By: Haley Frailey

*This resource is accessible only by patrons of Rebecca Crown Library, and is located in the Reference Collection on the lower level.

What is Consumer Reports?

It is a monthly magazine best used to answer a large range of consumer questions from users wanting be “in the know”.

This particular issue informs the consumer of the pros and cons of automobiles on the 2014 American market.

Why is it a Good Resource to Use?1) The publisher is a very reputable organization. Consumer Reports

has been around since 1936, when mass advertising really took off. The consumer needed someone to look after their interests, someone to tell them whether a product was good or bad, and to provide factual information about a product.

2) In order to retain impartiality in their testing process, the organization accepts no gifts/advertising from manufacturers and has experts that buy and test products anonymously to evaluate them.

3) The content of this resource is quite accurate, as Consumer Reports takes great care to evaluate various consumer products, and has a staff of 600+ that works in labs all over America to test products and protect consumer interests.

4) Not only does this resource take great care to protect consumer interests, it also does this auto issue annually, to provide current and updated information to American automobile owners.

Types of Questions it Answers:

What company makes the best cars?

Why is my 2008 Malibu not locking properly?

Is the self-driving car in the near future?

Are extended warranties worth the hassle?

I need new tires for my SUV, what’s the best kind?

How can I get the best deal buying a car?

What small car has the best gas mileage?

What is the cheapest car to own?

Is my new car compatible with a child’s seat?

What new features offer the most bang for my buck?

What SUV would be safest for my family?

What models should I avoid while shopping for a used car?

How reliable is this Honda Accord I’m buying?

How do I Locate This Resource?

Though this resource is technically in the reference collection, the auto issue is a particularly popular item and prone to theft. So it is held on the hold shelves behind the Circulation Desk. Ask the person on desk to retrieve it for you.

Here it is.

Is It Easy to Use?

Yes, it is very accessible, and is designed for ease of use . The layout is the same as any popular magazine, with a clear table of contents at the front. Some of the tables obscure clarity if you are not too familiar with cars, but provides a handy key to translate the symbols.

How Do I Use This Resource?

Consult the Table of Contents to find the car related information you’re looking for.

Any Questions?

If you have any further questions about this resource, contact me at: fraihale@AwesomeLibrary.org

Sources

Consumer Reports. (2009). ConsumerReports.org. Retrieved from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/about-us/our-mission/index.htm

Consumer Reports (2014). Consumer Reports, April