Auto GPS buyers guide

Last updated July 5, 2008

Quite often, I am asked to recommend a GPS receiver. The answer typically is, it depends -- primarily upon the price you can pay and the features you want. So here is an auto GPS buyers guide that runs the gamut, identifying some key features along the way. I'€™ll make a recommendation in each price category, based upon value, feature set and user reviews.

A few caveats first:

• I'll admit a bias towards Garmin. They manufacturer quality units with intuitive interfaces.
• I'll also admit a bias towards after-market GPS, rather than factory installed units.
• All the receivers listed below have a color touch screen interface and give voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions.
• Many of the models listed below are Garmin nuvis. You may find this Garmin nuvi feature comparison chart useful.
• Prices on GPS receivers are dropping rapidly. The prices listed below are current as of the last update of this post. Keep an eye on our GPS deals and rebates page for some great values.
• Finally, unless otherwise indicated, the links go to auto GPS reviews here at GPS Tracklog, where you'€™ll find several places to track down each model'€™s current low price from trusted vendors.

Budget auto GPS receivers

Our choice:

• Garmin nuvi 200

The Garmin nuvi 200 has maps of the entire U.S., except for Alaska. Like all the nuvis, the 200 has 6 million points of interest (POIs).

The nuvi 200's retail price is $399.99, but as of this posting it can be found for around $160.

Alternative recommendations:

• The Garmin nuvi 200W bumps the screen size from 3.5" to 4.3".
• Step up to the Garmin nuvi 250 to get maps of all 50 states and Canada too.

Mid-range auto GPS receivers

Our choice:

• Garmin nuvi 350

The nuvi 350 gives you preloaded maps of the U.S. and Canada, an MP3 player, and will speak street names for upcoming turns, so you'll get "turn left on Highway One in 500 feet" rather than "turn left in 500 feet."

As of this posting the nuvi 350 can be found for about $200.

Alternative recommendation:

• The Garmin nuvi 260, currently priced under $230, will still speak street names, but leaves out the nuvi 350's MP3 player and live traffic option.

A special case for commuters

The Dash Express is the only GPS in the U.S. that displays crowdsourced traffic data. Another plus is live Internet search. This is not the ideal everyday GPS, due to its size, if nothing else. But it could be very helpful for road warrior types. Currently $299.

High-end auto GPS receivers

Our choice: Garmin nuvi 880

• The best GPS on the market, partially because it has the best voice recognition system of any GPS.
• You'll also get a 4.3"€ wide-screen (versus the 3.5"€ screen on the 200 and 300 series nuvis).
• An MSN Direct receiver, giving you access to live traffic, weather, fuel prices and more.
• An integrated FM transmitter that routes MP3s, Bluetooth-enabled cell phone calls, audio books and spoken turn-by-turn directions through the vehicle's speakers.
• Multi-destination routing.
• A brand new release, the nuvi 880 is yet to be discounted much. Currently available for $899.

Alternative recommendations:

• The Garmin nuvi 850 drops Bluetooth and the MSN Direct receiver (which can be added on for a better deal), but at a lower price - currently around $750.
• The Garmin nuvi 780 gives you all of the nuvi 880 features described above except voice recognition. Currently available for around $520.
• The nuvi 660 won't give you multi-destination routing or voice recognition, but at less than $330 (as of this update), the price sure is right.
• The TomTom GO 730 offers more flexibility, with only a slightly more complicated interface than a Garmin nuvi. As of this update, the 730 goes for around $400.

Additional auto GPS reviews

• Garmin auto GPS reviews
• Lowrance auto GPS reviews
• Magellan auto GPS reviews
• Mio auto GPS reviews
• TomTom auto GPS reviews

Comments

[M. F. Hunter]

I'm looking for a GPS for my vehicle. I want a color screen, voice prompts that include the name of the street, and probably traffic service. Only need US maps. Suggestions appreciated. Thank you.

[Rich Owings]

M.F.,

I would definitely go with a nuvi. Either the 660, or get the 350 and buy a traffic receiver.

Rich

[Gary Wollenhaupt]

Are any of the auto GPS units realistically usable for basic geocaching? I've read several of them have 4-6 hour battery life, which would be all I need. I'd like to get a Nuvi 350 or 370 or maybe a TomTom. Would those be suitable?

[Rich Owings]

This search on Groundspeak will show several threads related to geocaching with a nuvi...

http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?act=Search&CODE=show&searchid=b0ab205a2ef7ba8ca3a05d72152e1301&search_in=titles&result_type=topics&highlite=%2Bnuvi

[Atticus]

I am planning on buying a GPS as a gift for my daughter this Christmas. I don't see the need for MP3 capability, bluetooth etc., and she is not in a major city with traffic reports available. I had been looking at the 350, but now the 260 seems like a better unit. I'd appreciate any thoughts on that issue.

[Rich Owings]

The nuvi 260 sounds like a great choice. No frills, but it calls out street names on upcoming turns. Watch the prices though. Right now the nuvi 350 is actually a little cheaper at Amazon. If you think she *might* like the MP3 player, you may want to go that way. Otherwise, the nuvi 260 has an internal antenna rather than the 350's flip up style. I believe the 260 is a little thinner too. In the end, either one is a great unit.

[derek]

i would like to know a GPS that can track a cars movements online in real time. i have a sister that has Diabetes and sometime gets hypoglycemic when she is not taking her medicine correctly and she often gets so low that we cant get ahold of her on her phone. we need one that we can find her if she is out of capacity and can get EMS to her ASAP. thanks, i ll put email on here if you need me to (to further reach me) thanks all

[Rich Owings]

Derek,

What you need is a GPS tracking device. There are many manufacturers. Most of these report position via cellular signal. I'd start by asking her cell phone provider if they offer a tracking service.

[doug higgins]

my friends bought a c330, what can you tell me about this unit and the c340, i dont need anthing complicating, but would also like to know elviation

doug

[Rich Owings]

Doug,

I wouldn't buy an older unit like the c330 or c340 when you can get a nuvi 200 for so little more. I don't know about the c300 series, but you can check the elevation on the nuvi...

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/06/finding-your-el.html

[Brian]

I'd like to buy my dad a car GPS receiver for Christmas. He really needs something basic, no frills, no MP3, no Bluetooth.

I've narrowed my search, and am now looking at two Garmins: the nuvi 200 and the StreetPilot C340. Both are the same price and appear to have similar features.

I like the slim form factor of the nuvi 200, but the C340 comes preloaded with more POI's, has a longer battery life, and includes the ability to call out street names (which the nuvi 200 does not). I realize it's an older model, but the C340 is looking like my best bet.

Any thoughts?

-=B

[Rich Owings]

Brian,

I'd go wih the nuvi. I don't think there is any difference in the number of POIs. All Garmin car units have around 6 million.

The nuvi has a better chipset, for improved reception in urban canyons and under canopy. The c340 is several generations old now and getting long in the tooth.

HTH

[BP]

I mainly need US maps but I want the capability to load maps of Italy when we travel there on vacation. Will any of the Nuvi series allow me to do that and, if so, how? And what would be the least expensive model with that capability?

Thanks

bp

[Rich Owings]

Yes, you can add City Navigator Europe NT to any unit. But it may be cheaper to buy one of the units with both North American and European maps pre-loaded. Check out the nuvi 270, 370 and 670, or the forthcoming 770 (due by the end of November):

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/03/garmin_nuvi_com.html

[G Money]

Someone know of a GPS unit that is tactor/trailer specfic? Meaning, it will give truck routes, low underpass locations, weight restrictions, etc....

[Rich Owings]

I imagine there are fleet tracking solutions that work, but I don't know of a consumer device. You might want to contact one of the resources mentioned here...

http://gpstrackingsystems.biz/maptuit-selects-navteq-to-power-navigo/42/

Having said that, most GPS units will have truck settings, but they won't show weight restrictions, etc.

[Trent]

I am trying to find a GPS navigation unit that includes Restrictions for Semi-Trucks for load weight, height and hazardous materials. Does anyone know of a unit that has these features?

[Aftab Nuraney]

I am looking for a GPS unit for my wife's car. We have an aftermarket Bluetooth unit installed in the car (Motorola Bluetooth Car Kit IHF1000) in order for her to make voice calls and have conversations hands-free. Is there a GPS unit that can tie into this? I would prefer features such as text-to-speech, min. 4 hour battery life, a 4.3" widescreen and pre-loaded detailed maps of USA and Canada.

What can you suggest within a reasonable cost?

[Rich Owings]

Aftab,

I don't believe a Bluetooth GPS would work with the system, but would rather replace it if enabled. So you might want to make your decision based on other features (traffic, etc.). The nuvi 650 might be a good choice, but it doesn't have Bluetooth. You can compare nuvis here...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/03/garmin_nuvi_com.html

[Roy Satterthwait]

I'd like your thoughts on what unit to by any manufacture will do on the best unit for a traveling salesman. I do not need blue tooth or voice.
thank you
Roy

Roy, if its not too much money, I'd go for the Garmin nuvi 750. The 700 series is the only Garmin nuvi line to optimize routes, picking the most efficient way to travel to multiple stops. It has voice and probably some other features you don't want, but is intuitive and Garmin quality through and through. Here's the review...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/11/garmin-nuvi-750.html
and here's a deal on it...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/11/price-reduction.html

[Adriana]

Hi Rich, I just found your web page and its been very helpfull so far, but I havent find anything about bridge clearances, or truck routes info in the gps features. Can you recommend me any gps that could be used for big cars? with multi destination route optimization?. Also, I've read that there is a feature that allows you to input the address using your voice, how accurate is it?
Thanks a lot in advance! (and congratulations for this site!)

[Rich Owings]

Adriana,

Thanks; I'm glad you're finding the site helpful. Many GPS receivers, like the Garmin nuvi series, allow you to select "truck" for navigation preferences, which will probably be right most of the time. I don't know of any off the shelf solution that explicitly lists bridge clearances. The nuvi 700 and forthcoming 800 series have multi-destination routing. The 800 series has voice input. Magellan and TomTom already have units with voice input. Reportedly, the TomTom 920 functions much better than the Magellan.

HTH

Rich

[Geo05]

Would like a car GPS that allows downloading a pre-selected route from a PC. Is there such a beast?

[Julie wilson]

yes there is. I may can help you out
email me at jwilson@pineland.net

[Vince]

Going to Italy, Bellagio, in May 2008 to be married. I am looking at Garmin 770 670 and TomTom 920, got a recommendation?

I like Garmins Language guide and Travel guide. TomTom does not seem to have them?

Vince

[Rich Owings]

Vince,

They are both great units. The TomTom has more options for customization, but the Garmin add ons could tip your decision that way. The Garmin will be slightly easier to operate due to its simpler menu structure.

[William]

Are there any Garmin units that have a built in receiver that can provide detours for real time traffic without paying for a subscription?

[Rich Owings]

Most Garmin auto units will allow you to select a "detour" option for your route, but you'll need a subscription for real-time traffic.

[Pam]

Am looking for a GPS that is easy to use We live in our motorhome and need direction capability for US and Canada, multi-town. Don't need all the bells and MP3's. want to be able to use unit in both the Motorhome and car (husband wants a new navigator, this one is getting old?) We are looking at the Garmin nuvi 260 and the Garmin StreetPilot 530c. Have found them for around the same price $249-$299 Which is best for the money?
Pam

[Rich Owings]

Pam,

I would go with the nuvi 260. It's more portable and you can slip it into your pocket or purse if needed. Also, the nuvi 260 has text-to-speech and will call out street names; the c530 won't.

[Doug]

I have an old Garmin GPS V. I like managing my routes and waypoints on my desktop using MapSource and loading the GPS with them and reviewing added waypoints on a trip uploaded to MapSource also. Can the same be done with the Nuvi 760?
Doug

[Rich Owings]

You can do this with waypoints with any nuvi. Waypoint management is greatly improved with the 700 series, and while you can transfer routes from MapSource to the 700 series, it is less than intuitive. According to this page...

http://gpsinformation.info/nuvi/660/760.html

"When uploading a route from MS to the unit, it becomes a "file". To actually use this route file, you have to access My Data (above), Import Route from File, and select the desired route. nuvi 760 data can also be downloaded to MapSource and displayed on a PC."

[Don]

I am considering, 99% certain, that I will purchase a Garmin 660 and was wondering if I really need the External Antenna. I notice they run from $19.95 to $149.00. Any suggestions? Would it be advisable to have professional installation if you a running through the vehicle sound system? Thanks for any information.

[Rich Owings]

Don,

Unless you have a metalicized windshield, you will not need an external antenna. I wouldn't purchase one unless you find reception to be difficult.

The nuvi 660 has a headphone / audio out jack. If your stereo has an accessible auxiliary / audio in jack, you could deal with that yourself.

[Toby]

Do any of the auto units have hiking features as well, like tracklogs, ability to use topo maps, etc? Or is it best to go with a hiking unit that can give turn-by-turn as well?

[Rich Owings]

Toby,

There are a couple of units designed just for this purpose. But I wasn't impressed with the Magellan CrossoverGPS and have yet to try the Lowrance XOG.

The Garmin nuvi 700 series will show tracklogs and let you load topo maps, but is fragile, not waterproof, and has no compass screen.

I could recommend a Garmin handheld, but by the time you bought City Navigator maps for it, you might be better off buying both a nuvi 200 and a Garmin eTrex Legend HCx.

[TIKI]

WHICH GARMIN IS BETTER. GARMIN STREETPILOT C550 OR THE GARMIN NUVI 260W ?

[Tony D]

My Wife is a minister at a new country church. I want to get her a GPS the will give voice directions, but mainly I would like to be able to track her mileage for tax reasons. Any ideas?

[Rich Owings]

TIKI,

It depends upon what features you want. For me, I'd go with the flat form factor of the 260W.

[Rich Owings]

Tony,

Navigon units have a way to export a mileage log to a spreadsheet, but I don't think there is a way to enable logging for business purposes and disable it for personal. Mio devices may have this too.

I'd say get a Garmin nuvi instead though, maybe the 260 or 260W. It has an odometer feature that you can reset. They are great units and easy to use.

[Aaron]

Hello,
I was just stationed in Europe and I'm looking for a GPS device at least 4 inches wide with detailed maps of both Europe and the U.S. I would like something that provides spoken directions, points of interest, and traffic updates. I heard that Navigon offers devices with free traffic service and map updates. I'm hoping there are other manufacturers who provide these features as well. I'd prefer to keep the cost under $500 if possible. Mac-compatible USB update ability would be a must. Any ideas on what would be my best options?

Thanks!

[Rich Owings]

Aaron,

Take a look at the Garmin nuvi 670 (http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/02/garmin_nuvi_670.html).

I don't know if you can get maps of Europe AND the U.S. on a Navigon.

And I have no idea about Mac compatibility.