Best car stereos for iPod

(Updated October 12, 2010 5:44 PM PDT)

Antuan Goodwin
Associate editor

Many stereos now feature an "intelligent" or full-speed iPod connection, which transfers information from the iPod to the stereo's display and gives the driver full search and playback control via the stereo's faceplate buttons. The challenge for these stereos is to present the driver with a user-friendly means of navigating iPod menus on the move. Smaller (single-DIN-size) systems have less real estate to play with, but some manage to do a good job of giving drivers control over their digital-audio libraries. Here is our roundup of stereos that do the best job of recreating the simplicity of the iPod's control interface.

Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT

The Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT not only brings a robust set of features into the car in a single box, but it also provides a variety of quick and safe ways to access those features.

Price: $899.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Alpine iDA-X305

For people who listen primarily to MP3/WMA/AAC audio, the Alpine iDA-X305 offers one of the easiest-to-use interfaces for in-car browsing of digital media.

Price: $219.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Alpine iXA-W407 Digital Media Station

We're pleased with the Alpine iXA-W407's "less is more" approach to in-car entertainment. The interface is less cluttered, more responsive, and easier to navigate than the previous generation's.

Pricing not available

4 stars

Very good

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Pioneer AVIC-U310BT

The Pioneer AVIC-U310BT isn't perfect, but it meets most people's needs for navigation, hands-free calling, and digital audio playback at a very affordable price.

Price: $339.95 - $349.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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