YONKERS, NY – Consumer Reports (CR), the nonprofit research, testing, and consumer advocacy organization, is announcing the launch of CR Recommended, a one-of-a-kind program designed to bring CR’s objective product recommendations on autos and a variety of other product categories to more people at the point of purchase. When someone shops online, at a dealership, or in a store, they will see a “CR Recommended” mark for products that meet CR’s strict criteria for safety, performance, and reliability.

According to a CR nationally representative survey of 1,007 U.S. adults, conducted in March 2020, a large majority of Americans read online reviews to make purchase decisions. However, three out of four (76 percent) say they thought they have encountered fake reviews before making a purchase decision.

“Misinformation permeates the marketplace. Far too often, science is misrepresented as science fiction, data is distorted, and reviews are rigged,” said Marta L. Tellado, President and CEO of Consumer Reports. “For 85 years, Consumer Reports has worked for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace. CR Recommended is the latest example of how we are advancing our mission to serve all consumers when and where they shop.”

Consumer Reports evaluates more than two thousand products each year across a variety of categories, including home and appliances, autos, tech, health, and food. When a product meets CR’s evidence-based criteria, it earns “Recommended” status, and the rating appears on our flagship website, ConsumerReports.org, and in Consumer Reports magazine.

Only after the rating is issued can manufacturers opt to display the “CR Recommended” label on manufacturer, dealer or online shopping websites, vehicles or product packaging, and in-store displays - so consumers can quickly see if the product is recommended by CR. With proprietary technology that lets someone click a button online or scan a QR code from their smartphone while in a store, consumers can also easily learn how the product rates in CR’s testing and whether it will meet their needs.

“Consumers are looking for guidance and reassurance before making a purchase decision. This is especially true for categories with a higher price-point and/or where consumers may have specific needs such as electronics or appliances,” said Vincenzo DiGirolamo, Director of U.S. Reports at Mintel. “With consumers relying more heavily on reviews, they're going to want to ensure the reviews they are reading are accurate and honest.”

CR’s survey found 50 percent of Americans who read online reviews say they purchased a product based on the review and later found out the performance or quality of the product didn’t match the review. In addition to product performance, CR incorporates into its ratings feedback from consumers about real-world experiences with products, including how they hold up over time and how satisfied they are with the purchases.

As part of the CR Recommended program, Consumer Reports will continuously monitor for misuse of the CR Recommended mark and revoke a recommendation if a product becomes unsafe or underperforms. CR’s cutting-edge technology ensures that the use of CR Recommended is up-to-date, authentic and complies with all Consumer Reports’ policies.

Click here for more information about CR Recommended.