Nextar I4-BC

The Nextar I4-BC gets a couple of nods from fairly credible reviewers, but others advise buyers to steer clear of this unit. Experts say it seems poorly designed, doesn't navigate well and is frustrating to use. Users add that they couldn't figure out how to get promised map updates from Nextar's website, and customer service is unhelpful. The I4-BC's big selling point is its included backup camera, which transmits wirelessly to the GPS screen. However, several reviews say the camera either doesn't always work or never works at all, condensation can ruin it, and you still have to run power wires from your taillights, which can be difficult. Overall, critics recommend sticking with a budget GPS unit from a better brand, such as the top-rated Garmin nuvi 265T (*Est. $185).

DigitalTrends.com provides well-done video and written reviews describing how the Nextar I4-BC "reeked of cheapness" in its tests. The review at ConsumerReports.org is much shorter, but it does rank the I4-BC among many of its peers. The U.K.'s PocketGPSWorld.com does a well-illustrated review that finds some of the same drawbacks as other testers discovered, and users at Amazon.com echo the same points. A very positive review at About.com is inconsistent with other testers' findings.