Pros: various products are featured; graphs, articles and charts; reference guide
Cons: articles get very wordy; have to wait for the product you're interested in
The Bottom Line: In the "short run" Consumer Reports may not contain the products you are looking for. It is necessary to accumulate issues and use them for future reference.
My mother in law who lives out of state subscribes to Consumer Reports magazine. When I visit her, I enjoy skimming through this magazine and reading up of the best products to buy for the money. I thought that I might get around paying the $26 subscription cost by logging onto their website, but they know better and charge a monthly fee of $3.95 for the luxury of doing so. Well, my darling little cousin was selling magazine subscriptions for her Girl Scout Fundraiser. How can you say no to a little girl in a green beenie? I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try this magazine for a year.
I always felt that when making a major purchase, I wanted to be sure I was buying a quality product that would last. I felt that reading Consumer Reports was better than asking every friend and relative I knew what their opinions were on a particular product. (Of course, Epinions is now there for that!).
I currently have 5 issues of this magazine as well as the Annual Auto Issue. The annual Auto Issue is something that you can always keep for future reference. This issue covers 203 models from coupes to sports utility vehicles to luxury and upscale cars. It will recommend a model based on its reliability and its depreciation value.
In this Automotive issue, Consumer Reports goes into much detail by pointing out trouble spots, or lack of, in terms of engine, cooling, fuel, ignition, transmission, electrical, a/c, suspension, brakes, exhaust, body rust, paint/trim, integrity and hardware. The various models of cars are rated from the years 1993-2000.
Crash tests safety equipment and maximum loads are also rated.
I think this particular issue of Consumer Reports is so valuable to the consumer who is looking to purchase a new or used car. We all know what a major expense this is and want to go into this purchase wisely. The Automotive issue will give you confidence that you will make the right decision for your needs. It feels good to share this information with friends and family who can also benefit from this edition.
At this point, I will describe the September, 2001 issue of Consumer Reports. This particular issue focuses on a wide variety of products.
For those of you unfamiliar with Consumer Reports, the rating system uses symbols. The fully red circle stands for “excellent”, a half red circle- “very good”, a white circle, “good”, half a black circle represents "fair" and a full black circle is the dreaded "poor". I find I am always forgetting what the symbols stand for. Throughout the magazine the key is available to remind you of the symbols and their meanings. At times, it can become distracting to keep looking up the symbols’ meanings.
Lunch meats are featured in the September issue. Hardly a topic that we would really need a magazine to help us with, but it is there for the fun of it. Various brands of turkey, ham and bologna are rated descriptions concerning the cold cuts’ salt content, flavor, price, fat content and texture. I guess if you buy lunch meat you already know what you like, but this does give you some other options to try.
Internet providers are reviewed in terms of fees, hours included, toll free access, support web space, parent controls, email size limits and DSL upgrade. The chart provides quick reference with many choices such as AT&T, BellSouth, Earthlink, Prodigy, AOL, Compuserve and MSN. Another chart describes their performance in terms of availability, speed , interruptions, support, email and downloads. I use Earthlink and I found that their findings were quite accurate in terms of its performance. For someone interested in subscribing to an internet provider, the legwork that is done is very valuable. Along with the charts are articles that go into further detail. The articles tend to be long winded. I find that the charts are the best way to get quick information.
Other topics in this issue are digital t.v., steam irons, computer furniture,computer printers and product updates on leaf blowers. The issue also contains features called, “Your Health” and “Your Money”. There is also a humorous page with bloopers in certain advertisements--sort of what Johnny Carson originally featured on his “Tonight Show”.
Is Consumer Reports Worth Subscribing To?
I think that is the bottom line. My answer is yes, but perhaps for just one year. It's really hit or miss with Consumer Reports. Some months I have no interest in any of the products described. By the time my year subscription is up, however, I believe all major appliances and computer items will have been included in the magazine.
It is important to save all the issues and use them as reference books in the future. No, I am not buying a television at this time, but when I do, I will be sure to have the important information concerning purchasing a t.v. available to me. I know I will be able to compare various brands and models and find the set that is best for me. At least I will avoid making a purchase that will be disappointing in the end.
Subscribe for the year and put the issues on your bookshelf. You will always be able to get quick answers as you come across different products you intend to buy. There is an abundance of information, charts, graphs and articles to steer the consumer in the right direction. I guess this is a good magazine for the long run. But, always try Epinions to see what “real people” think as well!!
Testing products since 1936: Unbiased monthly reports on cars, home appliances, electronics, computers, food, health, finance, and more. No outside ad...More at Magazines.com
The indispensable guide for anyone who wants to comparison shop for the best quality and value of anything on the market, Consumer Reports Magazine is...More at Magazineline
Testing products since 1936: Unbiased monthly reports on cars, home appliances, electronics, computers, food, health, finance, and more. No outside ad...More at Magazine-Agent
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