For honest reviews, there are a lot of issues. Back in the day PC Magazine used to have reviews that were not very honest. They would be sent product to test, that was clearly curated by the vendor to be the best of the best. Think PC comparison where the vendor would tie test 1000 machines and send the fastest one in for review.
So it is an issue of you have to find a trusted source. Consumer Reports advertises that they buy everything they test off the shelf. Although I suspect car dealers in the area of CR get prescreened cars.
I personally trust Toms Hardware for many issues.
Also I look at Amazon 1 & 2 star reviews. People will complain, and I look for common comments. Of course you have to dodge the crap reviews that complain about delivery issues or (my favorite) the advanced book that was not a good introductory book.
So it is an issue of you have to find a trusted source. Consumer Reports advertises that they buy everything they test off the shelf. Although I suspect car dealers in the area of CR get prescreened cars.
I personally trust Toms Hardware for many issues.
Also I look at Amazon 1 & 2 star reviews. People will complain, and I look for common comments. Of course you have to dodge the crap reviews that complain about delivery issues or (my favorite) the advanced book that was not a good introductory book.