I agree with @Cascabel's comment: apparently you read a review for the 2008 version (which is made completely from sturdy cardboard).
If you haven't done so already, check out all the different versions at boardgamegeek and see which versions you can get your hands on.
Here's a summary of the major versions I know and/or would consider:
- 2016: Haven't tried it, apparently has plastic pieces, could be the easiest way to get a durable version (tiles in the picture seem very similar to the 1999 version; which is the reason it made it to my list). Do note that the board is smaller in this version (10x10 instead of 9x12) and has 24 stock cards per corporation (instead of 25) so gameplay may be slightly different.
- 2008: Made of sturdy cardboard, I don't consider it to be "cheap" but I do find it inconvenient that tiles don't stay in place because the board is not slotted.
- 1999: The one I own and my all-around favorite. Tiles and board made of plastic. Board is larger than the 89/76 version but not clumsily so (unlike the 95 version).
- 1995: Owned it for some time, made of cardboard, I seem to recall that the board is considerably larger than other versions and folded in 4 parts. Wouldn't recommend it.
- 1989/1976: I've seen and played with these two versions but can't remember a significant difference between them. Tiles and board are made of plastic but they're a bit smaller than the 1999 version. I'd get this if I was trying to get a collectible item.