Consumer reports

Lexus Tops Consumer Reports' Brand Report Card

Lexus topped the rankings in Consumer Reports's 2013 automotive brand report card. Detroit automakers didn't fare very well -- Cadillac's 14th place tie was the best for U.S. brand -- while Japanese automakers again dominated, taking eight of the top 10 spots.

The Worst Product Flops of 2012

Sometimes, no matter how many months a company invests in development or how many millions it spends on marketing, a new product can fall flat on its face. That's what happened to these new offerings, the biggest product flops of 2012.

40 Miles Per Gallon Isn't All It's Cracked Up to Be

Fuel efficiency is on the mind of a lot of car shoppers these days, and automakers have responded with more vehicles that get 40 miles per gallon -- or better. But that great mileage may not be a great deal for your wallet.

10 Everyday Things You're Probably Paying Too Much For

Given the way capitalism works, we're all bound to overpay sometimes. The key is to avoid making it a habit. Here are 10 common things you're most likely paying too much for, and tips for keeping more of that cash in your pocket.

DIY Legal Sites: Are You the Only Lawyer You Need?

With the economy still in the doldrums and the Web offering an array of legal help sites, a rising number of consumers are trying their hands at being do-it-yourself lawyers. Is it right for you? And if so, which site should you use?

Toyota's Still Tops to Consumers, but Ford's Closing In

Despite its troubles in recent years, Toyota retained its crown in Consumer Reports' annual survey of auto-brand perception, but the survey also showed that Ford is rapidly closing the gap, and other brands aren't far behind.

Want to Snag a Better Used Car? Shop Like a Woman

Are women actually better at buying used cars than men? LeaseTrader, which runs a used-car marketplace for people who want to get in or out of a lease rather than buy, crunched some data and came to just that conclusion.

Coke's New Juice Flavor: Fungicide?

Coca-Cola has never shied away from trying new variations of its classic beverage. The company also is known for adding flavorful twists like lime and lemon to its drinks. But last week, both Coke and archrival Pepsi revealed that a more disturbing addition had made its way into their drinks: fungicide.

8 Survival Rules for Black Friday Shoppers

Switch on the TV or open the newspaper today, and you'd think there was only one day a year to get bargains: Black Friday. But if you're not careful, the year's most-hyped shopping day can be filled with traps. Here's how not to get bamboozled.

Santa's Customer Service List: Who's Naughty, Who's Nice

When it comes to how they treat their customers, some companies follow Santa-like policies. Others are more like the Grinch. But which is which? Consumer Reports offers the skinny on how a number of high-profile businesses behave with its Naughty & Nice Holiday List. Here's a rundown:

For TV Buyers, 'Tis Really the Season

If you're in the market for a new television, you'd be wise to scoop up one of the sweet deals that will be available for the rest of 2011. TV manufacturers and retailers are desperate to unload inventory, so HDTVs, Internet-connected TVs and 3-D TVs will be going at deeply discounted prices.

Economic Woes Are Jeopardizing Americans' Health

In this economy, people aren't just cutting out luxuries, nearly half of Americans are skimping on necessities like medication and doctor visits -- drastic actions that could be dangerous to their health.

Why Your Digital Life
Is at Risk

It is easy to forget that the cigarette box-sized device in your pocket is a computer more powerful than the one that sent Apollo 11 to the moon. Smartphones, tablets and laptops now hold some of our most priceless assets. But let's put a price on them: The value of a wired American's digital life averages nearly $55,000, and it's at risk.

Americans' Financial Health Is a Tad Better

The American consumer's financial health is showing signs of improvement, but the weak job market continues to derail the nation's economic recovery -- particularly for people in the lower income brackets, according to September's Consumer Reports Index, released on Tuesday.

New Cars That Lost the Most Value in 2010

Almost nothing loses its value faster after being bought than a car, and 24/7 Wall St. has found the 10 worst performers from a resale standpoint. But the reason most people would expect a new vehicle to drop in value -- poor reliability -- is rarely why they actually depreciated so much.

What Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Is Obsessing About

Amazon (AMZN) boss Jeff Bezos doesn't take the usual approach to sales, technology or even competition. At this week's ShopSmart summit, he spoke with candor about his idiosyncratic strategies, growth opportunities, and how digital technology is still reshaping retailing.

Asian Automakers Top Consumer Report's 'Best Value' List

Asian automakers have traditionally fared well in tests conducted by Consumer Reports magazine, and this year is no exception. Overall, eight Japanese and Korean models were named "best values" in their segments, the publication said Monday.

Is Inflation Really 1.6%, or Is the BLS Getting Scammed?

Government measures show that inflation, at 1.6% in January, is still below the Fed's target of 2%. But commodity prices are soaring, and anyone who pays their household bills knows that food and energy prices are rising because of it. Is the Consumer Price Index getting it wrong?

Ford and Toyota in Dead Heat Among Consumer Perceptions

Toyota's recent spate of quality woes have allowed competitors to steal sales from the beleaguered automaker. Ford is also catching up with Toyota in another important measure of auto industry success -- consumers' opinions of vehicle brands.