Librarian
Citation
Author: Gaston County Public Library
Title: Finding Consumer and Product Reviews
URL: http://gastonlibrary.libguides.com/consumer-information/product-reviews
Revised: 8/10/2022
Beware Fake Online Reviews
A common marketing scam involves paying for fake reviews on popular websites such as Amazon.com. Learn how to identify and avoid these scams by reading the following articles:
How to Find Product Reviews
In addition to general consumer review magazines like Consumer Reports, there are also hobby-specific magazines and websites that include reviews of items related to their subject. Be aware that "sponsored" reviews (aka advertisements) are a common source of income for bloggers.
- Check the library's magazine list to see if we subscribe to a paper copy of a title.
Go to: http://gastonlibrary.org/research/periodicals/magazines/- Current issues of subscribed paper magazines are available in the reading area on the upper floor of the Main Library. Back issues of subscribed paper magazines are available on the shelves behind the current issues; gently lift the display rack to view.
- Access digital magazines via NCLive.org. NCLive.org offers full-text access to articles from many magazines. Simply type in the subject of review + "review" (example: dishwasher review).
Consumer Reports & Other General Product Review Sources
- Consumer Reports
- Current issues of Consumer Reports and Consumer Reports Annual Buying Guide are available at all branches of the library. Back issues are available at the Reference Desk at the Main Library.
- Online access is available through NC Live, just click [Browse All] and scroll down to [C]. Library card required.
- The regular website: http://www.consumerreports.org/ provides some indexing; basic subject guides on products are provided for non-subscribers.
- Consumer SearchReviews and comparisons of a wide range of products.
- Consumer WorldCompare prices of products online.
- All About Seniors
Information about services in more than 50 categories specific to the over 55 population in the Carolinas.
The magazine is available to be browsed free online, or an issue may be ordered for a fee.
Go to: https://www.allaboutseniors.org/
Computers & Electronics
- PC MagazineReviews of computer hardware, software, and other electronics.
- PC WorldReviews of computer hardware and software.
- Sound & VisionRead the current magazine at the Main Library - Magazine Reading Area
- C|netReviews of a variety of electronic devices.
- ZDNetReviews of a variety of electronic devices.
Vehicles
Be sure to read our research guide on Buying A Car.
Go to:http://gastonlibrary.libguides.com/consumer-information/buying-maintaining-cars
- Car and DriverReviews of cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
- Read the current issue at the Main Library - Magazine Reading Area.
- Cycle WorldReviews of motorcycles.
- Dirt BikeReviews of dirt bikes and accessories.
- Road & TrackReviews of cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
Hobbies and More
- Guitar Player
- Reviews of guitars and accessories.
- Read the current issue at the Main Library - Magazine Reading Area.
- Harmony CentralUser and professional reviews of guitars and accessories.
- BackpackerReviews of GPS devices, tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, clothing and other products.
- BicyclingReviews of bicycles and cycling gear.
- Outdoor LifeReviews of firearms and general hunting and fishing gear.
- Runner's WorldReviews of shoes, clothes and running accessories.
- Popular PhotographyReviews of digital cameras and accessories.
- DP ReviewReviews of digital cameras and accessories.