Sony In-dash car stereos

The Bottom Line: The Sony Xplod CDX-GT920U offers many options for connecting to your digital music library and supports the most commonly used formats, unless your music library is on your iPod.

Specs: Radio / CD / MP3 player / USB flash player, Radio tuner, CD / MP3 player, Audio line-in, USB, Rear channel output, Front channel output, Subwoofer output, System components control bus

The Bottom Line: For the price, the Sony MEX-BT2600 is an impressive all-in-one in-car communication and entertainment device.

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

The Bottom Line: The Sony CDX-GT620IP is a value-for-money iPod-compatible car stereo with good usability and decent sound quality.

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

The Bottom Line: The MEX-BT5100 is a good all-in-one option for those thinking of investing in a in a decent stereo and a hands-free speakerphone.

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

The Bottom Line: The Sony CDX-GT520 is a decent option for those wanting a reasonably priced stereo to play disc-based audio. While it does support HD Radio, it requires the connection of a clunky add-on module, which is almost more trouble than it's worth.

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

The Bottom Line: Sony's CDX-GT420IP is an affordable means of taking your iPod library on the road. While its basic user interface lacks the search functionality of some other systems, this is a competitively priced and decent sounding entry-level stereo for the digital-audio age.

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

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 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 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 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