Consumer Reports winner is?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
Which is why I used "provisional". Also wanted to show that CR is not automatically biased towards foreign made. In the past every car in the mid-70's through 90's, that was recommended, was foreign because most US made stuff was crap. Now the Impala might have great design but if it has system failures beyond foreign makes then it won't be recommended and we still have some crap.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Which is why I used "provisional". Also wanted to show that CR is not automatically biased towards foreign made. In the past every car in the mid-70's through 90's, that was recommended, was foreign because most US made stuff was crap. Now the Impala might have great design but if it has system failures beyond foreign makes then it won't be recommended and we still have some crap.
I understood your comment and agree
It has always been my impression that any time folks don't agree with something in a study, report, or article, they say it is biased. It can be CR, Car & Driver, or you name it. The problem with many of those comments and they don't spell out the bias and statistically there are many different kinds of biases, some of which are very difficult for the researcher to control so I am not sure there is any such animal as an "unbiased report".
In the case of CR, I think their database relies on a unique demographic., but just as with Car & Driver, I don't think there is purposeful intent to drive results to favor a specific product.
I do find it interesting when folks complain about bias rather than simply expand their search to incorporate a wide variety of inputs leading me to often wonder if the bias is with the research or the reader. Getting a representative sample of anything is simply a bear!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
From the very very little reading of CR's results I've come away with the impression their best pick items tend to be so more from the "best value" of something, not necessarily what an enthusiast or brand-loyal user might feel is fair or 100% accurate.
Things like durability and features provided for the listed price seem to be their main interests. Actual suitability for any other use or purpose beyond the most strict of the manufacturers suggestions aren't considered.
To me actual customers or users of something I might buy are my best source of review. Even then though the context of someone's "review" has to be considered as just a few customers can greatly skew something especially if they're disappointed or angry enough. Emotional reactions might not tell the whole story------I'm thinking Amazon's rating system FWIW.
With so many vehicles to choose from these days, all with their own good and bad traits its a tough choice I think---glad I only buy "new to me" !
Things like durability and features provided for the listed price seem to be their main interests. Actual suitability for any other use or purpose beyond the most strict of the manufacturers suggestions aren't considered.
To me actual customers or users of something I might buy are my best source of review. Even then though the context of someone's "review" has to be considered as just a few customers can greatly skew something especially if they're disappointed or angry enough. Emotional reactions might not tell the whole story------I'm thinking Amazon's rating system FWIW.
With so many vehicles to choose from these days, all with their own good and bad traits its a tough choice I think---glad I only buy "new to me" !
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 2
From: Altamonte Springs, FL
I don't believe CR is biased toward particular brands or foreign manufactures. Their "bias" is really an agenda. They seem promote safety and green. There is nothing wrong with either of these; but they don't take into consideration driving for the sake of driving and the satisfaction of driving.
Years ago when Chrysler release the K- cars with front wheel drive, CR tested them and condemned them as being unsafe. They even wanted the federal government to ban then. The drivers that tested had never driven a front wheel drive and were not familiar with the characteristics. Rather than investigate and learn, they condemned the K-car. We know the outcome of all of that; front wheel drive is here to stay.
I think I understand CR's objective and I accept it. I just take that into consideration when they they report. That is why I do not give them much credibility. They are not automobile folks.
Years ago when Chrysler release the K- cars with front wheel drive, CR tested them and condemned them as being unsafe. They even wanted the federal government to ban then. The drivers that tested had never driven a front wheel drive and were not familiar with the characteristics. Rather than investigate and learn, they condemned the K-car. We know the outcome of all of that; front wheel drive is here to stay.
I think I understand CR's objective and I accept it. I just take that into consideration when they they report. That is why I do not give them much credibility. They are not automobile folks.
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