Consumer Reports' Obsession

ProfessorDave

OK, so first, a statement about survey data: those who mailed a survey are most likely to respond if they have an extreme response. Very positive or very negative. Those who have moderately positive or negative opinions don't respond.

Second, CR only sends its survey to their readers. Readers of CR are generally concerned about specific issues, such as economy. No surprise then that the CR readership would endorse the Miata vs. the Z.

Finally, I drove past the CR testing track daily for a year while I was an intern. The employees arrive in Subarus, Hondas and Toyotas. They don't know sheet about how to test a performance car, nor can they understand how an enthusiast might not mind too much going to the dealership to get things fixed under warranty, vs. the Legacy owner who would raise holy hell if they had to bring the car back for a TSB.

On a person note, I paid attention to CR for many major purchases I made as a young adult. The only one that paid off was a Maytag washer/dryer. Every other purchase was crap. I think CR's use of the scientific method is about as helpful as pulling a condom over one's foot in an attempt to have safe sex.

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Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB
Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT