Content Use Guidelines - parsintl.comContent Use Guidelines These Guidelines have been created to provide you a brief overview of Consumer Reports to help you create effective communications

Content Use Guidelines

©2019 PARS International Corp.

Welcome to the Consumer Reports Content Use Guidelines

These Guidelines have been created to provide you a brief overview of Consumer Reports to help you create effective communications with appropriate use of its content and brand assets. With proper authorization through PARS International, the only authorized content management agent for Consumer Reports, your opportunities are vast.

You will find the following information within:

I. No Commercial Use Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3II. Why It Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4III. General Guidelines for Use of Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5IV. Sample Reprint Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7V. Content Linking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8VI. Logo Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8VII. Digital Use & Teaser Langauage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8VIII. Examples of Approved Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11IX. What Constitutes Full Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12X. What You Can’t Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13XI. How to Proceed with Your Request for Use . . . . . . . . . 14

All Consumer Reports content is copyrighted and trademarked material. All reprint formats must be licensed and layouts submitted to PARS International in writing for approval prior to use.

Depending on the complexity of your reprint use, the layout approval process may include a series of verbal and written communications between PARS, the Customer and Consumer Reports that may take several weeks. To help Customers manage expectations, PARS representatives will fully explain the process and can provide a projected timeline once both the content and the anticipated reprint use have been approved.

Learn more and submit your request for use at www.CRreprints.com.

April 2019 • 2

As an independent, nonprofit organization, Consumer Re-ports’ mission is to work side by side with consumers to cre-ate a fairer, safer, and healthier world. To accomplish that mission, CR relies in large part on our reputation of integ-rity and impartiality in the rigorous research, consumer in-sights, journalism, and policy expertise we deliver to inform purchase decisions, improve the products and services that businesses deliver, and drive regulatory and fair competitive practices. CR’s No Commercial Use Policy is intended to pre-serve that independent reputation and to protect our rights as a publisher and information provider.

The Policy Is as Follows:

No Commercial Use

Published information from Consumer Reports, including our Ratings and Reports, is intended solely for the benefit of our members and other consumers, in order to help them make informed choices and decisions about consumer products and services. Such information may not be used by others in advertising or to promote a company’s product or service, without our express written permission. In addition, this pol-icy precludes any commercial use of the names of Consum-ers Union or Consumer Reports, or any other trustmark of Consumer Reports, without our express written permission. This policy applies not only to publications and services ap-pearing under the title “Consumer Reports” but also to other titles, products or services offered by Consumer Reports, re-gardless of medium.

Exceptions

Notwithstanding the above, this policy does not preclude anyone from purchasing and distributing full issues of Con-sumer Reports magazine or reprints of Consumer Reports articles in their entirety, as well as purchasing bulk subscrip-tions of Consumer Reports magazine or ConsumerReports.org website. Nor does it preclude sharing editorial content in its entirety through social media channels, such as retweet-ing and linking, provided such use does not violate Consum-er Reports’ contractual, legal or equitable rights. In addition, Consumer Reports may license its editorial content and pub-lished recommendations to third parties subject to written agreement for the purpose of assisting consumers at their

point of decision. Such editorial content may include trust-marks, articles, videos and related data, provided such data is appropriately contextualized as determined by Consumer Reports.

Restrictions on Permitted Uses

Third-party use of our content and recommendations shall not: (1) erroneously or misleadingly suggest Consumer Re-ports’ endorsements of any reviewed product or service that in fact do not exist; (2) excerpt or condense any Consumer Reports editorial content or published recommendations so as to lose context or alter Consumer Reports’ meaning or intent; or (3) present Consumer Reports editorial content in a way that might be confused with or indistinguishable from the user’s own content.

Statutory Protections

Unauthorized use of our material may violate multiple legal rights of Consumer Reports. All of Consumer Reports’ prod-ucts are fully protected under the United States Copyright Laws, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., and unauthorized copying of, or quoting from, our materials is strictly prohibited. Consumer Reports® and other trademarks of our organization are fed-erally registered trademarks. Advertising that deceptively or falsely misrepresents our findings, or that creates confusion, infringes on our rights under the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C., §§ 1051 et seq. Such advertising may also contravene our rights under state laws prohibiting false advertising and other un-fair trade practices.

Furthermore, under § 397 of the New York State General Business Law, the use of the names or published results of a nonprofit testing organization, such as Consumer Reports, for advertising or trade purposes is strictly prohibited with-out obtaining prior written consent.

Handling Violations

If Consumer Reports learns that this policy has been violat-ed, it will take all steps necessary to prevent the misuse of its names or of any of its materials, including legal action where appropriate.

I. No Commercial Use Policy(From ConsumerReports.org)

April 2019 • 3

April 2019 • 4

Objective, impartial testing, reviews, and ratings lie at the heart of consumer choice—and at the heart of Consumer Reports. Since our founding in 1936, Consumer Reports has had a no commercial use policy restricting the use of its name or its content in advertising. This stemmed from a belief we still hold today: that consumers should enjoy the full context of our in-formation and not hear about our ratings and reports through the language of salesmanship.

In the decades since our founding, several innovations—includ-ing the creation of the Internet and the rise of social media, to name two—have made it critical for us to evolve to maximize the reach of our content and distribute it to consumers at their point of decision. To that end, we do allow the following:

• We encourage linking through websites or social media to any of our free, current (within last three years) content us-ing neutral language. Here are two examples:

“See what Consumer Reports says about ______.”

“The ___ was recently featured in Consumer Reports.”

• We welcome retweeting, tweeting us @ConsumerReports, use of hashtags, links, and other sharing through social me-dia as long as the social media activity is not sponsored or paid.

• We allow one-time, non-commercial use of our videos, which can be done by linking to or embedding the video from our Consumer Reports website (ConsumerReports.org) or our Consumer Reports YouTube channel.

• We do allow the purchase of reprints, e-prints, single cop-ies of our publications, and bulk sales of subscriptions of our products. We also allow the licensing of our content, including videos. The use of Consumer Reports’ logo is only permitted as an integrated part of our licensed editorial content. For more information, please submit requests to

CRreprints.com.

• For questions about non-commercial, educational/academ-ic uses of our content, please submit requests to CRreprints.com.

What We Don’t Grant Permission to Do

• Use our name, ratings, or information in paid advertising or press releases. It is critical that consumers experience Con-sumer Reports’ content through our independent, objective voice. Questions? Please submit inquiries to CRreprints.com.

• Excerpt our content in any way. Consumers should always have the full context of the information we provide.

• Discuss the specific rating. You cannot list a product as “Rated #1 by Consumer Reports” or “Rated #1 by a leading consumer publication.”

All of Our Content Distribution Activities Are Driven by the Following Principles

• Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organiza-tion dedicated to a safer, fairer, and healthier marketplace for all consumers. All decisions made by the organization are driven by the consumer interest.

• We want to reach a wide and diverse number of audiences. People consume information through multiple channels, and to that end, we want to be present on those channels in order to meet them where they are.

• We embrace new and emerging technologies and platforms as a way of increasing the reach of our information for the benefit of consumers.

• Granting permission to distribute our content does not con-stitute an endorsement of any product or service.

II. Why It Matters

April 2019 • 5

III. General Guidelines for Use of ContentConsumer Reports content is available to reprint or license in accordance with the information included within these Guide-lines. Content must be reprinted in its entirety. Excerpting, highlighting or other changes to the content before or after are not permitted. CONTENT MAY NOT BE USED IN ANY FORM OF ADVERTISING OR PAID MEDIA. All desired uses must be submitted to PARS International for approval. Submit all requests at www.CRreprints.com.

Because prices fluctuate, Consumer Reports prohibits inclusion of any pricing on its reprinted Content.Content available for use may include:

1. Model PagesMust include; Brand, Make, Model, Test Score (Numerical), Highest Tested, Lowest Tested, Recommended or Best Buy (If Applicable), CR Full Text if applicable.

2. Ratings Charts-(Only considered on a case by case basis. No bolding or highlighting. Must be full content. See Section VIII.)Must include Highs and Lows, Ratings Report Card (Must Include Key to the ratings, About the Brand, Features and Specifications, Brand Reliability Chart.

3. Articles / Profiles / Road Tests Must include Title, Subtitle, Author (if listed online or in Print), Date (of Magazine issue, or Timestamp on website), Full Text of Article, Images/Infographics within the article that are integral to the article.

4. Online Buying GuidesMust include Getting Started, Types, Features, How To Save (if included)

5. VideosMust include the full video in its original context.

The above Content may be purchased or licensed for use in the following reprint formats, and only in locations pre-approved by Consumer Reports—websites, newsletters, retail locations, etc.

a. Hardcopy or Digital (e-prints and PDFs)b. Posters, Plaques & Framed Printsc. Banners – Hanging, Self-Standing, etc.d. POS – Shelf Talkers, Table Tents, Counter Cards, etc. (Cannot appear directly on the merchandise)e. Web – Site, Organic (Unpaid) Social Mediaf. Email Newsletters & Marketingg. Presentationsh. Collateral Material

AboutThe Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior (Home Depot) is part of the Paint test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Exterior paint models like the Premium Plus Ultra Exterior (Home Depot) are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Appearance after 3 years: Appearance after three years summarizes performance after one year of our accelerated weathering (i.e. equivalent to three years on a vertical wall).

Appearance after 6 years: Appearance after six years summarizes performance after two years of our accelerated weathering (i.e. equivalent to six years on a vertical wall).

Appearance after 9 years: Appearance after three years summarizes performance after three years of our accelerated weathering (i.e. equivalent to nine years on a vertical wall).

Ratings

Behr PremiumPlus Ultra Exterior (Home Depot) paint

Appearance after 3 years 2 5Appearance after 6 years 4Appearance after 9 years 4

This model has been tested by our experts.

CRs TakeThis Home Depot paint includes a work-saving, built-in primer. Impressive appearance after the equivalent of nine years outdoors is also part of the package, as is resistance to cracking, color change, dirt and even mildew. With a claimed 50 grams per liter of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it’s well below the federal limit—but meets the 50-gram/liter limit in parts of California.

SpecsResists cracking Yes

Resists color change Yes

Resists dirt Yes

Resists mildew Yes

(#S016705-2) Reprinted with permission from ConsumerReports.org © 2016 Consumer Reports. This reprint does not imply an endorsement or sponsorship of any product, service, company, or organization. Consumer Reports is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about products, services, and safety. For complete reviews, articles, tips, and recommendations go to http://www.consumerreports.org or call 800-333-0663 to subscribe. Do not edit or alter this reprint in any fashion. Reproductions are not permitted.

For the latest ratings and information, visit ConsumerReports.org

Overall score

7552 75

s s

Recommended

SAMPLE83 Behr Marquee (Home Depot) 5 4 3 5 3 • • • •79 Valspar Reserve (Lowe’s) 5 4 5 5 3 • • • •78 Behr Premium Plus Ultra (Home Depot) 5 3 4 5 4 • • • •76 Clark + Kensington Enamel (Ace) 4 3 3 5 4 • • • •74 Benjamin Moore Aura 5 3 2 5 4 • • • • •73 Valspar Signature (Lowe’s) 4 3 3 5 3 • • • •71 Behr Premium Plus Enamel (Home Depot) 4 3 4 5 4 • • • • •71 Olympic One (Lowe’s) 4 3 5 5 2 • •67 True Value EasyCare Ultra Premium 4 3 4 4 2 • • • •65 Benjamin Moore Regal Select 4 5 3 5 2 • • • •64 True Value EasyCare Platinum Enamel 3 3 3 5 5 • • • •63 HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Showcase 4 3 4 4 2 • •62 Olympic ICON (Lowe’s) 3 2 4 5 4 • • •61 Sherwin-Williams Emerald 4 3 3 5 3 • • • •61 Sherwin-Williams Duration Home 4 3 3 5 3 • •60 Ace Royal Interiors 4 2 2 5 4 • •60 Glidden HIgh Endurance (Walmart) 4 2 4 5 3 • •57 HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Ovation 4 2 5 5 2 •54 Glidden Premium (Home Depot) 3 2 3 5 3 • • • •52 Farrow & Ball Interior 2 4 1 4 3 • • •43 Color Place Interior (Walmart) 3 1 2 4 3 •

INTERIOR PAINT

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What’s behind our Ratings? http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/paints.htm


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Ratings(as of February 2016)

SAMPLEWhen winter’s wrath hits hard, a car with all-wheel drive and good tires is your best bet to help navigate the roads safely.

All-wheel drive feeds power to all four wheels and provides maximum forward traction. It is especially helpful in wintry conditions and when driving over moderate off-road terrain. Its lightness and compactness makes AWD the system of choice for cars and crossovers. Many mod-ern systems exact only a slight fuel-economy penalty, and their en-gagement is seamless.

But AWD has limitations: It does nothing to improve braking or regular cornering. Thus, such systems don’t enable you to drive the same way or at the same speed as you would on a dry road.

If you’re considering a new car and live in an area where roadways could be covered with ice, snow, or other traction challenges, take a look at the models below to find AWD choices in a variety of vehicle categories.

These highlighted models were ranked tops in our 2015 auto survey when we asked subscribers to rate their vehicles’ performance in snowy conditions. The results revealed that some AWD and 4WD systems are better than others.

Below, SUVs and wagons are ranked for winter driving based on 47,982 subscriber ratings. All respondents had driven their vehicles without changing to winter tires on at least six snowy days during the winter of 2014 to 2015. The rankings are based on 2012 to 2015 models that have at least two model years’ worth of data.

1. Subaru Outback

An SUV alternative for the nonconformist, the Outback wagon is roomy and functional, and it appeals to the practical-minded buyer. It rides very comfortably, with secure handling. Standard AWD delivers reassuring traction in wintry conditions. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder returns 24 mpg overall and drives through a standard continuously variable transmission. Opting for the 3.6-liter six-cylinder makes the car quicker, quieter, and thirstier, conceding 2 mpg. The controls are all easy to use, including the touch-screen infotainment system. The wagon’s generous rear seat is roomy enough for three adults. The generous cargo area is comparable to a Forester or Toyota RAV4, with a lower loading height to boot. The affordable EyeSight safety suite adds blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning with au-tomatic braking.

2. Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a small quasi-SUV version of the previous-generation

Impreza hatchback, with a raised ride height that gives it enough clearance to slosh through deeply rutted roads. It may appeal to those people who live at the end of a dirt road and don’t want any-thing big and bulky. The cabin is rather noisy, the ride is stiff, and the 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine occasionally has to work hard,but fuel economy is a gratifying 26 mpg. The costlier Hybrid, and its28 mpg, has been discontinued for 2017. In the end, the regular Imprezahatch may be a better choice: It’s quieter, quicker, cheaper, and better-riding, even if its lower ride height makes cabin access a bit moredifficult.

3. Subaru Forester

Hitting the sweet spot among small SUVs, the Forester delivers a spacious interior, impressive safety equipment and crashworthiness, and outstanding visibility in a right-sized, affordable package. Fuel economy is excellent at 26 mpg overall, especially given the standard AWD. The ride is supple, and handling is very secure. Engine noise is pronounced at times. Controls are straightforward and easy to use. The infotainment and connectivity systems have finally been updated with an intuitive touch screen. Midtrim Foresters bring a lot of content for the money, but it’s easy to crest $30,000 with options packages. A feisty turbo comes with XT trim but compromises the value equa-tion. The optional (and recommended) EyeSight system includes lane-departure warning and front-collision warning.

4. Audi Q5

The Q5 is almost as fun and as rewarding to drive as a sports sedan. The ride is steady and composed, and the cabin is quiet. Audi’s tur-bocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic racked up 21 mpg overall in our tests. Though the four-cylinder delivers plenty of performance, it is louder and less refined than the 3.0-liter, super-charged V6, which is a real treat but bumps up the price considerably. The cabin is elegantly modern, with very supportive seats, but rear-seat and cargo space are modest. The infotainment system takes some getting used to but ultimately proves logical with familiarity. A sportier 354-hp SQ5 and a hybrid are available. A redesigned Q5 is on the horizon.

5. Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL

If you need space for seven or more people, all their stuff, and towing capacity to boot, little else but the supersized Suburban or Yukon XL

Best All-Wheel-Drive Cars and SUVsReaders report on performance in snowy conditionsBy Jeff S. BartlettOctober 06, 2016


SAMPLE

MODEL PAGES RATINGS CHARTS ARTICLES BUYING GUIDES VIDEOS

5. VideosVideos must be used in their entirety. No pre roll, post roll or editing is allowed. No ghosting of logos. Not all videos are available for licensing. Please check with your rep for prior approval. We request that video stills/screen shots from our videos not show any individual testers or editors. CR will provide an approved thumbnail if needed.

6. Use of Consumer Reports Content Internationally• All requests for use of Consumer Reports content internationally must be submitted in writing to PARS International.• All Consumer Reports content approved for use internationally must be published in English. No translation permitted.• All requests for use of Consumer Reports content internationally must be approved on a case by case basis.

7. Use of Consumer Reports Content in Press ReleasesInclusion of Consumer Reports content in press releases to media is explicitly prohibited according to the Consumer Reports No Commercial Use Policy. Press releases are aimed exclusively at press/media and not consumer audiences. Press releases are deemed by Consumer Reports as purely promotional with no consumer benefit, whereas websites are consumer-facing hubs of information related to the consumer. Therefore, posting full-context articles under a website or blog’s “News” section is permissible with proper authorization from PARS International.

Required Reprint Line/Credit NoticeAll use of Consumer Reports content must include disclaimer language as follows:

Reprinted with permission from the <ISSUE DATE IF FROM PRINT> issue of ConsumerReports.org © <YEAR>, Consumer Reports. This reprint does not imply an endorsement or sponsorship of any product, service, company, or organization.

Consumer Reports is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about products, services, and safety. For complete reviews, articles, tips, and recommendations go to www.ConsumerReports.org or call 800-333-0663 to subscribe.

Do not edit or alter this reprint in any fashion. Reproductions are not permitted.

In certain circumstances, it may be permissable to shorten this language.

For Digital Usage the following disclaimers must be used. Disclaimers must appear in proximity to the link to re-printed CR content. Disclaimer must be bold and legible.

Disclaimer language for:

Home Pages: Consumer Reports does not endorse products or services.

Landing Pages, on Hub Pages, and where multiple pieces of content appear in one location:Consumer Reports does not endorse products or services. To see the most current ratings from Consumer Reports, visit: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm

October 2016 • 6April 2019 • 6

October 2016 • 6 April 2019 • 7

OVERALL SCORE

How the Brands Stack UpWe rated carmakers based on all the models we've tested to reveal which companies offer consumers strong-performing and problem-free vehicles—and which ones don’t.

2019 RANK

RANK CHANGE FROM 2018

ROAD-TEST SCORE

PREDICTED RELIABILITY

OWNER SATISFACTION

MODELS TESTED

MODELS RECOMMENDED

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APRIL 2019

2016 Mazda 6CR Overall 32 MPG Ranked # 7 of 18Midsized cars

Road Test The Mazda6 provides a sporty alternative to the conventional humdrum mid-sized sedan. A coupe-like silhouette stands out with eye-catching looks. You probably won’t be bored driving the car, either. Quick, responsive steering contributes to agile handling.

Pros•Provides a sporty alternative to the typical humdrum midsized sedan•Impressive fuel economy•Engaging to drive•Attractive styling•Even mid-level Touring models are very well equipped, including upscale

features like blind spot monitoring•Still available with a manual transmission•Above average reliability and high levels of owner satisfaction

Cons•Loud inside•Interior is somewhat snug relative to other midsized sedans•Infotainment system requires multiple steps for even simple functions•Stiff ride, even without the 19-inch tires•Can’t get a power driver’s seat on the base Sport trim

(#88498) Reprinted with permission from ConsumerReports.org © 2016, Consumer Reports. This reprint does not imply an endorsement or sponsorship of any product, service, company, or organization. Consumer Reports is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about products, services, and safety. For complete reviews, articles, tips, and recommendations go to http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/best-cars-suvs-autos-spotlight/index.htmor call 800-333-0663 to subscribe. Do not edit or alter this reprint in any fashion. Reproductions are not permitted.

Overall score

77s s

PerformanceAcceleration 0-60 mph

Routine Handling

Transmission Fuel economy

Very Good7.48 sec.

Very Good

Excellent

Overall mileage 32 mpgCity mileage 22 mpgHighway mileage 44 mpg

Excellent

THE FOLLOWING TEST RESULTS ARE BASED ON THE: SPORT SEDAN FWD, 2.5-LITER 4-CYL., 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC

SafetyFrontal Crash Prevention Forward Collision Warning (FCW) OptionalAutomatic Emergency Braking (AEB) City OptionalAutomatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Optional

NHTSA Overall Crash Tests

CR Accident Avoidance Braking60 mph Dry 132 ft.60 mph Wet 141 ft.

Emergency handlingAvoidance maneuver, max. speed 53 mph

Excellent

Very Good

Very Good

Very Good

Comfort/Convenience

Good

Good

Very Good

Very Good

Ride

Noise

Front seat comfort Rear set comfort

Interior fit and finish

Controls and display

Trunk/Cargo areaCargo volume -- cu. ft.

Good

Very Good

Road Test


51 84

Recommended! 79s s

63 89

Best version/options to get:The base Sport trim is competitively priced, but doesn’t include some features standard on competing midsized sedans, like a power driver’s seat and heated mirrors. Stepping up to the mid-level Touring trim gets those features as well as blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert; it’s probably the best value overall. Touring and Grand Touring models also include 19-inch wheels and tires that yield a slightly stiffer ride.

Notable changes: For the 2016 model year, the car receives a mild freshening that includes a new dash and a digital display screen that is operated via a central knob on the console, which takes some getting used to. All models are also fitted with an electronic parking brake.

CR Model SummarySporty yet sparing with fuel, the Mazda6’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivered 32 mpg overall in our tests, the best fuel economy among conventional midsized sedans. The six-speed automatic is very smooth and delivers quick shifts. We found the 6 to be capable in the corners. The ride is taut and steady but on the firm side, and the cabin is rather loud for the class, with considerable wind noise on the highway. For the 2016 model year, the car receives a mild freshening that includes a new dash, and a center display screen that is operated via a central knob on the console, which takes some getting used to. A head-up display is optional.

Very Good

Owner Satisfaction

Poor Excellent

Very Good

Predicted Reliability

Much Worse Much Better

Better

Reprints and E-prints

Plaques

Framed Prints

Counter Cards

Posters/Hanging BannersBanner Stands

Email Newsletters

IV. Sample Reprint Formats

Ask about additional formatting options.

Videos

VI. Logo Use

Consumer Reports only allows use of its logo coupled with its content and within an approved reprint-format and layout. Use of the Consumer Reports logo in any other manner is strictly prohibited. Even in an approved reprint the Consumer Reports layout may NEVER appear on a Top Level Homepage.

VII. Digital Usage and Teaser LanguageConsumer Reports allows the eprints of content to be placed on owned websites, intranets, social media channels, e-newsletters, and hub/landing pages containing multiple pieces of CR content, provided they follow our estab-lished guardrails.

All language related to our content should follow these guidelines:

1. Use of the exact article headline or video title in quotations, with a call to action to open up the eprint,or direct traffic to a hub page containing additional Consumer Reports content.i.e.:

“Car Brands Ranked by Owner Satisfaction”See how Subaru compares to other car brands in Consumer Reports’ Annual Satisfaction Survey.Read the full review

2. And/or neutral language (“Teaser Language”) that directs interested parties to link to (digital uses) orrequest a copy of (offline uses of) the full reprinted content:

a. See How Consumer Reports rates the 3x Series Snowblowers

b. LG TVs are rated by Consumer ReportsFind out how they compare against competitors.

April 2019 • 8

Consumer Reports does occasionally allow customers to link to content that appears in front of its paywall. In those instanc-es, the link should point specifically to the article that it references. If the article is behind the paywall or from the Maga-zine, it can link to Consumer Reports Online Homepage (ConsumerReports.org). If the customer prefers not to link back to Consumer Reports Online, the Customer has the option to purchase an E-print or PDF of the article to be linked or posted on their website.

According to the Consumer Reports No Commercial Use Policy, “Consumer Reports welcomes retweeting, tweeting @ConsumerReports, use of hashtags, links, and other sharing through social media as long as the social media activity is not sponsored or paid.” All other uses in social media must be submitted to PARS International in writing at www.CRreprints.com.

V. Content Linking

April 2019 • 9

3. Include a clearly legible disclaimer in close proximity to the reference to our material.

Home Pages: Consumer Reports does not endorse products or services.

Landing Pages, on Hub Pages, and where multiple pieces of content appear in one location:Consumer Reports does not endorse products or services. To see the most current ratings from Consumer Reports, click here: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm?EXT-KEY=AMFRP00

4. Consumer Reports content or links to our content, may not appear in close proximity to any Awards and Accolades such as JD Power, KBB, Good House Keeping, IIHS etc as Consumer Reports does not grant awards or endorse products of that nature. Therefore links cannot be placed in the awards sections of websites or adjacent to any of the awards mentioned above.

5. All thumbnail images must be sized so as to render the content legible. Thumbnails must have a 1-to-1 relationship with the content represented and click through directly to that content.

Examples of Approved Digital Usages

Homepage

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm?EXTKEY=AMFRP00

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm?EXTKEY=AMFRP00

October 2016 • 9April 2019 • 10

pConsumer Reports Landing Page/Hub Page

Product Model Page u

pSocial Media Post

t E-newsletter

The examples on the following pages represent article use cases available for reprints/e-prints in approved format(s). These examples do not exempt customers from the required Publisher approval which is available exclusively through PARS International.

VIII. Examples of Approved Consumer Reports Layouts

When winter’s wrath hits hard, a car with all-wheel drive and good tires is your best bet to help navigate the roads safely.

All-wheel drive feeds power to all four wheels and provides maximum forward traction. It is especially helpful in wintry conditions and when driving over moderate off-road terrain. Its lightness and compactness makes AWD the system of choice for cars and crossovers. Many mod-ern systems exact only a slight fuel-economy penalty, and their en-gagement is seamless.

But AWD has limitations: It does nothing to improve braking or regular cornering. Thus, such systems don’t enable you to drive the same way or at the same speed as you would on a dry road.

If you’re considering a new car and live in an area where roadways could be covered with ice, snow, or other traction challenges, take a look at the models below to find AWD choices in a variety of vehicle categories.

These highlighted models were ranked tops in our 2015 auto survey when we asked subscribers to rate their vehicles’ performance in snowy conditions. The results revealed that some AWD and 4WD systems are better than others.

Below, SUVs and wagons are ranked for winter driving based on 47,982 subscriber ratings. All respondents had driven their vehicles without changing to winter tires on at least six snowy days during the winter of 2014 to 2015. The rankings are based on 2012 to 2015 models that have at least two model years’ worth of data.

1. Subaru Outback

An SUV alternative for the nonconformist, the Outback wagon is roomy and functional, and it appeals to the practical-minded buyer. It rides very comfortably, with secure handling. Standard AWD delivers reassuring traction in wintry conditions. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder returns 24 mpg overall and drives through a standard continuously variable transmission. Opting for the 3.6-liter six-cylinder makes the car quicker, quieter, and thirstier, conceding 2 mpg. The controls are all easy to use, including the touch-screen infotainment system. The wagon’s generous rear seat is roomy enough for three adults. The generous cargo area is comparable to a Forester or Toyota RAV4, with a lower loading height to boot. The affordable EyeSight safety suite adds blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning with au-tomatic braking.

2. Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a small quasi-SUV version of the previous-generation

Impreza hatchback, with a raised ride height that gives it enough clearance to slosh through deeply rutted roads. It may appeal to those people who live at the end of a dirt road and don’t want any-thing big and bulky. The cabin is rather noisy, the ride is stiff, and the 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine occasionally has to work hard,but fuel economy is a gratifying 26 mpg. The costlier Hybrid, and its28 mpg, has been discontinued for 2017. In the end, the regular Imprezahatch may be a better choice: It’s quieter, quicker, cheaper, and better-riding, even if its lower ride height makes cabin access a bit moredifficult.

3. Subaru Forester

Hitting the sweet spot among small SUVs, the Forester delivers a spacious interior, impressive safety equipment and crashworthiness, and outstanding visibility in a right-sized, affordable package. Fuel economy is excellent at 26 mpg overall, especially given the standard AWD. The ride is supple, and handling is very secure. Engine noise is pronounced at times. Controls are straightforward and easy to use. The infotainment and connectivity systems have finally been updated with an intuitive touch screen. Midtrim Foresters bring a lot of content for the money, but it’s easy to crest $30,000 with options packages. A feisty turbo comes with XT trim but compromises the value equa-tion. The optional (and recommended) EyeSight system includes lane-departure warning and front-collision warning.

4. Audi Q5

The Q5 is almost as fun and as rewarding to drive as a sports sedan. The ride is steady and composed, and the cabin is quiet. Audi’s tur-bocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic racked up 21 mpg overall in our tests. Though the four-cylinder delivers plenty of performance, it is louder and less refined than the 3.0-liter, super-charged V6, which is a real treat but bumps up the price considerably. The cabin is elegantly modern, with very supportive seats, but rear-seat and cargo space are modest. The infotainment system takes some getting used to but ultimately proves logical with familiarity. A sportier 354-hp SQ5 and a hybrid are available. A redesigned Q5 is on the horizon.

5. Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL

If you need space for seven or more people, all their stuff, and towing capacity to boot, little else but the supersized Suburban or Yukon XL

Best All-Wheel-Drive Cars and SUVsReaders report on performance in snowy conditionsBy Jeff S. BartlettOctober 06, 2016


SAMPLE


LG OLED65B8PUA TV

CRs Take

This 65-inch 4K smart TV from LG, the company’s least expensive 4K OLED TV for 2018, offers excellent high-definition picture quality, excel-lent UHD performance, and very effective HDR. It also has excellent sound, and like all OLED TVs a virtually unlimited viewing angle. As a result, it’s good option for those who appreciate OLED’s advantages, but who are looking to save a bit of money compared to LG’s C8 model. Like other LG OLED TVs, this model supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Advanced HDR by Technicolor HDR formats. It comes with LG’s updated smart TV platform, plus its voice-enabled ThinQ artificial in-telligence platform, which allows it to interact with and control other compatible smart home products. The TV also supports Google Assis-tant and Amazon Alexa digital voice assistants. The set has four HDMI inputs, and three USB ports.

AboutThe LG OLED65B8PUA is a 65-inch OLED Ultra HD TV with a native resolution of 3840x2160 (2160p).

It includes an Ethernet jack allowing for a wired connection to your home network. It is also WiFi capable, so you can connect it to your home network wirelessly. It is DLNA certified, so you can view digital photos stored on a compatible computer, phone, or other mobile de-vice also connected to your home network.

This TV has four HDMI inputs, and no component-video inputs. It also has three USB ports, which may be used to play media--photos, videos, and music--stored on a flash drive.

The LG OLED65B8PUA measures 34.5 inches high by 57 inches wide by 8.7 inches deep, including its base. The panel itself is 1.8 inches thick including any protrusions, and the screen has a glossy finish.

The warranty on this model covers parts for 12 months and labor for 12 months.

8838 89

A 65-inch OLED Ultra HD TV from LG, with 2160p resolution, four HDMI inputs, no component-video inputs, and three USB ports. This TV is internet enabled.

Highs

• Excellent color accuracy

• Superior, deep black levels

• Excellent 4K (UHD) performance

• HDR performance is very effective

• Unlimited viewing angle

5 Lows

• Does not support HBO streaming

Ratings

TV resolution type Ultra HD

Screen size (in.) 65

Display type (Backlight) OLED

Internet-enabled Yes

HD picture quality 5 Excellent

Ultra HD performance 5 Excellent

HDR 5 Excellent

Viewing angle 5 Excellent

Sound quality 5 Excellent

Motion blur 4 Very Good

Versatility 5 Excellent

Energy cost/yr. ($) 26

RECOMMENDED!OVERALL SCORE

Detailed Test Results

HD PICTURE QUALITY. HD picture quality was excellent. It did an excellent job

displaying the finest detail of HD content. Color accuracy was excellent, so colors,

especially flesh tones, looked very natural and lifelike. Very good contrast—the

difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites—gave images con-

vincing depth and dimension. Excellent deep black levels are among the best

we’ve seen, giving dark scenes great depth. Image brightness was very good (with

the OLED LIGHT control turned up), so the picture is well suited for a brighter

room. A lower panel brightness setting is recommended for a dimmer viewing

environment. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky dur-

ing sunset, the model did a very good job producing a smooth transition without

distinct, coarse bands. The deinterlacing and film mode operations were excellent

on HD content; there was little or no trace of jaggies on the edges of objects for

video and film-based 1080i video content, such as from cable.

VIEWING ANGLE. The overall viewing angle on this display is unlimited, better

than most TVs we’ve tested. Contrast, and depth of black level did not vary re-

gardless of viewing position. When we viewed the TV from the sides the picture

showed a slight shift in color tone, but overall color remained consistent with no

degradation in overall image quality. When viewing the image from above or

below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle was excellent. The picture

showed no change in color, contrast, and black level.

ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE. Overall UHD performance was excellent but HD-to-

UHD upconversion fell short. All native 4K content (non HDR) we played on this

model, including movies and test videos, was presented in full 4K detail with ex-

cellent fidelity when played back via the TV’s HDMI input. Via the USB port, high-

resolution photos were displayed in full 4K detail. With regular HD content, the

TV’s HD-to-UHD up-conversion processing fell short, revealing some visible jag-

gies along the edges of diagonals when playing HD content.

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE (HDR) PERFORMANCE. HDR performance was very ef-

fective. The display’s high peak brightness capability helped enhance the realism

of our 4K HDR test videos, while revealing excellent contrast between moderately

bright and very bright highlights within a scene. It did a good job reproducing a

greater range of nuanced shadow detail from black to white, with no obvious

banding on areas of the image that have subtle shade variations. There was no

visible loss of near-white shadow detail in the brightest areas. Brighter colored

objects remained nicely saturated.

MOTION BLUR.This LG TV has very good motion performance, with minimal

blurring on our motion tests, thanks to LG’s “TruMotion”. This feature is designed

to reduce motion blur, a shortcoming of most displays. Although this TV includes

a “Motion Pro” setting that was slightly effective at reducing motion blur it limited

the brightness of the image and also added some flicker to the picture, so we left

the feature off.

SCREEN REFLECTIVITY. Though not as mirror-like as on some models, this screen

surface is glossy and therefore susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or

window. It does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains

contrast in a brighter room environment.

SOUND QUALITY. This model has excellent sound quality, among the best we’ve

tested. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster movie, a concert, or TV show, it is

able to deliver a top quality listening experience. Bass was very deep, providing

almost subwoofer-like fullness to the sound but lacking in definition a bit, and

treble was nicely detailed, but the overall sound was a bit closed in. The speakers

could play at a fairly loud volume level and without obvious distortion. You can

get better quality from a high performing soundbar or separate home theater

system but with this model that shouldn’t be necessary.

EASE OF USE. On first power up there is an on-screen guide that helps you through

setting up the TV. LG’s “Magic Motion” remote allows you to navigate on-screen

menus using a traditional button key pad, or a gesture-controlled cursor, for in-

creased flexibility. Using a point-and-click operation, the cursor’s movement on

the display is linked to the motion of your hand, and is used to make selections.

The remote also includes buttons that provide direct access to Netflix and Ama-

zon streaming services. Consider the TV’s stand is 23 inches wide when choosing

a table top to place it on.

INTERNET FEATURES. This TV provides advanced Internet capabilities via its

“WebOS” portal with access to a library of applications, and a full Web browser.

Movie streaming services include Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.

Includes built-in Google Assistant, a virtual assistant, which allows you to use

natural speech to ask questions, launch applications, and search programming

via the remote’s built-in microphone. Also provides support for Amazon Alexa.

CONNECTIONS. This model has four HDMI inputs—one supports ARC (Audio

Return Channel), one composite input, and no component input. It also has three

USB ports, an optical digital audio out, an Ethernet port, WiFi wireless network-

ing; DLNA, to access files within your home network; Casting, which allows you

to send streaming content from your mobile device to the TV via your home net-

work; Screen mirroring, where the image on your smartphone or other compatible

device can also appear on the TV. Analog connections are made via a special

breakout cable adapter (included) that attaches to the TV as a single plug.

INCLUDED IN THE BOX. A quick start guide. An electronic manual in the TV’s

menu. A remote control with batteries. Breakout cable adapters (one composite

with stereo audio.). No printed manual is included.

ABOUT ULTRA HD TESTING: We test UHD picture quality using 4K movies, vid-

eos, photos, and test patterns to confirm these displays deliver performance to

this format’s full potential. We check the TV’s ability to reproduce 4K image detail,

as well as high dynamic range (HDR) for TVs that support this capability. Image

quality is tested using a 4K movie player connected to the TV’s HDMI input, as

well as from files stored on flash drive plugged into the TV’s USB port. We also

check how well the TV can upscale HD movies to the display’s higher UHD reso-

lution while keeping artifacts such as “jaggies” along the edges of image content

to a minimum. The best UHD TVs, and HDTVs, present high fidelity images that

reveal the full quality of the best source content without degradation.

Optimized Picture Settings

PICTURE SETTINGS

Picture Mode: Expert (Dark Room)

Contrast: 100

Brightness: 56

Gamma: BT.1886

Color: 50

Tint: G6

Sharpness: 0

Color Temperature: Warm2

Color Gamut: Auto

Black Level: Low

Real Cinema: On

TruMotion: User (De-Blur: 10).

All other settings should be set to “off” or zero “0”. Any individual R,G, or B color

subcontrols, if present, should remain at their default settings.

TV FIRMWARE: All models are evaluated using the latest firmware version avail-

able at the time of testing. The firmware version of the LG OLED65B8PUA was:

03.10.30.

HOW TO ADJUST YOUR TV SETTINGS: Our expert TV testers recommend the

above settings for the LG OLED65B8PUA to get your image looking like the rated

picture quality we saw in our lab. The settings shown are available when your

playback device (i.e. cable box) is connected to the TV’s HDMI input. Some set-

tings may not be adjustable when streaming videos directly on the TV. To access

the picture controls find the Menu, Home, Settings, or “Gear” icon on your remote

or on-screen display, and navigate to the picture settings menu where you’ll see

most of the controls. To find some other controls you may additionally have to

enter the “advanced settings” or the “picture options” sub-menus (name may vary

depending on model). Don’t worry about making any “mistakes.” You can always

reset the picture settings to factory default if necessary. Consult your user manual

for additional guidance.

ABOUT CR’s OPTIMIZED PICTURE SETTINGS: Our fine-tuned picture adjustments

are made with the support of special test patterns and reference videos to yield

best image fidelity, and a professionally calibrated reference display is used for

comparison. Whether you are watching movies on Blu-ray or sports from your

cable box, these settings will ensure you are seeing the programs in the best qual-

ity that the model can offer, short of a professional calibration. To optimize the

image, we typically turn off (or turn down) the settings from features that can

often degrade performance, including; power saving modes (which often dim the

image), sharpness, noise reduction (also known as DNR, a feature that can de-

grade image detail), and “motion smoothing”, if present (an effect that can give

movies a soap-opera video-like appearance). Optimal settings for your TV may

vary a bit from ours due to slight variations between similar samples, or the

model’s firmware version.

ABOUT CR’s TV VIEWING CONDITIONS: Our picture settings are optimized for

a dimmer home viewing environment. If you are viewing primarily in a bright

room, we suggest raising the backlight control (not the contrast) to brighten

the image to a level you feel is suitable. Additionally, you may want to lower

the Gamma setting (if available) by one or two increments to better reveal

darker shadow detail. If the settings we recommend don’t suit your taste or your

viewing environment, use the picture controls to achieve an image you consider

“just right.”

Features & SpecsConnections

HDMI inputs 4Component-video 0Component/Composite-video 0shared inputs Composite-video 1USB port 3VGA input NoEthernet port YesDigital-audio output OpticalHeadphone jack (3.5mm audio jack) NoOther connections RS-232C Remote,

Remote IR In, IR Blaster

Features

Frame rate (Hz) n/aWiFi YesStreaming services Netflix, YouTube,

Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, HBO Goand HBO Now

Web browser NoDLNA-certified Yes

Specs

Native resolution 3840x2160

Overall height (in.) 33.125

Overall width (in.) 57

Overall depth (in.) 10.125

Screen shape (aspect ratio) 16:9

Screen finish Mirror-like

Digital Tuner (Off-air ATSC Yes

and Cable QAM)

Panel size without base HxWxD (in.) 33 x 57 x 2.25

Weight including base (lb.) 61.7

Warranty (months): 12/12/No

parts/labor/in-home

(#S070963-2) Reprinted with permission from ConsumerReports.org ©2019, Consumer Reports. This reprint does not imply an endorsement or sponsorship of any product, service, company or organization. Consumer Reports is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about products, services, and safety. For complete reviews, articles, tips and recommendations go to www.ConsumerReports.org to join.

Do not edit or alter this reprint in any fashion. Reproductions are not permitted.

SAMPLE

CRs TakeThis affordable foam mattress sold by Costco performs strongly on many counts. Back sleepers, in particular, will experience superb sup-port. Most side sleepers do almost as well. Only large and tall side sleepers may find the support just so-so. In CR’s tests, stability was rated merely Good, though, and the mattress didn’t allow for easy shifts in position. Plus, this Novaform is not compatible with bed frames that allow you to adjust the head and foot sections independently.

Where We PurchasedCostco.com

AboutThe Novaform Serafina Pearl (Costco) is part of the Mattress test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Mattress models like the Serafina Pearl (Costco) are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Petite side sleeper: Sleepers small in both height and weight.

Average side sleeper: An average of both the petite and large scores that applies to many people.

Large/Tall side sleeper: Side sleepers who are above 6 ft 2 inches tall and/or 220 pounds.

Features

Novaform Serafina Pearl(Costco) mattress

(#S069411-1) Reprinted with permission from ConsumerReports.org ©2019, Consumer Reports. This reprint does not imply an endorsement or sponsorship of any product, service, company or organization. Consumer Reports is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about products, services, and safety. For complete reviews,

articles, tips and recommendations go to www.ConsumerReports.org to join. Do not edit or alter this reprint in any fashion. Reproductions are not permitted.

Petite side sleeper 4 Very Good

Average side sleeper 4 Very Good

Large/Tall side sleeper 3 Good

Petite back sleeper 5 Excellent

Average back sleeper 5 Excellent

Large/Tall back sleeper 5 Excellent

Durability 5 Excellent

Stabilization 3 Good

Firmness rating 5 ...

43 85

SpecsType Foam

Dimensions (LxWxH) 81 x 60 x 14

Latex foam No

Gel-infused foam Yes

Resists bounciness Yes

Eases movement No

Grips 0

Retains warmth No

Ratings

Scorecard

! RECOMMENDED


78OVERALL SCORE

Adjustable frame No

Mattress-in-a-box Yes

Where to buy Costco.com

SAMPLE

October 2016 • 9 April 2019 • 11

STANDALONE SECTION that is on a similar topic but not part of the main articleThe Title and Subtitle must be appended to the article.

Article with Persona Driven Advice and Recommendations The main article title and preamble (In Red) must be included along with at least one of the individual persona sections which can be taken separate from the other personas.

FEATURED SECTION containing multiple products in the same blurb. ALL PRODUCTS IN THE BLURB MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE REPRINT

INFOGRAPHICS that are part of a larger story. As long as the infographic can be understood plainly, without the article, it can be isolated as a reprint. If the infographic displays results from a survey, some mention of the size of the survey must be included.

STANDALONE RATINGS CHART WITH NO ACCOMPANYING TEXT (To be confirmed on a case by case basis) Must include small text above or below the ratings that explains the data (Survey, Test Results, etc.)

RELIABILITY RATINGS CHARTS by category (i.e. subcompact, sports cars, luxury etc). As long as all models ap-pear in the ratings chart, this can be reprinted in isolation of the other categories.The Content in RED **MUST** accompany each individual section to qualify the content and keep it in con-text.

WHAT CONSTITUTES FULL CONTENT?

April 2019 • 12

OUR EXPERT PREDICTIONS OF RELIABILITY FOR 2017 CARS

68

CONSUMER REPORTS' Annual Auto Reliability Survey is the largest of its kind. This year we gathered detailed data from our digital and print subscribers on more than half a million vehicles. Our survey takes a deep dive into the numerous things that can go wrong with a vehicle. We study 17 trouble areas, from nuisances, such as squeaky brakes and broken interior trim, to major bummers, such as out-of-warranty transmission repairs or trouble with four-wheel-drive systems.

We weight the severity of each type of problem to create a Predicted Reliability Score

for each vehicle. That score is then combined with data collected from our track testing, as well as our owner-satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate each test vehicle's Overall Score.

The charts that follow focus on the reliability part of that equation. Our new survey has probed deeper than ever before to get a more complete picture of vehicle dependability. Previously, we collected information on 10 years of history for each model. To better reflect the longer service life of modern cars, we've gone back 16 years.

We also now have the confidence to predict reliability for new and redesigned models. For obvious reasons, reliability data for those models is limited. But by combining what we know about the reliability of the brand with detailed information about previous models, we can give a rating for models that are new to the market.

New this year, we converted the Predicted Reliability Score from a percentage better or worse than average to a 0 to 100 point scale. This makes it easier to compare different models. The average rating now ranges from 41 to 60,

with better than average and worse than average spanning 20 points on either side of that range.

Our predictions for the 2017 models are based on the frequency of problems for each car for the past three model years, provided the vehicle wasn't changed significantly in that time. Some ratings might be based on a single model year’s data; those vehicles are marked with an asterisk (*).

We hope this information can help you make a more informed decision on your next new-car purchase.

Road Report

Hybrid/Electric Cars

Toyota Prius* 94

Toyota Prius V 83

Nissan Leaf 79

Toyota Prius C 72

BMW i3 59

Ford C-MAX 53

Tesla Model S 44

Chevrolet Volt* 15

Tesla Model X* 12

Subcompact Cars

Hyundai Accent* 75

Nissan Versa Note 64

Chevrolet Sonic 52

Honda Fit 51

Fiat 500* 20

Ford Fiesta 13

Compact Cars

Chevrolet Cruze* 89

Toyota Corolla 86

Mazda3 66

Kia Forte 61

Kia Soul 57

Nissan Sentra 51

Mini Cooper 30

Volkswagen Golf 23

Volkswagen Beetle* 20

Volkswagen Jetta 18

Honda Civic* 17

Fiat 500L* 13

Ford Focus 6

Midsized Cars

Kia Optima* 84

Toyota Camry 83

Honda Accord 75

Mazda6 70

Ford Fusion 65

Chevrolet Malibu* 59

Hyundai Sonata 52

Subaru Legacy 48

Nissan Altima 47

Volkswagen Passat 24

Chrysler 200* 11

* Based on one model year of data.

Large Cars

Hyundai Azera* 83

Toyota Avalon 82

Chevrolet Impala 60

Ford Taurus 43

Nissan Maxima* 43

Chrysler 300 42

Dodge Charger 18

Luxury Entry-Level Cars

Lexus CT 200h* 94

Buick Verano 87

Acura ILX* 73

Audi A3 40

Luxury Compact Cars

Lexus IS 86

Buick Regal 81

BMW 3 Series 60

Volvo S60 46

Infiniti Q50 37

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 33

Cadillac ATS 20

Acura TLX 19

s Alert: This vehicle can be outfitted with a semi-autonomous driving package. Consumer Reports believes automakers should take stronger steps to ensure that vehicles with those systems are designed, deployed, and marketed safely. Please heed all warnings, and keep your hands on the wheel.

IX. What Constitutes Full Content

X. What You Can’t Do (on reprint layouts)

April 2019 • 13

83 Behr Marquee (Home Depot) 5 4 3 5 3 • • • •79 Valspar Reserve (Lowe’s) 5 4 5 5 3 • • • •78 Behr Premium Plus Ultra (Home Depot) 5 3 4 5 4 • • • •76 Clark + Kensington Enamel (Ace) 4 3 3 5 4 • • • •74 Benjamin Moore Aura 5 3 2 5 4 • • • • •73 Valspar Signature (Lowe’s) 4 3 3 5 3 • • • •71 Behr Premium Plus Enamel (Home Depot) 4 3 4 5 4 • • • • •71 Olympic One (Lowe’s) 4 3 5 5 2 • •67 True Value EasyCare Ultra Premium 4 3 4 4 2 • • • •65 Benjamin Moore Regal Select 4 5 3 5 2 • • • •64 True Value EasyCare Platinum Enamel 3 3 3 5 5 • • • •63 HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Showcase 4 3 4 4 2 • •62 Olympic ICON (Lowe’s) 3 2 4 5 4 • • •61 Sherwin-Williams Emerald 4 3 3 5 3 • • • •61 Sherwin-Williams Duration Home 4 3 3 5 3 • •60 Ace Royal Interiors 4 2 2 5 4 • •60 Glidden HIgh Endurance (Walmart) 4 2 4 5 3 • •57 HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Ovation 4 2 5 5 2 •54 Glidden Premium (Home Depot) 3 2 3 5 3 • • • •52 Farrow & Ball Interior 2 4 1 4 3 • • •43 Color Place Interior (Walmart) 3 1 2 4 3 •

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ROAD REPORT

OVERALL SCORE

72-73EX-T, LX

the honda civic is back—recapturing its position as a mature, substantial economy car with

enough elegant touches that make you feel like you spent more money than you did.

We tested two Civic versions, the base LX with a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 158 hp, and the EX-T with the uplevel 1.5-liter, 174-hp turbocharged four-cylinder—the first turbo Honda has offered in the U.S.

Automatic Civics come with a continuously variable transmis-sion (CVT), which uses belts and pulleys rather than mechanical cogs. If you prefer to row your own gears, the LX model offers a six-speed manual.

The base 2.0-liter engine is smooth, with reasonable oomph, provided you’re not in a real hurry. If you just loaf around, the CVT is a fairly good application of the technology; most are joyless and under-whelming, but this one does

a fair job of minimizing the transmission’s inherent rubber-band feel. Still, if you climb a hill or merge quickly, the engine responds with annoy-ing, whiny revs.

For people who move to the turbo engine, those CVT quirks are well-masked by the engine’s impressive midrange power—making merging a cinch. We like the power of the turbo, and our test numbers backed us up: The EX-T was 1.6 seconds quicker to 60 mph (at a zippy 7.1 seconds) than the base engine. Fuel economy was similar—the LX got 32 mpg overall; the turbo, 31.

The 2016 Civic handles with newfound confidence, thanks to a redesigned chassis that endows the car with a sense of precision and control. It’s secure and predictable with minimal body lean in the corners. The Civic turns in quickly and responds intuitively, although we wish there were more steer-ing feedback.

The Civic’s ride is unusually refined for a compact car. The suspension keeps the car steady and composed over all but the nastiest bumps. Braking is responsive and confident dur-ing panic stops.

Inside, the Civic’s interior has been thoroughly updated. The 2012 version looked furnished by discards from Honda’s House of Plastic. The 2016 model fea-tures higher-grade materials, and the cabin is quieter and has clever cubbies and nooks. It’s easy to stash an iPad under the armrest.

Still, the car’s sleek, low-slung styling means that get-ting in requires almost falling in to the front seat, as well as limbo-dance flexibility getting out. Front-seat lumbar support isn’t available, period. And we disliked the seats’ short bottom cushion. But for a compact sedan, rear-seat room for legs, knees, and heads is excellent.

The instrument cluster fea-tures all gauges on the same eye level, including a large digital speedometer. And the base LX has an intuitive array of knobs and buttons for the audio system. But every other trim has a frustratingly over-complicated touch screen— although it does work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from your smartphone.

Despite a few gripes, the new Civic brings more civility, better road manners, decent fuel economy, and thoughtful features—all wrapped in a

A Civics LessonAfter the last edition of the Civic received such poor reviews, Honda’s small car was no longer the go-to choice.

For 2016 the Civic receives a serious makeover, with a return of the affordable elegance we know and love.

TESTED VEHICLE

ROAD-TEST SCORES

75 (EX-T) 76 (LX)

HIGHS Fuel economy, ride, handling, in-cabin storage

LOWS Awkward access, front-seat comfort, complicated infotainment for EX and above trims

POWER-TRAIN

LX: 158-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. EX-T: 174-hp, 1.5-liter 4-cyl. turbo; continuously variable transmission (CVT); front-wheel drive

FUEL 32 mpg (LX) 31 mpg (EX-T)

PRICE $19,475-$27,335

WATCH, COMMENT, SHARE & MORE at ConsumerReports.org 67| MAY 2016 |

COMPACT SEDANS

Honda Civic

BAD COMPANY Except for the base LX, all other Civics suffer from an unintuitive, slow-acting infotainment touch screen.

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