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condoms
Which Condom Holds The Most Air Before Exploding? (Video)
You might be be surprised how much air a condom can hold, or water (try 25 liters). But which holds the most before bursting to pieces? Our friend Theresa at Consumer Reports donned a lab coat and glasses to find out which brand of condoms came out on top in their durability tests. More » -
consumer reports
Some Ford Cars Are Reliable, Actually Worth Buying
Several Ford cars are among the world's most reliable vehicles, according to the latest annual car reliability survey from Consumer Reports. More » -
cars
What You Know About Car Care Is Probably Wrong
Most Americans drive cars, but haven't the faintest idea how they work. Often we have car care axioms inherited from our parents or driving teachers that apply to cars from a generation or two ago. What are some commonly believed car care myths that simply aren't true? More » -
the more you know
Testing Stuck Accelerator Survival Strategies
The recent recall of millions of Toyotas due to their floor mats' unfortunate tendency to trap the cars' accelerators, a flaw which has caused at least one confirmed horrific fatal accident, has caused people to wonder: if this happened to me, what would I do? Equipped with several different makes of cars and a test track, our colleagues at Consumer Reports Cars decided to play Mythbusters and put different stuck-accelerator survival strategies to the test. More » -
green
Consumers: Adopting Greener Behaviors Or Just Cheap?
This month, Consumer Reports is publishing the results of a survey of American adults asking about their adoption of "green" behaviors. Interesting, right? However, we can't help but wonder whether some of these behaviors are more about saving money than saving the planet. More » -
spy on yourself
Seven Free Sites To Track Your Personal Information
The Consumer Reports Money Adviser has compiled a great list of sites that store your personal information and will provide free copies of their reports to you if you ask. More » -
tools
Keep Track Of Your Prescriptions With This Free App
If you have to take meds, you know that one of the big issues is watching out for potential drug interactions—the last thing you want is to pass out at the supermarket from uncontrollable flatulence and a sudden onset of glaucoma. Consumer Reports has developed My Medication Tracker, a free desktop app that lets you privately keep a record of your medication history (and related costs), as well as watch out for potential interactions.
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generic
Consumer Reports Finds Generic Foods Taste As Good As Brand Names
Labels are eye-catching and all, but they don't taste so good. Consumer Reports undressed some food items and found out that deep inside, generics are just as tasty — and in some cases even yummier — than their labeled counterparts. More » -
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cash for clunkers
Top Ten New Cars, Trade-Ins From Cash For Clunkers
With Cash for Clunkers mostly over, Consumer Reports looks at the most popular new cars and the most popular clunkers that were traded in. More » -
rebates
Coming Soon - Cash For Clunkers: Home Appliance Edition
Now that it's ending, you thought you were done hearing about the Cash for Clunkers program, didn't you? Not yet. Coming soon will be a state-administered, federally-funded program providing rebates to consumers who buy Energy Star appliances. Check out Consumer Reports for a preview. More » -
Hello, credit card reform! The first pieces of the CARD Act went into effect today. Card issuers must now allow customers to opt out of some changes to their cards, mail bills at least 21 days before the due date, and give 45 days' notice of all changes in interest rates or fees. [Consumer Reports Money]
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cars
Share Your Car Battery Disasters With Consumer Reports
Our recent Zipcar electrical failure trilogy reminded us of a request from Consumer Reports Cars last week. For the November issue, they're looking for your stories of car battery failure, epic and otherwise. Do you have one to share? More » -
air conditioners
Watch Out For Sweet Appliance Deals Later This Summer
Sales of major appliances are down 29.2 percent from this time last year, and the most notable decline has been in air conditioners. What has caused it? Growing energy consciousness? Shrinking pocketbooks? Maybe a little of both. More » -
fashion
Skinny Jeans Pose Even More Health Risks
We've warned you before: wearing skinny jeans can lead to health problems, including the least fun tingling sensation in the thighs ever, and also can lead to exceedingly sassy customer service. Now, we have even more dire warnings about the super-tight pants: blood clots, bladder and yeast infections, and fertility and digestive problems. More » -
cell phones
Reminder: Distracted Driving Is Bad And Dangerous
We had a robust debate on Monday on the use of cell phones and wireless devices while driving. Since then, Consumer Reports Cars has taken a look at the actual statistics for accidents caused by driver distraction, and also the cell-while-driving laws actually on the books in the United States in different localities. Spoiler alert: Texting while driving isn't a good idea. More » -
teeth whitening
Strips Are Best Teeth Whiteners, Consumer Reports Finds
A Consumer Reports Insights story in the Washington Post evaluates the DIY teeth-whitening racket, finding strips work better than trays, which don't always fit in your mouth so well, the products may mess with your sensitive teeth, and that yellow teeth whiten easier than gray, brown or blue. More » -
oprah
Everybody Gets A Mediocre Minivan! Everybody Gets A Mediocre Minivan!
What's Oprah's latest giveaway? Not, thankfully, chicken. She'll be giving away two Routans. Hey, cool! But does the Oprah endorsement mean that the Routan is any good? Well, according to Consumer Reports Cars...not really. More » -
pets
No, Your Dog Does Not Want To Watch Fireworks And Drink Margaritas At The Beach
Consumer Reports is always ruining my fun. First, they want me to make sure that the fireworks I set off in my backyard are safety certified. Whatever. Now they're telling me that I shouldn't bring my dog to see fireworks with me. AND that I shouldn't give her any beer, or even let her help herself to the barbecue this weekend. More »

















