Consumer

Product Evaluation

  • Chicago Consumers' Checkbook

    Chicago Consumers' Checkbook

    Contains consumer ratings on businesses and services for the Chicago metro area. Search for plumbers, roofers, doctors, dentists, and more. Now available from home! Note: registration is required. 

  • Consumer Reports

    Consumer Reports

    Contains expert and unbiased product reviews and ratings of cars, appliances, electronics, and more. You'll also find buying guides and news articles.
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  • Consumer Search

    Provides evaluations from many different sources of a variety of products.

  • Epinions

    Opinions from consumers on products and services.

  • Smarter House

    Consumer guide to home energy savings. Includes top-rated energy-efficient appliances.

Automotive

  • AllData

    AllData

    A comprehensive resource for automotive diagnostic and repair information. In library use only.

  • Edmund's Automobile Buyer's Guide

    Become an informed buyer of a new or used car here.

  • Illinois Driver's Licensing Tests Online

    Illinois Driver's Licensing Tests Online

    Illinois specific driving exams, including 11 car practice tests, 9 motorcycle practice tests, 12 CDL (commercial driver’s license) practice tests, 3 online driver’s manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL), and a FAQ  section with detailed answers to over 100 DMV-related questions.

  • IntelliChoice

    Search for new or used cars, get advice on ownership, financing, etc.

  • Kelley Blue Book

    New and used car values plus motorcycle prices and new car previews.

  • NADA Used Vehicle Values and Appraisal Guides

    Provides price information for new cars, used car prices back to 1987, RV prices back to 1989, and classic cars back to 1926.

 

Consumer Protection

  • AnnualCreditReport.com

    This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

  • Better Business Bureau

    Lists business, consumer, and charity alerts. You may also file a complaint online.

  • CardRatings.com

    Sponsored by the U.S. Citizens for Fair Credit Card Terms. Provides consumer ratings of credit cards.

  • CharityNavigator

    Evaluates over 5,000 charities as an aid for consumers in their charitable giving. 

  • Citizens Utility Board (CUB)

    Nonprofit, nonpartisan organization created by the Illinois General Assembly to fight utility rate hikes and promote tougher consumer protection laws.

  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: FAQs

    Get the answers to your financial questions on topics ranging from mortgages and student loans to bank accounts and credit scores.

  • Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Protection

    Consumer protection information on credit and loans, identity theft, telemarketing and the Do Not Call registry. File a complaint.

  • GetHuman

    Connect to a live customer service agent faster with these direct phone numbers and shortcuts for thousands of companies worldwide.

  • Illinois Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division

    Offers assistance with consumer fraud and unfair business practices. Provides a downloadable complaint form as well as consumer protection information and alerts.

  • Illinois Commerce Commission

    Resolves consumer complaints with utilities and other entities. Also licenses household movers.

  • Internet Crime Complaint Center

    If you've been a victim of an Internet crime, report your complaint online and learn more about cybercrime activities.

  • USA.gov - Consumer Protection

    Your everyday guide to prevent identity theft, understand credit, and smart shopping. Get information on filing a complaint regarding banks, credit card companies, student loans, and more.