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Auto GPS Reviews
Updated October 2007
This report on auto GPS covers devices for in-car navigation. These differ from handheld GPS receivers meant for hiking and camping in that auto GPS systems have much larger screens, audio directions and highway-mapping features. Auto GPS units are also larger and heavier than handhelds, and they aren't known for long battery life. However, all aftermarket auto GPS units are somewhat portable; some units are marketed as crossover devices and the lines between the two types of units are blurring in some new products. See our companion report on handheld GPS to learn about units you can use for outdoor pursuits. All GPS units receive data from multiple satellites that orbit the earth, and perform the necessary calculations to arrive at a position fix. Auto GPS receivers plot your location on a display and provide driving directions. We found the best reviews for auto GPS receivers at GPS enthusiast websites. GPSMagazine.com sets the standard for reviews. This e-zine publishes a plethora of incredibly comprehensive reviews. Every feature is tested, and each review shows readers exactly what they will experience using the product. Additionally, the site includes a forum and a buyer's guide for car GPS with quick recommendations, plus a lengthy list of auto GPS units to avoid because they use outdated technology. GPSTracklog.com, GPSLodge.com, Lordpercy.com,
GPSReview.net and GPSInformation.net are other enthusiast sites with very
good auto GPS reviews and very good coverage of new products. Computer and consumer magazines generally lack the quantity and
quality of car GPS reviews found on the specialty sites, but PC Magazine and
Consumer Reports are the exception, providing very good auto GPS coverage.
PC Magazine regularly reviews new GPS units and publishes occasional roundups
that cover the best of these. Consumer Reports rates and ranks 18 portable
auto GPS systems in its latest update. The information is helpful, although
the car GPS comparison chart has much less depth than the best review sources. Garmin, TomTom, Lowrance, Navman and Magellan make most
auto GPS receivers, but many other companies are trying to horn in on the
market. Garmin car GPS units are most favored by reviewers, but TomTom has
a large share of supporters as well. Other brands -- especially the newcomers
to this product category -- receive mostly unfavorable reviews. For example,
the
Harmon Kardon Guide + Play GPS-500
(*est. $300)
doesn’t particularly impress
any reviewer. It is the first GPS unit to play all types of audio files, as
well as video files. We found five reviews for the Harmon Kardon Guide + Play,
and all agree that you can get a better car GPS unit or media player for less.
The Harmon Kardon GPS lacks text-to-speech capability, which has become standard
in this price range. Register Hardware editors experienced freezes while running
the unit. CNet.com’s Bonnie Cha summarizes, "The Harman Kardon Guide
+ Play GPS-500 doesn't offer the same smooth performance and efficiency of
competing products." The
Navigon 2100
(*est. $210)
is intriguing because it offers text-to-speech for an unusually low price (this GPS is frequently seen on sale in circulars for as low as $100). GPS Lodge has the only full review of the Navigon 2100, and it is lukewarm. Scott Martin is impressed with the performance relative to the price, but data entry is a nuisance. He also agrees with user reviews who say the unit is slow and sluggish to respond. The budget TomTom ONE is a better choice. The step up Navigon 7100 (*est. $460) includes free lifetime traffic service and an impressive array of features. Yet, reviewers say it is below-average at performing core functions. The Navigon GPS is slow to respond to input and often fails to respond. In Rich Owings well written review for GPS Tracklog, he lists a dozen pros, but 16 cons for the Navigon 7100. “Though not terribly complicated, I did find the interface less intuitive than that of Garmin or TomTom,” writes Owings. Only one of five reviewers gives the Navigon 7100 a high rating, and user reviews are mixed. Another issue is that some once-favorably-reviewed auto GPS systems remain current, but are technologically out of date because they don't use the latest GPS microcontroller chip, the more accurate SiRFstar III. GPSMagazine.com lists units to avoid, and most earn that distinction for this reason. We will make a note of any receivers that lack the SiRFstar III chip in this update; all of the auto GPS systems recommended in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers include it. ... Continued
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
Garmin auto GPS units are most favored in general by reviewers. Reviewers see the Garmin nuvi 660 as an elite product, and it is priced accordingly. While the nuvi 660 is loaded with extra features, the also highly regarded TomTom ONE is a no-frills product. Reviews say it's a very good car GPS unit with advanced navigation features. The older Garmin nuvi 350 is an alternative to the TomTom ONE for people who want a unit that plays MP3s. Reviews say this product was top-of-the-line when new, and continues to thrive as a bargain alternative. The Garmin nuvi 680 is the same as the nuvi 660, but it also includes a subscription to a traffic service with additional features. The budget units do not include traffic service capability. We found many reviews of Magellan, Lowrance, Navman and Mio units, but while many of the reviews are favorable, reviewers do not see any of them as the best in any class. The notable exception is the Magellan RoadMate 2000, which GPS magazine -- the best review source, in our opinion -- rates as the best budget unit. Among specialty products, the HP iPAQ rx5900/rx5915 is most recommended in reviews. The hybrid PDA-GPS unit comes with a car-mounting kit and TomTom GPS software. Furthermore, it plays MP3s and videos. Advertisement
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Auto GPS Reviews |
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© 2008. ConsumerSearch, Inc. A service from 
, a part of The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved.
ConsumerSearch and ConsumerSearch.com are registered trademarks of ConsumerSearch, Inc. Other trademarks or service marks on this site are the property of their respective owners. ConsumerSearch is not sponsored by any source reviewed, and we accept no consideration or payment for including, excluding, or ranking any reviews, products or services in our reports.
* Pricing information is approximate as of the time this report was written and is based on observed market selling prices and/or list prices. Actual selling prices may differ.
