Delphi NAV200 Review

What the reviewers like:
The Delphi uses a top-shelf GPS chipset, the SiRFstar III, which gets better reception in cities with skyscrapers and other areas without a direct path to a satellite. The Delphi NAV200’s features are extraordinary for the price: multimedia (music and video playback, picture display), calculator, and adjustable night lighting. Optional additions – such as an FM transmitter and FM TMC traffic service kit – draw mixed reviews, primarily because they can easily double the price.

What the reviewers don’t like:
All reviewers fault the user interface of the Delphi NAV200. Likewise, the software draws much criticism. Reviewers say that the screen is cluttered, menu options are limited, and users have to go through too many screens. Volume adjustments are too limited. The unit does not have text-to-speech capability. You can't play music while navigating. The Delphi NAV200 is often slow to respond to input, according to reviews.

Delphi NAV200 review highlights

Delphi is an established original equipment manufacturer of car components, including navigation and entertainment products, but it is relatively new to aftermarket consumer products. Reviewers all say that the NAV200’s routing and navigation is good; unfortunately, they make no comparisons other auto GPS units. When reviewed, the NAV200 was priced in the midrange for auto GPS receivers, but it now can be found at an entry-level price. The Magellan RoadMate 2000 (*est. $180) and TomTom ONE (*est. $200) are similarly priced (with fewer features), but reviews provide no performance comparisons. User reviews of the Delphi NAV200 are a mixed bag.

The reviews of the Delphi NAV200 collectively paint a consistent picture of this auto GPS unit, although all reviews fall short in some areas. GPS Lodge.com, PC Magazine, BetaNews.com, CNet.com, and the Gadgeteer all have useful reviews that can give readers a partial idea of whether to buy the product. The other reviews we found are no more enlightening than typical individual user reviews. Compared to other auto GPS models, the Delphi NAV200 doesn't attract many user reviews at Amazon.com.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. GPSLodge.com
Review: Delphi NAV200
Scott Martin
Nov. 14, 2006

The GPS Lodge review of the Delphi NAV200 auto GPS objectively and professionally evaluates performance, usage, and features. However, it makes no comparisons, and routing accuracy and efficiency are insufficiently addressed. Scott Martin says the Delphi NAV200 is a little harder to use than other GPS devices.

2. PC Magazine
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Delphi NAV200 Portable GPS Navigation
Craig Ellison
Nov. 6, 2006

Craig Ellison regularly reviews new GPS units for PC Magazine, so it is disappointing that the only comparisons made with other products are in terms of relative features for the dollar. He suggests prospective buyers see if they like the Delphi Nav200’s user interface, since he found the menus somewhat difficult to learn and manipulate. Routing and performance are inadequately addressed.

3. BetaNews
Delphi's First Retail GPS a Worthy Contender
Ed Oswald
Nov. 20, 2006

Beta News provides a competent single-product review of the Delphi Nav200. It is neither comprehensive nor comparative, but it is balanced. The body of the review would be enhanced with screen and mounting shots. Ed Oswald is impressed with the hardware and features of the NAV200, but sees the software as a liability. There is no discussion of alternatives.

4. CNet.com
Delphi NAV200 Review
Bonnie Cha
Updated May 2, 2007

CNet’s short review suffers from insufficient testing. In spite of devoting most of the review to features and design, Bonnie Cha fails to discover that the Delphi NAV200 can’t navigate and play media at the same time.

5. The Gadgeteer.com
Delphi NAV200 GPS
Julie
Sept. 7, 2007

Reviewer Julie conducts a hands-on test of the Delphi NAV200 auto GPS while visiting an unfamiliar area. She is generally pleased, although she notes some annoyances. This review includes many screen shots illustrating auxiliary features and the navigation function.

6. Amazon.com
Delphi NAV200
Contributors to Amazon.com

There are only about a dozen owner-written reviews at Amazon.com for the Delphi NAV200 -- not very many considering that some units have more that 500 reviews. Most of the write-ups are positive, but we read some complaints about the small screen text and about signal lock.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

Delphi NAV200 Review