In 1933 an electrical draftsman named Harry Beck designed a new map for the London Underground. He simplified the twists of color that represented the subway lines and gave the public a map that, 70 years later, is still an easy-to-read, sensible, appealing presentation of how to get from here to there. Consumer Reports' new look is a similar marriage of form and function. Providing accurate, readable, and concise information has always been our goal. We've been asking ourselves--and you, our readers--how we could do even better. This issue introduces new departments, adds features to familiar sections, and gives you a whole new way to make your life easier. A few highlights:

Something old. You will see shades of the retired Front Lines in our new Up Front reports. The expanded section includes our take on products just hitting the shelves, and offers safety and buying tips plus Claim Check, on whether manufacturers live up (or down) to their product claims.

Something new. As always, you can rely on our Ratings to reflect thorough, exacting tests of the products and services you use most. Since we know many of you want to go straight to the bottom line, we give you CR Quick Recommendations (pictured behind me), a rundown of our findings, and Quick Picks, the best models for most people--plus models that may be especially suited to your family's needs. You'll now find details on features right in the Ratings chart. Product reports also include additional information on other important points: design, health and safety implications, and new technology.

Something borrowed. One of the best things about being an organization with a long history is, well, the history. It's fun to revisit how the products we're testing now used to look. So every month, we'll borrow from our photo archives for Then & Now.

Something you. Although we've always had advice on saving money and protecting yourself in the marketplace, many reports now include a What You Can Do section, with specific steps you can take. Also check out the new CR Health and CR Money reports, each with a special Did You Know box. Stay tuned for CR Cars, CR Home, and CR Technology.

For the latest on how Consumers Union is standing up for consumers nationwide, see Viewpoint. For July 2003: Preserving media competition so you can get information and news from more than a few big corporations.

The look has changed, but the core of our work--and our magazine--remains the same. We continue to present the Ratings, the research, and the advice to help you make informed buying decisions and be aware of consumer issues that affect you. Tell us what you think by writing to me at the address listed in Where to find us.

Jim Guest President