A bad consumer review can be like the kiss of death for merchandise on the market today because of the accessibility that consumers have to the information. Consumer reports tend to be honest and forthright concerning products so many consumers hold these reviews in high regard. While potential consumers may find these reports helpful in their navigation of the marketplace of products, negative reviews are especially brutal for car companies and their associated products.

The highly acclaimed Consumer Reports magazine released news this week that Chevrolet and Ford are among other car companies whose products will not be recommended to consumers. More specifically, the 2011 Chevy Tahoe sport utility, 2011 Ford Edge crossover, and 2011 Lincoln MKX crossover are the most well known car models that will not be supported by Consumer Reports. While the magazine admits that all three of these popular vehicles do have some valuable strengths that consumers will appreciate, the vehicles performed poorly in a series of rigorous tests and data compilation performed by the popular publication.

The touch screen navigation in the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX received negative reviews on almost all counts especially on the overall distraction that is causes for drivers. The Chevrolet Tahoe received decent reviews with regard to its technology, however, received poor marks on braking time, price, and overall handling.

Other vehicles that will not be sponsored by Consumer Reports are the Honda CR-Z hybrid, Porsche Cayenne sport utility, and the Infiniti QX56 sport utility. While it is likely that both the Cayenne and Infiniti are too new for Consumer Reports to have done sufficient testing by the time their February issue was sent for publication, the Honda CR-Z reportedly performed surprising low in testing done by the consumer review experts especially considering that it has great fuel economy and a relatively affordable price tag. The CR-Z, which looks similar to the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, is being blogged about across the internet as an ugly twin to the Insight with bad handling, high level of cabin noise, and a payload that is basically equivalent to that of a large moped.

While it is bad news for these car companies that Consumer Reports gave poor marks to their car models and accessories, most of these names are already popular and established in the car market so they may be able to withstand these reviews. Overall, Consumer Reports magazine is a highly respected publication that can positively or negatively affect the sales and perceptions of products. Ford, Chevy, and the other companies that are receiving bad reviews in February’s issue will have to hope that these reviews will not hurt their sales efforts.