Test-driven: Readers' favorite in-car GPS devices

Bonnie Cha
Bonnie Cha Senior Associate Editor July 17, 2008
Though in-car GPS devices are picking up speed, the gadgets and the technology behind them are still new to many people, making it a bit intimidating when you're shopping for one. Plus, so many models are available today, and it's not like buying a car, where you can go down to the dealership, kick the tires, and take it out for a test drive. To help you out, we've rounded up some models that have been road-tested and given passing grades by CNET readers. Read our reviews to see if one is right for you.
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Product Garmin Nuvi 200 Dash Express TomTom One 130S Magellan Maestro 3100 Mio C520 Navigation Receiver Navigon 2100
Price MSRP: $267.84 $195.99 MSRP: $149.95 Pricing is currently unavailable. Pricing is currently unavailable. MSRP: $199.00
CNET editors' rating 3.5 stars 3 stars 3 stars 3 stars 3.5 stars 3 stars
Average user rating 3 stars 3.5 stars 3.5 stars 3.5 stars 2.5 stars 3 stars
Release date May 16, 2007 March 27, 2008 Info unavailable Info unavailable Info unavailable Info unavailable
Bottom line
The Garmin Nuvi 200 series offers drivers and travelers a more budget-friendly version of the popular portable navigation devices, but we think the price is still slightly high for what you get.
The two-way connectivity of the Dash Express portable navigation system offers powerful search and traffic capabilities to drivers and increases the value of GPS to the next level, but the system needs some refinements before we're willing to invest in it.
The TomTom One 130S is a reasonably priced entry-level GPS with a solid set of features and ease of use. Unfortunately, the system's barely audible voice directions ruin the experience.
The Magellan Maestro 3100 is an affordable, simple, and basic portable navigation system for first-time buyers, but you can get better performance from other similar systems.
The sleek Mio C520 is a good-value GPS device, packing in advanced navigation features, a large screen, and other extras for an affordable price. However, you can get a better user experience and smoother performance from competing systems.
Though the affordable price tag and text-to-speech functionality are nice, the Navigon 2100's sluggish performance and roundabout route recalculations are a turnoff; you can get a better entry-level portable navigation device in the Mio C230.
Destination

Automotive

Automotive

Automotive

Automotive

Automotive

Automotive

Included GPS accessories

Car power adapter

Automotive windshield mount

Dash express

Mounting arm and cradle

Mounting arm extension and wrench

Dashboard mounting disk

Car power adapter

Wall charger

USB cable

Alcohol wipe

Car power adapter

Windshield holder

USB cable

Info unavailable

Car power adapter

Charging cradle

AC power adapter

Windshield holder

USB cable

Carrying case

Car power adapter

Rechargeable lithium ion battery

Car holder

Antenna

Built-in

Built-in

Built-in

Built-in

Built-in

Built-in

Audible assistance

Navigation instructions

Audible signal(s)

Navigation instructions

Navigation instructions

Warnings

Navigation instructions

Audible signal(s)

Weight

5.2 oz

13.3 oz

6.1 oz

6.3 oz

6.7 oz

5.6 oz

GPS PC connection

USB

Wi-Fi

USB

Info unavailable

USB

USB

System features

Calculator

2D / 3D map perspective

Preinstalled POIs

Custom POIs

Garmin Lock

Keyboard

Built-in speaker

Speed limit warning

TomTom PLUS ready (via Bluetooth)

TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ready

2D / 3D map perspective

TomTom PLUS ready

Downloadable POIs

Optional external GPS antenna connection

2D / 3D map perspective

Preinstalled POIs

Calculator

Speed limit warning

Built-in microphone

Hands-free calling via Bluetooth

Built-in speaker

Optional external GPS antenna connection

2D / 3D map perspective

Built-in speaker

Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
Buying choices

MSRP: $267.84

See manufacturer website for availability.

Prices from 1 store

MSRP: $149.95

See manufacturer website for availability.

Pricing is currently unavailable.

Pricing is currently unavailable.

MSRP: $199.00

See manufacturer website for availability.