142 out of 142 people found this review helpful.
Should I buy it or not?
Date of Review: Jul 2, 2001
The Bottom Line: I find Consumer Reports to be very informative; however do not use it to make sole decisions. Do more research that just relying on the magazine.
A few years ago my husband and I started receiving Consumer Reports as a subscription. At first we were alarmed to why we were receiving the magazine, only to find out later that my father in law had subscribed this to us as a Christmas gift. We really enjoy this magazine.
When you first open your Consumer Reports you will obviously see the table of contents. I like the way the table of contents is divided. The cover product is listed first then with a list of other ratings you will find in the magazine. On the bottom is a list of upcoming products that Consumer Reports will be rating. I find this to be useful so we know what is to come.
Consumer Reports rates a variety of products each month. The current issue rates hotels, baby carriers, car seats and monitors to name a few. When you read the ratings there are a list of recommendations and notes listed to the side. This is very helpful because it tells you basically the pros and cons of the product rated.
Consumer Reports also has articles in it. One article that I found interesting in this months issue is about credit card companies. Basically it tells you what to look for in credit card companies. It is really interesting. Each month you can read letters from readers that also is very informative.
Each magazine has a page of product recalls. You will be amazed at the products listed that you do not hear or see about on the news. Recalls include household items and cars. This section is a great addition to the magazine.
The final page of Consumer Reports is a fun section to read. Readers send in articles and ads that they find errors in. One good example is Puffs tissues has an ad for their new tissues. The older boxes are smaller boxes 250 2-ply tissues, the newer box is bigger but has 216 2- ply tissues. I found it to be pretty amusing that consumers think they are getting more for their money which in all actuality they are not. Every month this section is included in the back of the magazine.
Do I like Consumer Reports ? Yes, I do enjoy the magazine. What do I find not so good about the magazine. I find that the products they rate are limited. Not all products can be rated obviously, but I still find the products to be very limited.
Consumer Reports is a good magazine to subscribe to. I find it very informative; however, I also find that you will find products you own that are listed poor which you may find to be a great product. For example, my microwave is listed in this months issue, rated poorly, but I have had my microwave for a while and it is great.
Consumer Reports has a user friendly website. The website is www.consumerreports.org. You can access old product reviews, change your address and renew your subscription.
I do like my Consumer Reports and will continue to receive my subscription whether my father in law decides to stop it or not. We find the information to be informative. My advice is to get a second opinion though. Just because the ratings may be low in the magazine you may find that others find the products to be better that what their ratings give them.
In conclusion, each year you will receive a complimentary big paperback Consumer Reports buying guide. This paper back is filled with many ratings of a variety of products including refrigerators, computers, monitors, and cars to name a few. Last years issue included over 679 product ratings.
I do recommend getting Consumer Reports . It is a good informative magazine. As I stated earlier it is my best advice to get a second opinion, but Consumer Reports is a good start to find ratings and good information on products.
