In February 1936, a dedicated band of professors, labor leaders,
journalists, and engineers founded Consumers Union. Explore some
of the highlights of our history through our timeline and
vintage photo gallery. Since its first issue in 1936, Consumer
Reports (CR) has never accepted paid ads. Free from the
pressures of advertisers and commercial influence, Consumer
Reports has tackled some of the toughest safety issues of the
time, evaluating new products and technologies and warning about
potential dangers. From seat belts to strontium-90, lawnmowers
to locks, and hazardous vehicles to heaters, Consumer Reports
has been on the cutting edge of reporting risks and striving to
improve the quality of the consumer marketplace. Here are 10
instances where the organization's pioneering research and
testing have been acknowledged as making a difference in
improving consumers' safety and health. 1. Safety Belts,
1956-1968. In 1956, Consumer Reports' auto engineers made a
disturbing discovery as they tested safety belt