Bad reviews

[Raz316]

I know this can apply to anything really, but it was the episode of Top gear looking at the Malaysian etc cars available that made me first wonder.

How do programs (like top gear) get the rights to publish a review of something just to say its crap. I can't imagine a company going "sure, you can tell potential customers to avoid out car at all costs".

Do said companies give their cars for review hoping/thinking they will be liked?

[99Flake]

Generally that is the idea, a manufacturer will aim to get a positive review in some way, for example saying it may not be the best built, equipped, fun car but at least it is very cheap and has a huge warranty (like so many Korean cars). I think the problem in the case of those cars was that they were bad AND not good value compared to the European cars.

Don't forget though Jeremy Clarkson got banned from reviewing Vauxhalls because of his slating of the Mk1 Vectra (although it was deserved).

It is not unknown for car companies to bite back at journalists for giving them unfavourable reviews.