Magellan GPS

Named for the famous Portuguese explorer, Magellan GPS are some of the most popular units for car navigation on the market today. However, Magellan's key competitors Garmin and TomTom have increased their relevance in the last few months, by populating the market with newer GPS units, plus sponsorship and mapmaking deals. Magellan GPS are generally older than the more innovative devices released in the last few months. Although Magellan is still the number three selling GPS manufacturer in the United States, it has entered into a "definitive agreement to sell" with Mio GPS' parent company, MiTAC International Corporation. The deal should be finalized in January 2009, and there is much speculation what will happen to some of Magellan's most popular models afterward.

Magellan GPS systems tend to have helpful navigation extras like "Locate," which details your current location and closest landmarks upon request, or the "TrueView" screen, which allows drivers to view their upcoming maneuver as a 3D graphic accompanying the 2D map. Additional Magellan traits include large display screens, Bluetooth connectivity and interactive points of interest. The reviewer favorite Magellan Maestro 4250 also has voice-command, Exit POIs (which alerts you to restaurants, stores and gas stations at each approaching exit), and a QuickSpell feature that makes for easier and safer entry of street names.

Check out our slide show of the Best Magellan GPS Systems, or learn more about Magellan GPS using our Buyer's Guide. You can also research the most popular Magellan models using the reviews below:

Magellan Car GPS Devices

MSRP: $100 Magellan Maestro 3100

The Magellan Maestro 3100 is an entry-level GPS that aims to provide bare-bones navigation at an attractive price. While not loaded with extras, it will get you to where you're going -- and it won't break the bank in the process.

MSRP: $150 Magellan Maestro 4200

Grandfather to the popular Maestro 4250, the Magellan Maestro 4200 offers many of the well-liked navigation extras that have distinguished the series but for a more agreeable price tag.

MSRP: $300 Magellan Maestro 5310

The Magellan Maestro 5310's large and easy-to-read screen is one of its key highlights for the class, but GPS writers contend a similar or better device can be had for a fraction of the 5310's price.

MSRP: $400 Magellan Maestro 4250

The Magellan Maestro 4250's sharp design, easy operation and nifty features are a nice blend. Some reviews point out occasional touch screen lag and even some cases of the unit freezing up. But despite this, the Maestro 4250 receives favorable reviews for its overall value.

MSRP: $700 Magellan RoadMate 6000T

The Magellan RoadMate 6000T offers plenty of well-functioning features to assist in car navigation, and is one of the few devices that provides touchscreen functionality as well as buttons along the frame of the device.