From Our President: Nine Decades and Counting

In February 1936, a small group of scientists, writers, and engineers launched a mission to "restore rationality to the marketplace," and the organization now known as Consumer Reports was born. As we begin a yearlong celebration of CR’s 90th anniversary, it’s inspiring to look back at the impact that mission has had on generations.

Since our inception, CR has tested and reviewed countless products to make sure they’re safe and worth your money. Through our advocacy, we’ve helped people save billions. And we’ve influenced some of the most critical issues of the marketplace, exposing the dangers of cigarettes; reining in the predatory practices of some credit card companies; raising the bar for safer children’s toys, car seats, and cribs; and more.

No topic has been a more central focus for CR than cars, from helping make seat belts mandatory to pushing automakers to improve every model. And this issue of CR magazine builds on that critical work. Our much-anticipated Top Picks highlight the distillation of millions of miles’ worth of expert testing. If you’re like me, safety is a priority, in which case you’ll be interested in our list of safest new cars—and our new safety verdict rating. To help you shop, we have ratings and reviews for 315 new and 180 used models. As always, our expert advice will guide you to the perfect fit for your needs and your budget.

CR’s founders probably didn’t anticipate how big an impact their mission would have—or that their small organization would grow to be 5 million members strong. But they did know that all consumers deserved safe products that deliver both excellent performance and good value.

That commitment to a better world was the beginning of Consumer Reports. It is also our future.