Garmin StreetPilot c330 Review

UPDATE: The StreetPilot C300 series is several generations old now, and newer units are greatly improved. For a more current recommendation, check out our Auto GPS buyers guide or go straight to our Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

The Garmin StreetPilot c330 is a popular  automotive navigation device, from a company known for great customer service and intuitive menus.

Unlike the c320, the c330 comes preloaded with City Select maps for North America or Europe. Step up to the c340 and the unit will announce upcoming street names and add optional FM TMC traffic alerts.

Over 100 users have contributed reviews of the StreetPilot c330 at Amazon, which has this to say in their editorial review...

"With a simple touch screen interface, automatic route calculation to any destination, and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions, the StreetPilot c330 GPS navigator is a powerful companion for your adventures on the road. Plus, Garmin has designed the "c-series" of car navigation units to be as simple and easy-to-use as possible-- no more intimidating features, just straightforward, basic navigation at your fingertips. Selecting a destination is as simple as a few finger-strokes, and you can choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional "bird's eye" overhead view."

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Here's what others are saying:

• gpsinformation.net, a great GPS website, has this Street Pilot c330 review.
• CNET gave a 7.3 out of 10 rating in their Garmin C330 review, while dozens of users rated it slightly higher.
• PCMag.com gave a 3.5 out of 5 star rating in their c330 review.
• The Street Pilot 330 even earned a place as Time's Gadget of the Week.
• CompUSA has posted many very positive Garmin StreetPilot c330 reviews by satisfied consumers.
• Here is a brief, but positive Garmin StreetPilot c330 review from Forbes.
• A Mom reviews the StreetPilot c330.
• The GPS Guy has posted a Garmin StreetPilot c330 review.
• Crutchfield has also posted a Garmin StreetPilot c330 review.
• SimonAndBaker.com's Garmin c330 review.
• Here is an Epinions review of the StreetPilot c330.
• A husband and wife team review the Garmin c330.
• Here's another Garmin StreetPilot c330 review.

Finally, here are some additional resources:

• If you really want to get in depth, check out the 330 manual.
• There is a Yahoo discussion group focusing on the StreetPilot c320 and c330, but it's not very active. Another option would be the alt.satellite.gps.garmin Usenet group.

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c330 at these merchants:

• Find the low price on the StreetPilot c330 at GPSNow.com.
• Check the current Garmin StreetPilot c330 at Amazon.com.
• Check the deals on Garmin GPS receivers at REI.com.
• Get the Garmin StreetPilot c330 for an amazing price at eBay.

Product description from the official Garmin C330 page:

Our StreetPilot "c-series" GPS navigators feature a simple touchscreen interface, with automatic route calculation to any destination and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions along the way. Selecting a destination is straightforward and requires only a limited amount of input from the user. Plus, the StreetPilot c320 and StreetPilot c330 allow you to choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional “bird’s eye” overhead view.

For the ultimate out-of-the-box convenience, the StreetPilot c330   comes preprogrammed with highly detailed MapSource   City Select street   data.   The database features nearly six million points of interest—including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. (The c320 comes with a 128 MB   SD card and a MapSource City Select CD-ROM   for data transfer from a PC via a USB connection.)

As an added benefit, you can now import customized points of interest with the help of Garmin's free POI Loader software. The possibilities are endless — upload safety cameras or school zones, and you will receive a warning if you are traveling too fast. In addition, an optional proximity-alert feature notifies you of upcoming custom POIs.

The centerpiece of both units is a bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit   color display that makes navigation a snap.   The StreetPilot c330 features dual integrated speakers   for high-quality voice prompts, and an internal lithium-ion   battery for out-of-car route planning.

The new StreetPilot c-series boasts distinctive and sleek styling—the   only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off   switch. The   device is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens   to the windshield for easy portability between vehicles.   Users can customize their unit’s appearance with an array of   colored faceplates (sold separately).

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Comments

[Istok]

It really is easy to use. It has everything one needs in a GPS device. Why pay more? Unless you want something that fits in your pocket. The Mio would then looks like a better choice.

[Rich Owings]

Istok, you make a good point. I do think the screen visibility has gotten better on newer models though.