All In-dash car stereos

The Bottom Line: The innovative in-dash Alpine IVA-W205 provides a decent range of media playback options as well as a useful navigation service and a good Bluetooth calling interface when connected to Alpine's portable Blackbird GPS device.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, CD text, Built-in clock, iPod compatible, ID3 tags support, 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, Video CD, DVD-Audio

The Bottom Line: The Sony XAV-W1 is a stylish new entrant into the aftermarket in-car audiovisual market. Its SACD-playback ability will interest serious audiophiles, while its stunning display and intuitive media-selection interface will attract anyone looking for a user-friendly in-car media player.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, Dual-zone capability, Rear-facing camera capability, 52 Watts x 4, Amplifier, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, SVCD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Video CD

The Bottom Line: The Jensen MP66312i provides an impressive range of media inputs, standard Bluetooth connectivity, and a usable iPod interface. Its low-rent display lets it down, but its impressive number of features is difficult to beat for the price.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / SD/MMC digital player / USB flash player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, USB, Audio line-in, Audio line-out

The Bottom Line: With a built-in navigation system and a decent range of media playback options, the Kenwood DNX7100 cannot be faulted for its breadth of features, but the system is let down by its counterintuitive media-selection interface.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, iPod compatible, Rear-facing camera capability, 50 Watts x 4, In-dash unit integrated, Amplifier, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, GPS navigation system

The Bottom Line: The Dual XDMA6700 is a bargain-basement stereo, ideal for those interested in a useful Bluetooth hands-free module that also plays music.

The Bottom Line: The JVC KD HDR1 in-car stereo delivers HD Radio and most other digital-audio playback options for a very competitive price.

Specs: Radio / HD radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio / HD radio tuner, CD / MP3 player

The Bottom Line: The Sony MEX BT-2500 is a good option for those looking to spend no more than $200 on a Bluetooth-enabled in-car stereo. Its straightforward design and intuitive controls make it easy to use, but its limited calling capabilities and poor outgoing sound quality let it down.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in

The Bottom Line: The Eclipse AVN5510 is a good all-in-one in-car product. Its broad range of audio and video customization features and its superb navigation interface make a very attractive proposition for those who can live without real-time traffic.

Specs: In-dash, LCD monitor, Rear-facing camera capability, 50 Watts x 4, CD player, DVD player, LCD display, Radio tuner, GPS navigation system, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-ROM

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