A consumer car evaluation (CR) is an opinionated review of a specific vehicle. Ratings are based upon several factors. These factors are actual car ownership experiences and editors' feedback. Surveys are conducted among members to learn about the car's reliability and owner satisfaction. These surveys result in ratings. In addition to rating cars, CR also publishes Brand rankings and individual model ratings. Consumers interested in purchasing a particular model have access to detailed buying guides.
Rating system CR
Consumer Reports' car review rating system is based on extensive research and extensive testing. They evaluate the car's performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, overall safety, and overall health. The road test involves 50 trials in Colchester (Connecticut), and the editors determine a car's overall score based upon the feedback they receive. The editors ask test drivers whether they are satisfied with their car's ride quality or usability. Safety scores are also calculated based on the availability of safety equipment and driver assistance features. You get an extra point if your vehicle has an advanced safety feature.
Brand rankings
The Honda Civic's reliability and practicality are well-recognized by consumer car reviews. Despite its low overall score, the Civic's Magic Seat arrangement provides plenty of flexibility when it comes to cargo capacity. The Civic ranks sixth for MPG and third in reliability. Its lowest rating is in the infotainment segment, with low ratings for sensitivity or the balance of touchscreen controls.
Individual model ratings
Consumer car reviews often highlight individual model ratings. These ratings are often based in part on the average scores of individual car owners. Edmunds doesn't present individual ratings for each model. This is unfortunate, because it makes the ratings seem meaningless and artificial. Edmunds should display error bars for each model rating to fix this. If this were done, the ratings would be more representative of the true experience of owners. Consumer guides may also include individual ratings for trim packages and models in their reviews.
Detailled buying guides
If you are looking for a vehicle, these detailed consumer car buying guides will be an invaluable resource. Consumer Guide has comprehensive guides for each vehicle class. These guides are a good place to start when narrowing down your options. They offer a high-level overview, pros and cons for each class, and a list Consumer Guide-classified vehicles with brief descriptions of what makes them special.