Consumers Union of United States (CU) inspires both trust and fear. Best known for publishing "Consumer Reports" magazine, the independent not-for-profit organization also serves as a consumer watchdog through other print publications (newsletters and guides), TV and radio reports, and the Web (ConsumerReports.org). Its subscriber site rates products ranging from candy bars to cars.
CU tests and rates thousands of products annually through its National Testing and Research Center, which conducts laboratory testing and survey research. CU accepts no advertising and derives income from the sale of Consumer Reports and other services, and from non-commercial contributions, grants, and fees.