Consumer Reports
The Dodge Dart is promising but has room for improvement
The Dodge Dart, the first all-new model to emerge from the Fiat-Chrysler alliance, earned praise from Consumer Reports for its solid feel, handling and ride, and upscale options. But ultimately it didn’t score high enough in recent tests to be Recommended in a very competitive small sedan class.
Great sites for holiday gifts under $25
Holiday shoppers can find the perfect gift for almost everyone on their list for $25 or less. ShopSmart, the shopping magazine from the publisher of Consumer Reports, recently highlighted great websites that offer everything from silly stocking stuffers to socially responsible gift items.
Top 10 electronics: Standouts for performance and innovation
While Consumer Reports recently tested more than 600 smartphones, tablets, TVs and more, only 10 standout products made the short list for performance and innovation.
High-tech features transform TV viewing
You’re in for some fun if you haven’t shopped for a TV in a few years.Streaming Internet videos and 3D are adding excitement to TV viewing, say the editors of Consumer Reports. Wi-Fi and full Web browsers make it easy to expand your online horizons. Remote controls are evolving as well, giving you new [...]
Best quick stuffings
For many people, Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without stuffing. But it also isn’t complete without the pressure of cooking a huge meal, to say nothing of entertaining Aunt Mavis and Uncle Arnold. As a result, making stuffing from scratch may be a stretch.
Buying a leaf blower? Put power before pizzazz
Tired of raking? Consumer Reports recently found gas leaf blowers that vacuum with the flick of a switch, plus a new electric that frees you from a cord. But its tests of 29 models show that the best choices put power before pizzazz.
B&H Photo, REI AND ZAPPOS among highest-rated online retailers
Overall, shoppers are satisfied with online shopping — but some sites do a better job than others when it comes to value, customer service and more. In Consumer Reports’ new survey about online shopping satisfaction, B&H Photo, REI and Zappos were among the higher-rated sites; florists including 1-800-Flowers.com and FTD, along with ticket retailer Ticketmaster, [...]
How to avoid high-tech scams
It’s easier than ever to get burned these days. Fraud and identity-theft complaints tracked by the Federal Trade Commission topped 1.2 million last year, up 19 percent from 2010 and a whopping 800 percent since 2000, according to Consumer Reports. And the fraud artists are using new channels and technology that didn’t exist 15 years [...]
Some extra-virgin olive oils don’t make the grade
Many “extra-virgin” olive oils — including big names such as Bertolli, Crisco, Fillipo Berio and Mazola — don’t taste good enough to merit that description, according to Consumer Reports.
Let’s talk (sliced) turkey
Consumer Reports’ tasters recently tried 18 packaged turkey slices, and although none would beat meat sliced off the bone, some are worthy alternatives if you want to save a little money or skip a deli line.