All In-dash car stereos

The Bottom Line: The Eclipse CD3100 is a car stereo for drivers interested in fine-tuning their in-cabin acoustics. Its digital-audio playback and navigation features are intuitive and user-friendly. Its turn-by-turn navigation feature is not.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: The Kenwood DPX302 has basic digital audio support and some advanced audio-customization features, but its user interface is less than adequate, even for an entry-level car stereo.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, Audio line-out, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: The Jensen VM9312 is a capable in-car multimedia device. For those looking to play digital audio and video on the road, this system is a good value for the money.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, DVD player with LCD monitor and AM/FM tuner, CD text, IPod compatible, ID3 tags support, 40 Watts x 4, Amplifier, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, CD, DVD, CD-R, SVCD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R DL, Video CD, Kodak Picture CD

The Bottom Line: The JVC KD-BT-1 offers a hatful of features for its price. However, it can be tricky to master all the controls, and you'll need a seriously tricked-out phone to make the most of it.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / digital player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, USB

The Bottom Line: The Clarion DFZ675MC can support an impressive array of audio sources, including SD cards. We like how it sounds and the number of options it has for optimizing acoustic output, but we're less impressed with its unintuitive interface.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / digital recorder, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Audio line-in, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: The impressively equipped Pioneer Avic-D3 offers an array of advanced navigation and media playback functions, but the system's poor hardware design limits its usability.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, Navigation system with DVD player and LCD monitor, IPod compatible, DVD player, LCD display, GPS navigation system, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW

The Bottom Line: The Sony CDX-GT610UI car stereo is a cost-effective and user-friendly option for digital audiophiles. Its USB and iPod compatibility set it apart from much of the single-DIN stereo competition.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / digital player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, USB, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, Remote control, Audio line-in

The Bottom Line: The Dual XDVD8182 is a multimedia receiver that will be liked by movie lovers but less welcomed by audiophiles due to its cumbersome iPod interface and lack of satellite radio capability.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, DVD player with LCD monitor and AM/FM tuner, On-screen menu, IPod compatible, Reverse gear sensor, Dual-zone capability, Rear-facing camera capability, 50 Watts x 4, In-dash unit integrated, Amplifier, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW

The Bottom Line: The Sony MEX-BT5000 is packed with useful entertainment and communications features, although it suffers from some fiddly controls. Advanced Bluetooth audio streaming may be its star feature, but its built-in sound optimization for digital audio playback means that it is more than a one-trick pony.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-out, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: The Kenwood KDC X890 is a capable head unit that supports a broad range of audio formats. Voice indexing helps counteract awkward manual file selection, although the system's claims that it measures car performance are dubious.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, USB, Audio line-in, Subwoofer output, Rear channel output, Front channel output