Escort Passport 9500i

The GPS-equipped Escort Passport 9500i was the top-rated radar detector -- until the new models with speed/red-light camera detection came on the market. Now, the newer Escort Passport 9500ix (*Est. $525) overshadows it in reviews. Not only does the 9500ix warn you when a speed or red-light camera looms ahead, but it also automatically detects false alarms and shuts them down. The 9500i can't do either of these things (although you can tell it an alarm is false and it will remember). The 9500i still does a good job detecting radar and laser guns, but for just a few dollars more, critics prefer the more feature-laden 9500ix.

The latest radar-detector reviews concentrate on the newer Escort Passport 9500ix, but some still cover the 9500i. LaserVeil.com has recently updated its in-depth test of the 9500i, and Automobile magazine and RadarTest.com test it head-to-head against rival detectors from Cobra and Valentine. GuysOfLidar.com's older test doesn't include the latest models, but it is extremely thorough and unbiased. Owner reviews at Amazon.com are critical and up-to-date.