90 Years of Impact
We've been there for your big moments. You've been there for ours.
Since 1936, Consumer Reports has been testing, reviewing, and advocating for you. CR is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with people like you to fight for safer products, fairer policies, and pocketbook issues that impact everyone.
Please help us continue to support our mission by making a special tax-deductible donation today.
Testing. Reviews. Impact.
Consumers Union was chartered on February 6, 1936, at a time when consumers had very few options to gauge the value, quality, or authenticity of goods and services. It was an era of unfettered advertising claims, rapid technological progress, and patchwork regulations.
Since our inception, CR has remained true to its mission, testing and reviewing 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: the dangers of smoking cigarettes and eating toxic foods, predatory practices of credit card companies, safety risks in cars, and more.
In this era of momentous change and uncertainty, there has never been a more important time for consumers to get answers they don't have to question.
Highlighting Our Impact on Automotive Safety
1968
U.S. Government Mandates Seat Belts
In 1956, CR’s tests showed a whopping two-thirds of seat belts failed basic safety and durability tests. The results prompted CU to call for better belts and, later, for federal standards that incorporated actual crash testing. CU tested seat belts regularly until the government mandated them in the front seats of all new cars in 1968.
1981
Setting New Standards for Child Safety Seats
After starting to test car seats in 1972, CR issued a 1974 report that prompted the U.S. Government to propose stronger standards. Seven years later, all car seat manufacturers were required to certify their seats would pass a test similar to the one CR had used and originally proposed to the government.
2007
CR Champions Anti-Rollover Technology
A new federal standard was announced requiring anti-rollover technology in all vehicles by 2012. The marketplace responded much quicker, in part, CR believes, because manufacturers wanted to maintain the CR Recommended check mark.
2014
Win on Backup Cameras
After years of CR’s advocating for standards to address the problem of blind zones behind cars and trucks, the Department of Transportation finally required backup cameras in all vehicles under 10,000 pounds by 2018.
Please Join Us in Celebrating Our 90th Anniversary!
Sign our digital birthday card, and share your story on how Consumer Reports has made an impact on your life.
Bread & Butter: A Classic Reborn
Consumer Reports has reimagined part of its history with the release of Bread & Butter, a revival of its 1941 newsletter designed to help people make smart, confident decisions in a fast-changing world. The new Bread & Butter is available for free on Substack, providing readers with practical advice on how to save more, spend less, and stretch their dollars.