Most automotive reviews originate from manufacturers lending vehicles to publications. However, to maintain impartiality and offer authentic evaluations, leading entities procure every vehicle they assess directly from dealerships, mirroring the typical consumer experience. This approach guarantees that the Test On Cars reflects the models and specifications that are actually purchased by the public, rather than manufacturer-selected showcase versions.
Consumer Reports has been a pioneer in car evaluations since 1936, setting a benchmark for automotive testing. What truly distinguishes their methodology is its exhaustive nature. While many publications allocate merely a day to a week for vehicle familiarization, each car under Consumer Reports’ scrutiny undergoes a 2,000-mile break-in period over several weeks before formal testing even commences. Subsequently, over 50 tests are conducted using cutting-edge measurement technology. Their expert team utilizes a specialized test track facility, equipped with a 4,400-foot straightaway, a 3,500-foot handling course, an accident-avoidance course, a challenging rock hill with a 33 percent incline, and a dedicated brake-test area for assessing stopping distances on both dry and wet surfaces. Ride comfort evaluations are performed on public roads, meticulously chosen to represent the diverse range of bumps and imperfections encountered in everyday driving conditions.
Beyond standard vehicle assessments, a comprehensive child-seat program operates within their Auto Test Center. Hundreds of seats undergo crash-testing for their current ratings. Furthermore, they uniquely provide independent tire ratings for consumers, annually testing approximately 500 individual tires across about 50 models to generate comprehensive performance ratings. This dedication to thorough test on cars and related components underscores a commitment to delivering dependable and unbiased automotive insights.
In conclusion, the commitment to rigorous test on cars, exemplified by independent organizations, is crucial for providing consumers and automotive professionals alike with reliable and trustworthy evaluations. This detailed approach ensures that assessments are based on real-world performance and not influenced by manufacturer preferences, ultimately fostering greater transparency and informed decision-making within the automotive industry.
