Consumer Reports Taking Heat For Tesla Review

Tesla Model S P85D (Credit: Tesla Motors )

As we reported before, Tesla’s Model S P85D broke the Consumer Reports rating system, blowing away expectations. While many people were celebrating the triumph of the American automaker, no everyone’s happy. In fact, some people are downright furious about the praise that the electric car is getting.

The Wall Street Journal published a scathing response to the Consumer Reports rating. Instead of arguing that the Model S P85D wasn’t good enough of a car to deserve such praise, the column in the Journal made accusations that Consumer Reports crossed a line and “prostituted” itself out to Tesla, effectively trying to push the vehicle on the American public.

Tesla Motors is no stranger to controversy, thanks to its unique position as an automaker that only produces electric vehicles. It’s been caught up in a political war as different forces argue over the government loans provided by the Obama administration, the threat of global warming and tightening fuel economy standards. Tesla is also waging a war in many states over the right to sell its cars directly to consumers, a practice that auto dealers views as a threat.

Adding to the tension surrounding Tesla is the fact that at the moment it doesn’t make a single vehicle that the average consumer can afford, at least brand new. In other words, some view all Teslas as playthings for the rich, which have been subsidized by the government, essentially making the vehicles a symbol of the oppression of the common man in America.

It wasn’t that long ago that when Consumer Reports loved or hated a vehicle, it would either make or break it. The controversy surrounding this new rating only highlights the fact that Consumer Reports also isn’t the market force it used to be. Other automotive rating sites have picked up steam, especially considering many of them are free to use.

Ultimately, the outrage over Consumer Reports’ rating probably won’t dissuade anyone from buying a Tesla.