Auto GPS Reviews

Sizing up reviews for automotive GPS

This report on auto Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers covers devices for in-car navigation. These differ from handheld GPS receivers meant for hiking and camping. Automotive GPS systems have much larger screens, spoken directions and highway maps. Car GPS units are larger and heavier than handhelds, and they aren't known for long battery life. However, all aftermarket auto GPS units are somewhat portable, with some marketed as crossover devices. See our companion report on handheld GPS to learn about units designed primarily for outdoor pursuits.

We found several rich sources of automotive GPS reviews, including a number of enthusiast websites. One of these, GPSMagazine.com, sets the standard for portable car GPS reviews. Every feature is tested, and each review shows readers exactly what they will experience using the product. GPSTracklog.com and GPSLodge.com are other enthusiast sites with very good coverage of the latest automotive GPS receivers and GPS navigation in general.

Reviews at other magazines and websites generally lack the detail of those found at enthusiast sites, but some do much better than others. For example, ConsumerReports.org rates and ranks 96 portable auto GPS systems in its latest update. Although the report is less in-depth than the best review sources, the opinions are unquestionably unbiased, and the tested automotive GPS receivers are clearly ranked from best to worst.

Finally, when reading older reviews of GPS navigation devices, it's important to remember that some auto GPS systems are technologically out of date, although you can still buy them at retailers. GPSMagazine.com lists units to avoid, and most earn that distinction for this reason.

GPS satellite system failing?

The U.S. has a lot of old GPS satellites in orbit, and they could begin to fail in 2010. The Air Force might not be able to get new ones up in time, an April 2009 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office concludes. GPS satellites under construction have been plagued with delays and technical glitches. The Air Force says it has ways to extend the life of the old GPS satellites, which the GAO also noted. But GPS-related websites are peppered with articles and comments from users wondering whether the GPS system soon won't be working properly.

Wired's Nicholas Thompson questions whether it might be time to "tax GPS to save GPS." He talks about taxing GPS device manufacturers, while ConsumerReports.org's blog raises the question of taxing other countries that are freely using the GPS system now totally funded by U.S. taxpayers.