Garmin nuvi 265T

Reviews say the Garmin nuvi 265T packs all of Garmin's most useful features -- including free traffic for life and spoken street names -- into a budget-priced package. The free traffic is available in 90 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada, but you'll see ads popping up on the screen from time to time. Experts and users say the ads are unobtrusive, and it beats paying $60 for subscription traffic alerts. Experts usually recommend buying a widescreen unit -- such as the otherwise identical Garmin nuvi 265WT (*Est. $230) -- but some owners say they can see the nuvi 265T's smaller screen just fine. Reviews note that if you want more advanced features, such as lane assist, 3-D building view and the ability to save your favorite routes, you'll have to step up to the Garmin nuvi 765T (*Est. $270).

ConsumerReports.org's test of the Garmin nuvi 265T is expert and unbiased, and a ratings chart clearly shows how the unit stacks up against competing models. Tests at PC World and PCMag.com are also very thorough, and they include more details about the unit. User ratings at Amazon.com and Newegg.com show how the nuvi 265T performs in real life.