CONSUMER REPORTS

Save money and check things off that long list.

If you're planning to buy a used car, looking for certain brands and features can help ensure that your vehicle will last for years to come.

Need some help? We're here.

A new study of 22,000 American broadband bills by Consumer Reports shows how ISPs get you to pay more — and how you can fight back.

USA TODAY’s money reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down Consumer Reports’ best and worst cars of 2023 rankings, with notable brands topping the lists.

Toyota and Lexus topped the latest list of most reliable car brands from Consumer Reports, which surveyed more than 300,000 owners of 2000 to 2023 model cars.

DETROIT — (AP) — Gas-electric hybrids were the most dependable vehicles sold in the U.S. in the past year, while big pickup trucks and fully electric automobiles performed the worst in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey. Reliabilty was extremely or very important to 94% of prospective auto buyers, the survey found, and 80% said the same about fuel economy, Consumer Reports said. Tesla, which makes the top selling electric vehicles sold in the U.S., rose four spots to rank No. In theory, electric vehicles should be more reliable than internal combustion vehicles, Fisher said. Of 11 EVs for which Consumer Reports had adequate survey data, only four had average or better reliability.

Gas-electric hybrids were the most dependable vehicles sold in the U.S. in the past year, while big pickup trucks and fully electric automobiles performed the worst in Consumer Reports’ annual reliability survey.

Gas-electric hybrids were the most dependable vehicles sold in the U.S. in the past year, while big pickup trucks and fully electric automobiles performed the worst in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey. Hybrid technology has been around for more than two decades, and even though the vehicles switch between electric and gasoline power, they don't have a lot of the technology or complex multi-speed transmissions that have caused problems with other vehicles, said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing. “Hybrids are very conventionally built vehicles,” Fisher said.

Consumer Reports surveyed owners of more than 300,000 vehicles to make predictions about the reliability of 2023 model year vehicles.

Consumer Reports asks experts (and a few outsiders) for options that protect your phone and more. Here’s what we learned.

Hyundai is alerting the owners of more than 44,000 SUVs of an increased risk of their vehicles catching fire while driving or parked.

Here’s yet another trend to add to your list, collagen. Promising younger looking skin and flexible joints, Consumer Reports says this craze may actually have some benefits, and reveals what the collagen fuss is all about.

A Halloween warning you’ve probably never thought about.

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are finally here.

On Monday, GoFundMe told News 6 the site has collectively raised approximately $9 million dollars for Hurricane Ian victims through verified and trusted fundraising pages vetted by the company itself.

Over 40 million people have unpaid medical bills sent to collections and nearly half contain an error, according to Consumer Reports.

Credit report errors account for three-quarters of all consumer complaints during the first half of 2022, Consumer Reports said.

The FDA released its final rules for over-the-counter hearing aids after years of consumer anticipation.

Sending your kids to college? Consumer Reports breaks down ways to protect your investment.

Federal health officials increase count of those sickened; many reported eating burgers or salads from Wendy's.

Local tallies show number of those sickened in E. coli outbreaks is more than double than CDC's week-ago update.

The good, the bad, and Mushroom Coffee options.

Advocacy group's safety experts urge caution until more is known about E. coli outbreak that's sickened 37 people.

With gas prices taking a toll on people’s wallets, Consumer Reports (CR) has a new survey of what Americans think about battery electric vehicles (EVs) and low carbon fuels. The nationally representative survey of 8,027 American consumers, which was fielded in late January and February, is the largest national survey sample in the history of CR, the nonprofit consumer research, testing, and advocacy organization.

Advocacy group's safety experts urge caution until more is known about E. coli outbreak that's sickened 37 people.

The food chain is removing the lettuce from its sandwiches in some states, but CR urges greater caution until more is known about the source of the outbreak.By Lisa L. GillThirty-seven people hav...

Thirteen percent of a typical home’s energy costs are for cooling, according to Energy Star. Here are three easy ways to rein in these expenses—even on hot summer days.

(NCD)A faulty taillight that does not illuminate at night is the reason for the recall of nearly 100,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs. >> Read more trending newsAutomaker Stellantis is recalling 99,200 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs from 2021 and 2022, Cars.com reported. #Recall: Owners of 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs should check whether their vehicle has been recalled to fix faulty tail lights that don’t illuminate at night. https://t.co/XecgJBbIEO — Consumer Reports (@ConsumerReports) August 4, 2022The taillights were installed on Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs built from May 17, 2021, through Nov. 18, 2021, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs manufactured from Dec. 3, 2020, through Nov. 23, 2021, according to Consumer Reports. A Jeep spokesperson told Consumer Reports that the automaker is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this recall.

Consumer Reports puts some affordable laptops to the test and give recommendations on which ones are best for students.

More than 87 billion spam texts were sent to U.S. phone users in 2021, according to RoboKiller.

Most wine drinkers are accustomed to buying and serving wine from a bottle, but it’s not the eternal packaging for the eternal beverage.

The world is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of the disease known as monkeypox outside of the countries where it regularly circulates.

Don't break the bank sending the kids back to class.

Sunscreen labels can be confusing, which is why Consumer Reports is decoding those tubes and bottles so you can better protect your skin.

With temperatures rising, here are the best ways to stay comfortable and safe—both inside and out—even on scorching hot days.

"Feels like" temperatures will routinely spike to 110 degrees in the Orlando area, so getting in your car is a hot mess.

Cold, hard facts about air conditioning and how to make it work for you while you're on the road.

Fraud is rampant and mistakes happen. But there’s a way to protect your money when using Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, and other peer-to-peer payment methods.

USDA says it is rethinking its approach to bacteria in poultry that sickens hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Just about everything costs more right now, that goes for our groceries, supplies and anything and everything in our homes, including electricity bills. Experts at Consumer Reports share some simple tips to cut utility costs without sacrificing the comforts of home.

More Americans are trying to eat more plants or less meat — 53%, according to an August 2021 Consumer Reports nationally representative survey of 2,165 adults.

Set your calendars for July 12 and 13 for this year's Prime Day sale.

The disrupter economy has set its sights on your bedroom, offering gel capsules, ice fabric, green-tea memory foam, and copper-infused toppers. Will they help you get a better night’s sleep?

Inflation continues to batter consumers, but there are still ways to lessen the bite.

Companies are getting creative in passing along rising costs to consumers —  and making it harder to comparison shop — by tacking on fees and surcharges at the last minute.

Scorching temperatures and high humidity—especially together—can pose serious health risks. Here's how to protect yourself.

Cleaning out your Gmail inbox is easier than you might think. It could save you money, too.

Maybe you’re a die-hard fan and grill year-round, but for many of us, spring and summer are the best times for a barbecue. And if your grill has seen better days, Consumer Reports is here with recommendations from its latest tests of charcoal and gas models.

Frigidaire and Electrolux refrigerators are being recalled after a possible choking hazard from the ice maker. The CPSC says Electrolux has received about 185 reports of the ice level detector breaking. Consumer Reports says 370,000 Electrolux and Frigidaire refrigerators have been sold in the United States and Canada that are affected by the recall. In order to fix it, CPSC says to empty the ice bucket and contact Electrolux who will schedule an appointment with a technician for you so that the ice maker can be replaced and it will be free. Consumer Reports says to call Electrolux at 833-840-5926, email them at icemakerrecall@electrolux.com, or visit their website at icemakerrecall.com.

Imagine if you entered a restaurant and the manager asked you to sign a contract blocking you from suing the business if everyone falls ill, and barring you from writing a bad online review. The agreement might even spell out what happens if zombies invade.

Since the pandemic began, Americans have turned to online services for everything from groceries and household supplies to doctor visits. Many have also switched to online vendors to fill their prescriptions.

With so many choices, how do you pick?

Consumer Reports offers tips on choosing the best generator, protecting your family and pets, and more.

From expert advice to the best mosquito repellents, here's what you need to prevent these pesky insects from spoiling your time outdoors.

Protests in Sri Lanka turned deadly this week as the country faces imminent bankruptcy. In Colombo, the capital city, supporters of the now-resigned Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa reportedly attacked antigovernment demonstrators, which led to multiple deaths and property damage, including the burning of several homes owned by current members of the government. In the days since, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, brother of the former prime minister, has refused calls to resign and authorized the military to shoot protesters on sight should they be deemed a threat.

Limiting the amount of time we spend glued to our electronic devices can be hard for adults, and it’s especially tough for kids, who often use screens for school, fun and everything in between. But as Consumer Reports explains, the same companies that create these addictive devices are offering new ways to limit screen time, giving parents some much-needed control.

Airline fees are annoying for consumers, though for airlines, they are lucrative.

If you have an air-fryer, listen up.

With gas prices at or near record highs, if you’re in the market to buy a car right now, fuel efficiency might be high on your wish-list! Consumer Reports explains there are lots of other good reasons, including fuel economy, to consider buying a hybrid vehicle.

Fertilizing your yard too often—or at the wrong time—can do more harm than goodBy Mary H.J. FarrellA lush lawn can make your home’s landscaping shine (and make your neighbors green with envy). Bu...

A new investigation from Consumer Reports found potentially dangerous chemicals in many commonly used food wrappers.

Over 47,000 pickup trucks from the 2021 model year are included in the recallBy Keith BarryFord is recalling certain 2021 F-150 pickup trucks because their transmissions may unexpectedly shift in...

Restaurant brands make new commitment when study finds dangerous PFAS chemicals linked to serious health problems widespread in fast food packaging

An investigation by Consumer Reports found some level of indicators of PFAS in packaging from 24 different restaurant chains.

Our cellphones have become our all-in-one devices for storing music, emails, pictures and videos. But you don’t want to be out of storage space and miss that all-important memory.

Doing laundry isn’t a chore that’s going to disappear anytime soon, and neither are the costs involved in doing it. But as Consumer Reports explains, a few simple, eco-friendly changes (and the right detergent) in the laundry room can help lower your energy bills.

If the wipers stop working in bad weather, drivers may not be able to see the roadBy Keith BarryFord is recalling over 157,000 F-150 pickup trucks from the 2021 model year because their windshiel...

Some models are so hard to come by that consumers are paying well above the sticker price for themBy Jeff S. Bartlettwith Todd YoungIf you have your heart set on buying a new car this year, be pr...

Porcelain planks with simulated wood grain and texture have their benefits—and drawbacksBy Tobie StangerWood floors are high on the wish list of many a homeowner and buyer. And it’s easy to see w...

Choosing where you buy gasoline can make a big difference in how much you’re spending to fuel your vehicle.

Rising gas prices highlight the need to squeeze every mile out of a gallon of gas.

These gas sippers are easy on the walletBy Jeff S. BartlettFuel economy is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new car, because it has an impact on your weekly operating c...

Millions of us rely on home security systems for protection. But what if those security systems themselves are not so secure when it comes to attacks from hackers? Consumer Reports found that some of them can be disabled in a matter of seconds with a process called “jamming,” potentially putting you and your family at risk.

These power sources can have many uses, CR saysBy Consumer ReportsElectric cars are becoming a more viable option for many car buyers, with almost 100 pure electric models set to debut by the end...

The cost of a new car or truck continues to climb with supply shortages and factory shutdowns due to the pandemic.

The designation is further validation of Ford CEO Jim Farley's belief the company can not only compete with Tesla but also beat Elon Musk when it comes to EVs.

We explain how this new electric vehicle bumped the Model 3 from our annual Top PicksBy Jeff S. BartlettIn its annual Top Picks, Consumer Reports highlights the standout cars, SUVs, and trucks ac...

Are you one of those people who enjoy watching videos about cleaning out ears? Believe it or not, videos with the hashtag #earwax have amassed over 5 billion views on TikTok alone. And you may be surprised by the ways many people clean their ears. Consumer Reports’ experts put their ear to the ground to find out what the safest methods are for removing earwax.

For over a decade, there’s been an easy and highly effective way to prevent HIV.

DETROIT — Audi and Subaru announced recalls on Wednesday over concerns about potential power loss issues. A software issue could allow the transmission to engage before the drive chain is properly secured, according to Consumer Reports. Some 2019 and 2020 Ascent SUVs are also affected by the recall, according to the AP. https://t.co/FeMpiDM8n9 — Consumer Reports (@ConsumerReports) December 15, 2021The Subaru recall includes 198,255 sedans and SUVs, according to Consumer Reports. There were 160,941 Subaru Ascents from 2019 and 2020, 2,057 Subaru Legacy vehicles from 2020 and 35,257 Subaru Ascents from 2020.

The mistake was discovered two days later, during a routine bandage change.

Consumer Reports ranked most reliable vehicles and brands you can buy. Tesla came in next to last thanks to subpar scores from its SUVs.

Lexus, Mazda and Toyota topped the 2021 Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Report, while Jeep, Tesla, and Lincoln ranked in the bottom three.

November is traditionally one of the best months to find deals, but many hot products are in short supply or more expensive than usual.

Recall: Toyota is recalling more than 158,000 Tundra pickups because of halogen headlines that have caused fires. (John Gress/Corbis via Getty Images)Citing faulty headlights that could catch fire, Toyota announced that it is recalling more than 158,000 Tundra pickup trucks. >> Read more trending newsThe car manufacturer said the 158,489 affected models are from 2018 to 2021, according to Consumer Reports. Only trucks with halogen headlights are included in the recall, Toyota said. The problem that led to the recall was faulty wiring that incorrectly illuminates the pickup’s high- and low-beam bulb, according to Consumer Reports.

More than 60 percent of adults say they prefer to sleep on their side, at least for part of the night. To make sure we have it right for the majority of sleepers, we run extensive tests on mattre...

BMW recall A braking defect has resulted in the recall of more than 50,000 BMW sedans and SUVs. (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)BMW announced Thursday that it is recalling more than 50,000 vehicles to address a software problem that hampers braking. >> Read more trending newsThe automobile company said it was recalling cars and SUVs from 2019 to 2021 because of the braking assist defect, according to Consumer Reports. https://t.co/Yr4xJ8sE7y — Consumer Reports (@ConsumerReports) August 6, 2021BMW said that when consumers start up the vehicles, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist, the website reported. A BMW spokesperson told Consumer Reports in an email that the automaker is not aware of any crashes attributed to this issue.

Utility bills typically shoot up this time of year, as homeowners crank up their central air conditioning. To keep costs down, you might try to skimp on the AC—but that can create squabbles in th...

TOWN SQUARE | Your credit report — and credit score — can make the difference between a loan approval or denial and the interest you pay on your loan.

Service providers use their lock on neighborhoods — and a lack of rules — to take advantage of us. Here’s how to spot their tricks.

In May, Tesla announced it would no longer include radar sensors in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles made for customers in North America on or after April 27.

Before you try to take out a mortgage or a car loan, check your credit report. It may have a mistake that could cost you.

For many of us this past year, our backyards took on a profoundly important role. In the era of social distancing, yards were transformed into outdoor oases, and even now, there are no signs that...

Over the past months, with folks working and studying at home, homeowners began to appreciate their central air conditioning systems more than ever. In fact, 14 percent of the members we surveyed...

Advocacy group Consumer Reports has linked the products, which were not previously regulated, to at least 106 infant deaths.

Drivers naturally become concerned about reliability as a car ages, because the risk of inconvenience and unexpected expenses rises while the miles rack up. Most modern cars can make it to 200,00...

Consumer Reports’ tough tests continue to find that some laundry detergents clean only slightly better than water—and that some washers use lots of water yet leave clothes dirty and dingy. Some d...

Consumer Reports and IIHS are taking away top safety endorsements from Tesla, after the company's move from radar to vision-based driver assistance systems.

DETROIT — (AP) — Two key groups that offer automobile safety ratings have yanked their top endorsements of some Tesla vehicles because the company has stopped using radar on its safety systems. Consumer Reports pulled its “Top Pick” status for Tesla's Model 3 and Y vehicles built after April 27, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety plans to remove the vehicles' “Top Safety Pick Plus” designation. The U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is no longer giving the Models 3 and Y check marks on its website for having forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and emergency brake support. Consumer Reports says that removing radar and relying solely on cameras means the safety features may not be there when needed. A message was left Thursday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department.