iPod ready In-dash car stereos

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 Alpine CDA-9885 combines attractive styling and an easy-to-use music search interface with a host of expandability options, including HD Radio capability. However, those upgrading to HD Radio will have to deal with a clunky module and a hefty price tag.

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

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 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: 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 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 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