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Best car stereos for iPod

(Nov 24, 2009)

Antuan Goodwin Antuan Goodwin
Associate Editor, Car Tech
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: $909.95 - $1,599.99 (check prices)

Review date: Oct 13, 2009

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.7 (4.0 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: $217.95 - $265.00 (check prices)

Review date: Apr 16, 2009

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Alpine iDA-X100 Digital Media Receiver

The Alpine iDA-X100 is a great receiver for people who transport all of their music on an iPod or MP3 player. The unit offers fantastic digital-audio integration without the need for a separate adapter, but should you ever want to just play a CD, you'll be out of luck.

Price: $294.99 (check prices)

Review date: Dec 18, 2008

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 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: $325.34 - $599.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jul 16, 2009

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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Sony CDX-GT610UI

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.

Price: Sorry, pricing not available

Review date: Feb 23, 2007

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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