Is Consumer Reports still unbiased ?

[Cherokee]

17 Cars So Bad Even Consumer Reports Says “Don’t Bother”

The Ford Bronco Is #11

Jeep Wrangler is #16

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[Vettereddie]

It's an MSN article that's I'm assuming is using data from a single or multiple Consumer Reports lists, can't say for sure unless seeing the source which I'm CR has likely paywalled.

From other stuff I've seen from CR, it is a somewhat subjective ranking with things like comfort, interior build, infotainment and even driver ergonomics mixed in with hard data for fuel mileage, reliability, storage volume, towing capacity and acceleration. Your care-abouts may be different than theirs. That being said, they do seem to apply them evenly across whatever they're comparing.

Can't fault the logic on the Bronco based on the write-up, "There have been recalls for cracked fuel injectors that can lead to fires. The interior feels cheap, the ride is loud, and fuel economy is abysmal." That being said, if you bought it to be a capable off-roader and care less about a luxury interior or fuel economy, it may rate a lot higher on your list.

Having ridden in friend's vehicles, the Wrangler would not make a great commuter vehicle or daily driver IMO, which the CR rating seems to be geared toward.

Here's what they said about the Maverick, apparently missing the fact that you can get the 4,000 lb Tow Package on the AWD hybrid:
"Freshened for 2025, the Maverick uses a standard 250-hp turbo four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic with all-wheel drive. This powertrain can tow up to 4,000 pounds and gets 23 mpg overall, but its tendency to lug along at low revs sends annoying vibrations into the cabin. The front-wheel-drive hybrid got an excellent 37 mpg overall in our tests, but with half the tow capacity; an AWD hybrid is new. The Maverick's ride is refined for a pickup truck, and handling is very secure. Maneuverability, access, and visibility are commendable, and the controls are super-easy. However, the truck is loud (the hybrid is quieter), and the interior feels utilitarian.
The 4.5-foot-long bed is deep enough to be practical and is very easy to reach into. BSW and RCTW are optional."

Ford Maverick

 

[Master Blaster]

CR never was unbiased. They have had an extreme preference for Toyotas for almost 40 years now, and bias their test criteria so that Toyotas always come out better. The rest of the world does not seem to agree with them, although their rankings have unfortunately moved a lot of people with poor vehicle knowledge over to Toyotas. I've had 4 Toyotas over the years, and no, they are not in any way better in spite of what the CR staff push. Some of the Toyota drivetrains that I've had (the 8RC, 18RC, and 3K engines) were the worst designed that I've ever had from any manufacturer.

 

[Blue_Max]

CR never was unbiased. They have had an extreme preference for Toyotas for almost 40 years now, and bias their test criteria so that Toyotas always come out better. The rest of the world does not seem to agree with them, although their rankings have unfortunately moved a lot of people with poor vehicle knowledge over to Toyotas. I've had 4 Toyotas over the years, and no, they are not in any way better in spite of what the CR staff push. Some of the Toyota drivetrains that I've had (the 8RC, 18RC, and 3K engines) were the worst designed that I've ever had from any manufacturer.

Yes, "uninfluenced by advertising" is not the same as "unbiased." Every reviewer has some type of bias. I learned long ago that Consumer Reports has different priorities than I do when it comes to motor vehicles.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

When it comes to a consumer magazine reviews. Advertising $$$ dollars can and will influence a reviewer along with their own biases.
Plus reviewers for traditional auto magazines only get manufacturer selected cars and trucks to review for a couple hours.

 

[Blue_Max]

When it comes to a consumer magazine reviews. Advertising $$$ dollars can and will influence a reviewer along with their own biases.
Plus reviewers for traditional auto magazines only get manufacturer selected cars and trucks to review for a couple hours.

As I said earlier, though, "uninfluenced by advertising" is not the same as "unbiased."

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

As I said earlier, though, "uninfluenced by advertising" is not the same as "unbiased."

One less biased in a report, not having advertising dollars as an influence. As I pointed out

 

[AMTRV]

It was never unbiased

 

[Scott Asheville]

All you Consumer Reports fanboys should watch this. Alex on Autos is a reputable and well respected source, BTW.

 

[Gray Goose]

It was never unbiased

Correct. Unbiased is a fallacy. This article on bias is biased.
https://unewsonline.com/2024/10/is-unbiased-journalism-possible/

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