From cars and cell phones to washing machines--this book presents the most objective product information available, with Consumer Reports ratings, repair histories, product recommendations, and buying advice.

"Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide" gives shoppers comprehensive advice on more than 200 models, including reliability histories for 1992-1999 models of cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks. 225+ photos & charts.

This study chronicles the success of the Japanese car in America. Starting with Japan's first gasoline-powered car, the Takuri, it examines early Japanese inventors and automotive conditions in Japan; the arrival of Japanese cars in California in the late 1950s; consumer and media reactions to Japanese manufacturers; what obstacles they faced; initial sales; and how the cars gained popularity through shrewd marketing. Toyota, Honda, Datsun (Nissan), Mazda, Subaru, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi are profiled individually from their origins through the present. An examination follows of the forced cooperation between American and Japanese manufacturers, the present state of the industry in America, and the possible future of this union, most importantly in the race for a more environmentally-sound vehicle.

'Globalization' is one of the defining buzzwords of our time - a term describing a variety of accelerating economic, political, and cultural processes that are changing our experience of the world. Fully updated for 2009, this Very Short Introduction provides an accessible exploration of both the causes and effects of the phenomenon.

If you are in the market for just about anything, from a new coffeemaker to a new computer to a new car - The "Consumer Reports" Buying Guide 2008 is your one-stop portable reference source for making intelligent, money saving purchases for all home buying needs. Consumer Reports has done the homework for you by testing hundreds of brand-name products to come up with the Best Buys for 2008, along with the best buying advice on the market. If you have asked yourself -- "Is this the right product for me? Will I get my money's worth in this product? Which brand is the best for me?" -- let Consumer Reports expert buying advice and Ratings steer you in the right direction. "Consumer Reports" Buying Guide 2008 tells you what manufacturers "can't "tell you - based on a full year's worth of Consumer Reports testing. This compact reference guide contains over 900 brand-name product ratings along with invaluable information on what products are available, important features, latest trends and expert advice on: Home office equipmentDigital cameras and camcordersHome entertainmentCellular PhonesHome and yard productsGas grillsAir conditionersKitchen appliancesBath and Laundry productsVacuum cleaners and washing machinesCars, minivans, pickups and SUV's...And so much more! From refrigerators to home theater systems, mattresses to microwave ovens, "Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2008" will make you a smarter shopper, and will ultimately pay off in valuable product knowledge, time saved, and perhaps money saved too!