Like that in Consumer Reports, J.D. Power's research has helped consumers by pressuring vehicle manufacturers to improve the reliability of the cars and trucks they sell. But even more in J.D. Power's case there are reasons for concern.
1. Motivation
For all of its faults, the heart of Consumers Union is generally in the right place. Though they're a bit stuck in their ways, the primary goal of the people who publish Consumer Reports is to help consumers.
In contrast, far and away the #1 goal at J.D. Power is to make money. Now, there is nothing wrong with seeking to make money in itself. This is what businesses are supposed to do. But it becomes an issue when the pursuit of profits not only limits the extent to which consumers receive helpful information, but can actually encourage distorted consumer perceptions of the information that is provided.
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