Have you heard? Don't believe the hype.(sub-zero refrigerators)(full-body CAT scans)(variable annuity investments)

The real-estate section of the Sunday New York Times includes a page with large color photos of homes on the market. The text describes the house or apartment and lists the pros and cons. A recent entry for a Manhattan co-op noted that the kitchen comes with Sub-Zero appliances. That fact was listed as a "pro," but we say it's more of a "con."

We say that because our independent testing, reporting, and consumer surveys, the last involving assessments of products and services from millions of readers like you, allow us to debunk the hype and steer you to top-quality products. Consider the following items that fall far short of their spin.

In your kitchen. Hyped and trendy those Sub-Zero refrigerators may be, but readers we surveyed reported that nearly a quarter of the units they bought between 2002 and 2006 needed repair or had serious problems. It was one of the worst showings of any brand we rate. Sub-Zero refrigerators can exceed $5,000. Some models have been top performers, though two Sub-Zero models we tested this year were among the lowest-ranked fridges overall.

In your car. BMW bills its iDrive controller as "access to a variety of comfort functions displayed on the monitor." Our auto experts say that this joystick-and-menu control system is overengineered, tedious, and distracting to use. That makes it both annoying and a safety concern. We reported on the new BMW X5, which uses iDrive, in our July issue and called the system "infuriating."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

On your body. Whole-body CT screening, also known as a full-body scan, can be a lifesaver to ...