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See All Auto GPS

Magellan RoadMate 2000

*Est. $180

Pros

Despite being a low-priced GPS receiver, the Magellan RoadMate 2000 uses the SiRFstar III chipset, which is a major advantage: Some older, more expensive units use other chips that have reception problems in cities with skyscrapers and other areas without a direct path to a satellite. Reviewers also like that the RoadMate 2000 uses NAVTEQ maps. They say the user interface is simple and text entry is quick. The speaker is clear and loud enough. The touchscreen is bright and works well in sunlight, according to reviews. The RoadMate 2000 is capable of multi-segment routing and it can re-route away from slowed traffic.

Cons

Reviewers report that routing is often inefficient. The Magellan RoadMate 2000 lacks text-to-speech capability, which some users consider essential, and it doesn't have non-essential features found on more expensive models, such as Bluetooth support, MP3 playback, and traffic service. Other criticisms include the small and dated points-of-interest database and the lack of a printed manual.

Our Analysis

The Magellan RoadMate 2000 is the entry-level model in the RoadMate 2000 series of auto GPS units. Magellan also sells the higher-end RoadMate 3000 series and the Maestro series, so this is a budget model. Reviewers say routing isn't very good and the unit is virtually stripped of features. Price is the major selling point, and at least one reviewer believes this is the best budget GPS unit. However, we found better reviews overall for the Garmin nuvi 200 (*est. $200) and TomTom ONE (*est. $200).The Magellan and Garmin units both use NAVTEQ maps, generally reviewed as superior to the Tele Atlas maps used in the TomTom ONE. User reviews for the Magellan unit voice complaints about system freezes and routing problems.

Reviews for the Magellan RoadMate 2000 auto GPS date to the last quarter of 2006, when it was first released. GPS Magazine.com provides an excellent comparative review of the Magellan RoadMate 2000. GPS Tracklog's review is primarily limited to lists of pros and cons, but they succinctly cover the most important considerations. GPS Review.net provides a comparative overview, rather than a full review, while GPS Information.org offers more testing and information, but without comparisons. PC Magazine reviews features, but overlooks key aspects of performance. User ratings at Amazon.com are also helpful.

Our Sources

1. GPSMagazine.com

GPS Magazine's review of the Magellan RoadMate 2000 truly is in-depth. From unboxing the unit to testing all its features, reviewer Fletch offers a detailed, illustrated and objective account of his experience with the RoadMate 2000 auto GPS. Along the way, he compares this GPS receiver to other Magellan models (noting design improvements), as well as units from other manufacturers. He concludes that for basic navigation, the Magellan RoadMate 2000 is a good choice.

Review: Magellan RoadMate 2000 In-Depth Review, Fletch, Oct. 4, 2006

2. GPS Tracklog

Rich Owings's clear objective is to contribute as much as possible to the body of knowledge about the Magellan RoadMate 2000. This balanced and slightly comparative review re-publishes the manufacturer's information, provides links to other resources, and follows up with comments and questions from site users. He notes that the RoadMate 2000 cannot double as an off-road GPS, as other Magellan models in the 2000 series can.

Review: Magellan RoadMate 2000 review, Rich Owings, Updated Nov. 19, 2006

3. JusTechn.com

This website reviews a seemingly random selection of computer and related products, including three GPS reviews in 2006, but none since. The reviews are not entirely professional, and they are noncomparative. However, they are augmented with overall ratings and sub-category ratings for features, performance, design, setup and ease of use, and service and support.

Review: Magellan RoadMate 2000 Review, Ryan McLaughlin, Dec. 3, 2006

4. GPSInformation.net

The retired engineers who operate this website offer a good informational article with minimal subjective evaluation of the Magellan RoadMate 2000. This account demonstrates sufficient testing, and addresses routing accuracy and efficiency. The Criticisms and Suggestions section contributes productive buying advice.

Review: The Magellan RoadMate 2000, Jess Ross Grogan, Nov. 30, 2006

5. Amazon.com

Over 50 owners of the Magellan RoadMate 2000 give the GPS mixed overall scores. Some complain of freezes and hang-ups, and of odd routing. A few complain about customer service and of outdated maps. Reviews here are evenly split between positive and negative.

Review: Magellan RoadMate 2000, Contributors to Amazon.com

6. GPSReview.net

This overview of the Magellan RoadMate 2000 places it in the Magellan line and makes a few comparisons to other GPS receivers, but the editors do not seem to have tested this unit. A chart offers a quick reference of features and specifications.

Review: Magellan RoadMate 2000, Editors of GPSReview.net, Sep. 12, 2006

7. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

This review of the Magellan RoadMate 2000 auto GPS is focused on features; the only comparisons made with other products are in terms of relative features. Routing is inadequately addressed. Craig Ellison's features-for-the-dollar approach quickly becomes dated because GPS prices change (mostly drop) so rapidly.

Review: Magellan RoadMate 2000 Review, Craig Ellison, Oct. 26, 2006

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