GPS Reviews

GPS Reviews, prices and more advice on buying a portable GPS navigation system

Editor's Picks

TomTom GO 920T
List Price: $500

According to reviewers, the TomTom GO 920T is not the very best of its class, but it's certainly in the top tier. It sports a stunning design and excellent performance, but its voice command feature could use a little work.

Navigon 2100
List Price: $250

While most manufacturers are trying to impress with you flash and color, Navigon 2100 chooses to woo you with its simplicity.

TomTom ONE 3rd Edition
List Price: $200

The TomTom ONE 3rd Edition is an affordable, no-hassle solution for those in the market for an entry-level GPS device. While it's not loaded with extras, it will get you to where you're going.

Garmin nuvi 880
List Price: $900

According to industry experts, you won't be disappointed with the Garmin nuvi 880 if you can justify the price. Bloated with features but still easy to operate and carry, the nuvi 880 offers accurate directions, local news, movie times, stock information -- and prestige.

Mio DigiWalker C520
List Price: $299

A great device for going against the grain, the Mio DigiWalker C520 offers abundant features for its price class, and an easy-to-use 4.3-inch touchscreen. However, some say its navigation capabilities are not superior to other mid-range GPS devices.

What to Look for in a GPS System

When it comes to car travel, time really is money these days. You're looking for the best way to shorten your route or avoid traffic to keep from burning extra gas. But there's hope -- GPS prices have come down in the past year as technology has improved and competition has heated up, and you could free up both travel time and money by investing in a quality portable GPS system right now.

Real-time traffic services through a satellite radio subscription or with an in-dash navigation system are increasingly becoming popular, but stand-alone options, like those from GPS leaders TomTom or Navigon are potentially more cost-effective. If you're in the market for a new car altogether, consider the cost benefit of a portable unit over the expensive factory or dealer-installed GPS navigation. 

In the GPS market, Garmin, Magellan and TomTom are the best-known brands and often considered the best quality GPS systems. But Mio, Navigon and Sony GPS systems are also becoming popular. Apple's iPhone 3G and others are also entering the industry by introducing basic GPS navigation in Smartphones, and there are rumors that Sony's PlayStation Portable might soon add GPS capability. Still, most people will find a separate dash or windshield-mounted portable GPS system is a safer and easier tool for car navigation. Check out our GPS Buying Guide to help you decide what you really need in a portable GPS system -- and how much you should spend. 

With so many options, setting a budget is probably the best way to start your search for the right GPS system. Taking this in mind, we have devised three GPS review categories to help you decide. 

Inexpensive GPS Systems - $250 and below

The most affordable GPS systems generally have 3.5-inch displays, pre-loaded 2D/3D mapping for the mainland U.S. as well as turn-by-turn navigation. These cheaper GPS units are suitable  for most drivers, and may include extras like a touchscreen, a JPEG picture viewer, and a calculator and currency converter.

GPS Reviews for Top Models: 

Mid-Range GPS Systems - $250 to $500

Mid-range navigation systems generally have larger screens than the inexpensive models, and include convenience extras like Bluetooth connectivity and real-time traffic, as well as MP3 players or FM transmission.

GPS Reviews for Top Models:

Advanced GPS Systems - $500 and above

Advanced navigation systems normally have five-inch displays and beyond, and are sometimes loaded with features and functions to facilitate more than car travel. 

GPS Reviews for Top Models:

 

Continue with our GPS Buying Guide for a more detailed analysis of what your options are when buying a GPS navigation system.

More about Car GPS Systems

The Coolest Features For Your GPS

For a second, let's assume that every portable GPS system does a great job navigating you around town. If that were the case, what other features would you like your nav to perform? The latest models are debuting with sensational features ranging from Wi-Fi Internet Connectivity to a built-in breathalyzer test.

The 8 Most Anticipated GPS Devices

We are in the midst of a true GPS renaissance. Features that were considered flights of fancy just a few short years ago have become reality, and even more features and blow-your-mind devices are just around the corner.