Air conditioners. Ziti. Cars. Baby toys. Those are just a few of the products the scientists at Consumer Reports Magazine might be testing in one of 50 specialized labs. Those experts have years of experience in their respective areas, and they'll apply that expertise to help consumers make the best possible purchasing decisions. Everything is specialized: in-house sensory professionals sample food items, and an enormous auto test track allows researchers to suss out cars' strengths and weaknesses. But typical users pitch in as well—more than one million ordinary people have contributed feedback on a broad range of experiences, products, and services.

The venerable consumer advocacy institution has been performing these tests since 1936, when mass-media advertising began in full swing, and the American public could be easily misled by the claims of a slick radio commercial campaign or particularly catchy Morse code rhythm. Thanks to Consumer Reports' tireless efforts, safety belts in cars became stronger, door locks on houses more secure, and the nation's water supply safer to drink. Armed with the knowledge of extensive testing and firsthand testimonies from millions of real people, Consumer Reports allows consumers access to ratings, reviews, reliability data, and buying advice on thousands of products, free from any corporate influence or bias.