimsy. Make sure upholstery seams won't scratch your baby's legs.

Make sure wheels can be locked (if you're buying a model with wheels) or that they become immobilized when there is weight (like a baby) in the seat.

Watch out for rough edges. Examine the underside of the feeding tray to make sure it's free of anything sharp that could scratch your baby. Also look for small holes or hinges that could capture little fingers.

Check for the absence of small parts. Make sure the caps or plugs that cover the ends of metal tubing are well secured. Parts small enough for a child to swallow or inhale are a choking hazard. Know when to fold 'em. If you plan to fold up your high chair as often as every day, practice in the store. Some chairs that claim to be foldable can have stiff folding mechanisms. Technically they may be foldable, but they're not user-friendly.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Major brands of high chairs include, in alphabetical order: Baby Trend, Chicco USA, Dorel Juvenile Group (Cosco), Evenflo, Fisher-Price, Graco, J. Mason, Kolcraft, Peg Perego, and Scandinavian Child. There are three general price ranges:

Basic high chairs

High chairs at this end of the price range (under ) are simple, compact, and generally work quite well. Essentially plastic seats on plastic or steel-tubing legs, such models may or may not have tray and height adjustments and tend to lack bells and whistles, such as wheels, foldability for storage, one-handed tray removal, or the capacity to recline, which you may not use anyway unless you're bottle-feeding. The seat is usually upholstered with a vinyl covering or bare plastic, and the pad may be removable and washable. The tray is typically kept in place with pins that fit into holes in the tubing.

Pros: For the money, a basic high chair can serve you and your baby well. But it pays to comparison shop, as some brands may be more suitable to your needs than others.

Cons: Watch for chairs in this price range with grooves in the seat's molded plastic (a gunk trap); cotton seat pads rather than vinyl, which tend not to hold up as well over time; and trays with side release buttons that are accessible to your baby. Some parents report that their babies can remove such trays--food and all--as early as 9 months of age.

Midpriced high chairs

In this price range ( to 0), you'll find many of the features of higher-end chairs, which include multiple tray and chair-height positions; casters for mobility, with a locking feature for safe parking; a reclining seat for infant feeding; one-hand removable tray; foldability for storage; and a three- or five-point harness plus a passive restraint when used with the tray. Most have cushioned, vinyl seat pads that can be removed for washing, although you'll also still see models with cloth covers in this price range; those are a challenge to keep clean. Frames and seats are typically made of molded, rigid plastic or steel.

Pros: This price range generally offers sturdier chairs with more usable features, although, depending on the model, price isn't always aligned with quality.

Cons: Some models are bulky and can eat up space in a small kitchen, although a large footprint provides greater stability. Just watch out that you don't trip on the protruding legs.

High-end high chairs

In this price range (0 and up), you'll find European imports and traditional solid-wood high chairs. Chairs at this end of the market tend to have thick, tubular frames topped by densely padded seats upholstered in vinyl. As a result, they may have a more solid feel and cushier digs for baby. Some models come with add-on fabric covers that are removable for laundering. These chairs can be adjusted to many different heights and reclining positions with a simple squeeze-release mechanism. Some have folding "A"-shaped frames to make them easy to store.

Pros: You'll get extra features, such as seven height positions instead of five, and often better quality, which is important to consider if you want the chair to last through another baby or more. Another bonus: Many parents report that companies that sell higher-end chairs tend to have responsive customer service, which helps if you have a problem.

Cons: Chairs in this range can be bulky because they tend to have a wider base for stability. That's good because it reduces the risk of tipping. However, you'll need more space to accommodate the footprint, which tends to be more like that of a baby swing.

FEATURES TO CONSIDER

Crotch post. To help prevent a baby from slipping out under the tray and getting his or her head caught, high chairs now typically have a center crotch post attached to the tray or to the seat. It's not meant to replace the safety belt, though. A center post that attaches to the chair rather than to the tray is better because it enables you to push your child up to the table without the tray but still have that center-post support.

Foldability. Some high chairs fold for storage. If that's important to you, make sure there's a secure locking system to prevent accidental folding while your child is in the chair or being put into it. Such a system should automatically engage when you open the chair.

Safety belt. As we mentioned, this is an important feature. When buying a high chair, examine the restraining straps to make sure the waist belt has a buckle that can't be fastened unless the crotch strap is also used. Safety belts should hold your baby securely in place, with no leeway for standing up or climbing out. Some high chairs offer an adjustable three-point harness--two adjustable shoulder straps and a lock between the child's legs--or an adjustable five-point harness--two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap, which is ideal.

Seat adjustment. Seats can move up or down to as many as seven height positions on some chairs. They may also recline (in case your baby falls asleep right after eating). However, except for bottle feeding, don't use a seat in the reclining position while feeding your baby--that's a choking hazard. With a height-adjusting chair, the seat slides along the chair frame, locking into various positions. Height options range from nearly floor level to standard high-chair level, with the middle height low enough to allow the seat (with the tray removed) to be pushed up to a dining-room table.

Toys. Some high chairs have toys that attach to the tray, an option your baby will likely enjoy, although you can certainly buy toys separately that fasten to high-chair trays. But avoid strings when attaching them.

Tray. In general, you'll want a lightweight tray you can take off with one hand or that swings to the side when not in use. Certain designs help contain spills: a tray that surrounds baby on all sides, a tray angle that channels liquids away from baby, or a tall rim all around the tray. Some chairs have two trays: a big tray with a deep rim for feeding and a smaller one for snacking or playing. Don't be lured by a claim that the tray is "dishwasher safe"--most trays are too large to fit in a dishwasher.

Upholstery. Many models have seat coverings--or entire seat panels--that come off for easier cleaning. Be sure fasteners won't cause upholstery to tear as you pull off the seat or coverings. Opt for a seat cover with a pattern rather than a solid color; patterns are better at concealing spills. Some covers look like cloth but are really vinyl, which is easier to spot clean than cloth.

Wheels. Wheels may make it easier to move the high chair around, which is important if you'll frequently be hauling your high chair from, say, the kitchen to the dining room. On the other hand, wheels can also be a nuisance because they may allow the chair to move as you're trying to pull a tray off, or as you put your baby in. Older children may be tempted to take the baby for a joyride when you turn your back. Wheels on some models appear to make the chair less stable. If you decide on a wheeled model, look for locks on the wheels, preferably on all four. Some models come with locking casters. Still others have just two wheels and stay in place unless you tilt them on their wheels for rolling around.

RECOMMENDATIONS

There are pluses and minuses with every price range of chair. All can be tough to clean because, let's face it, baby food has a way of getting into every possible nook and cranny (and most seats have them somewhere). High-end models offer flexible positioning, extra-thick seat padding, and attractive upholstery.

Mid priced models generally represent the best value. And, like high-end models, they usually have an easy-to-remove tray, a sturdy safety belt, a tip-resistant frame, and a crotch post. But even some basic chairs can compete with higher-end models in terms of safety and other features. No matter what your budget, buy a chair of recent production that's certified so you can be sure it meets the current voluntary safety standard.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit http://www.ConsumerReports.org

Consumer Reports: High Chairs

Consumer Reports

Honda CR-V Top for Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports, one of the country's leading sources of automotive information, has made a series of tests on small sport utility vehicles. The results of the tests done by the group would be published and available in its February 2007 issue. And if you are going to be reading that issue, you would be able to find out that Consumer Reports has found the Honda CR-V to top the other four small SUVs that the magazine has tested.

consumer reports refrigerator

Despite being the top scorer among the group that Consumer Reports tested, the Honda CR-V has yet quite a long way to travel still. According to the magazine, comparing the Honda CR-V to the Toyota RAV4, which has also took the top score for a batch of tests done a couple of months back, the Honda CR-V has still some aspects to make up for. The Honda CR-V has already been part of the top scorers in Consumer Reports studies and it has joined the ranks of vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, and the Subaru Forester is the small sport utility vehicles segment.

Consumer Reports

As per the current test results, the Honda CR-V was given a rating of "Very Good". This was what the vehicle received for its overall performance score. The vehicle had to contend with four other vehicles namely the Honda Element, the Jeep Compass, the Saturn Vue Green Line, and the Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicles were tested and graded according to the magazine's criteria of what makes a good small SUV. Overall, the magazine was looking for a vehicle that was well-rounded. Specific criteria include good delivery and performance of the vehicle, flexibility of the interior, good fuel economy, as well as road proficiency. It was not mentioned though if the availability of parts, like Honda parts, were also considered.

The Honda CR-V was previously designed to have a boxy type of style. However, the new version holds a sleek kind of design and looks more like a car. It has gone through much improvement so much so that Consumer Reports has found the new Honda CR-V to have more straightforward controls. The interior has also changed so much so that drivers and passengers alike are going to love being inside the vehicle.

For power, the Honda CR-V gets it from its 2.4 liter engine with four cylinders. The engine has got the capacity and capability to produce 166 units of horsepower. This can give the vehicle just the right amount of acceleration and speed. To assist the engine, the vehicle also has been mounted with a five speed automatic transmission that makes the driving and ride experience to be more responsive and quite smoother.

If you are interested in knowing more about the whole Consumer Reports take on small SUVs, you should be able to purchase the February 2007 issue of the magazine on newsstands already. It has already hit stands just this 9th. The issue just does not include the whole report on small SUVs. There are also other interesting things included like ratings of portable and mobile Global Positioning Systems (GPS) navigators. There are also some reports on test drives done on two vehicles - the Chevrolet Avalanche and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

Honda CR-V Top for Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports' Recommendations - How Good Are They?

This article examines Consumer Reports' 2007 recommendations of automobile models for the Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia brands in order to see how their reliability fared just 3 years later. It delves into the questions: (1) How good are CR's recommendations? and (2) Is U.S.-based Consumer Reports biased in favor of the U.S.-based General Motors Corporation?

consumer reports login

Consumer Reports' reliability ratings are highly valued by many consumers as they are statistical studies of reported serious problems, or the absence of such, for hundreds of thousands of vehicles, as gathered from its subscribers in an annual survey. However, should its annual recommendations be accorded similar respect? To answer this question, I examine some of CR's 2007 recommendations.

Consumer Reports

In the April 2007 issue of Consumer Reports, the magazine recommended three Chevrolet automobile models - one wagon, one sedan, and one SUV. They were:

Chevrolet HHR, the wagon
Chevrolet Impala, the sedan
Chevrolet Tahoe, the sport-utilityvehicle.

As there were only 3 Chevrolet models that were recommended, consumers might reasonably have anticipated that they merited consideration and that from one of the models they may confidently make a purchase. However, before the three 2007 models were 3 years old, all three were on Consumer Reports' 2010 Worst Car list, a list based on reported serious problems.

The question arises: Were these just bad, or awful, recommendations, or are they evidence of a bias in favor of U.S.-based General Motors Corporation, owner of the Chevrolet brand, by U.S.-based Consumer Reports?

Evidence suggesting a bias in favor of U.S.-based General Motors comes from recommendations of Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai models. For the Toyota brand, Consumer Reports' 2007 recommendations were:

Toyota 4Runner, a midsize sport-utility vehicle
Toyota Avalon, a large sedan
Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan
Toyota Camry, a convertible or coupe
Toyota Corolla, a small sedan
Toyota Highlander, a midsize SUV
Toyota Matrix, a small wagon
Toyota Prius, a hybrid 4-door hatchback
Toyota RAV4, a small SUV
Toyota Sequoia, a large SUV
Toyota Sienna, a minivan
Toyota Tacoma, a midsize pickup.

And for the Honda brand, CR's 2007 recommendations were:

Honda CR-V, a small sport-utility vehicle
Honda Civic, a coupe or sedan
Honda Civic Si, a coupe or sedan
Honda Element, a small, boxy SUV
Honda Fit, a small 4-door hatchback
Honda Odyssey, a minivan
Honda Pilot, a midsize SUV
Honda Ridgeline, a midsize pickup.

And for the Hyundai brand, CR's 2007 recommendations were:

Hyundai Entourage, a minivan
Hyundai Sonata, a sedan
Hyundai Tucson, a small sport-utility vehicle.

Of these 23 models recommended in 2007, not one was on CR's 2010 Worst Car list.

Further evidence that U.S.-based Consumer Reports may have a bias favoring GM rests in its own 2007 Worst Car (Used Cars to Avoid) list. General Motors accounted for a whopping 37% of this list, suggesting that recommending any GM product was unwise.

However, evidence that these were merely bad recommendations may be found in CR's Kia recommendations. In 2007, Consumer Reports recommended the following Kia models:

Kia Amanti, a sedan
Kia Sedona, a minivan
Kia Sorento, a small sport-utility vehicle.

Three years later, both the 2007 Sedona and the 2007 Sorento were on CR's 2010 list of Worst Cars.

In summary, it is difficult to conclude that Consumer Reports' recommendations unduly favor U.S.-based GM; however, it is clear that the consumer should be circumspect about a CR recommendation. And it may be best for him or her to toss such a recommendation to the wind when considering a car purchase and rely only:

(1) On CR's reliability ratings, in the 10-year reliability tables if longer-term ownership is sought or anticipated, or alternatively on the online Auto Reliability GPAs, and

(2) On CR's specific comments regarding ease of use of various components, CR's tested stability, and CR's summaries of crash worthiness.

Consumer Reports' Recommendations - How Good Are They?

Consumer Reports