Auto GPS buyers guide

Last updated December 11, 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 notes first:

• I'll admit a bias towards Garmin. They manufacturer quality units with intuitive interfaces. Many of the models listed below are Garmin nuvis. You may find this Garmin nuvi feature comparison chart useful.
• All the receivers listed below have a color touch screen interface and give voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions.
• These lists of features worth paying extra for and features you don't need may prove helpful.
• 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 companion GPS Deals site 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 around 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 $140.

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 255W

The nuvi 255W has maps of the entire U.S. and Canada, a 4.3" wide screen and adds quite a few features not found on the early 200 series models, including speed limit display. It also has text-to-speech, so you'll hear "drive one-half mile, then turn left on Oak Street," instead of just "drive one-half mile, then turn left."

As of this posting the nuvi 255W can be found for around $215.

Alternative recommendation:

• An even newer model, the Garmin nuvi 265WT adds lifetime traffic and Bluetooth for hands free cell phone use

High-end auto GPS receivers

It gets a little more complicated at this end of the spectrum, because Garmin has two high-end lines, and the key features don't overlap. Both of the units below will give you a 4.3" screen, multi-destination routing and an integrated FM transmitter that sends MP3s, Bluetooth-enabled cell phone calls, audio books and spoken turn-by-turn directions to the vehicle's speakers. So here are our two choices, and the features that you'll find on one and not the other...

Garmin nuvi 765T

• Lane assist - an extremely helpful feature
• 3-D buildings - eye candy, but not that helpful
• Lifetime NAVTEQ traffic - while it is ad-supported, that's not as bad as it sounds (read our nuvi 765T review for details)
• Bluetooth that works better than on any other unit I have tested
• Currently priced at around $490

Garmin nuvi 880

• Voice recognition - the best voice command system of any GPS on the market
• MSN Direct - live traffic, weather, fuel prices and more
• A brand new release, the nuvi 880 is yet to be discounted much; currently available for around $610

Alternative recommendations:

• The Garmin nuvi 850 drops Bluetooth and the MSN Direct receiver (which can be added on later) from the 880's feature set; currently about $485.
• The Garmin nuvi 755T gives you all of the nuvi 765T features described above except for Bluetooth. Currently available for under $400
• The TomTom GO 730 offers more customization options, with only a slightly more complicated interface than a Garmin nuvi. As of this update, the 730 goes for around $335.

Additional auto GPS reviews

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

Comments

[Rich Owings]

John,

While those units are still supported, they have been officially discontinued. You may want to consider something like the 255, 255W, 265T or 265WT, which have some newer features and text-to-speech (but no MP3 player).

Another option is one of the nuvis with Mexican maps...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2008/08/garmin-nuvi-200.html

[John]

Thanks Rich, still don't know which to purchase. The hands free function isn't a big factor, because I already have one for my phone. I am looking at the 355W and 265T. Your opinion?

[Rich Owings]

If you're in an area with NAVTEQ traffic coverage (http://www.navteq.com/rdstraffic/), I'd go with the 265T. Otherwise, I'd get the wider-screen 255W. BTW, I hope to have a review of the nuvi 265WT posted early next week.

[tom]

most comments are made about the units, but an important factor is up to date maps.
Older bargain units do not contain update maps and not to anyones suprise even some of the new GPS units do not contain updated maps.
The Updated maps that come on disk or can be updated via computer to the the GPS are not FREE. As matter of fact a updated version of the United States map can run anywhere from 75.00 as high as 200.00 depending on area and interests of coverage.
So keep this in the back of your mind when you look at GPS receivers, the production date is very important, maps need to be updated at least once a year and if the GPS unit you are purchasing is over a year old, then you will need to pay to have your mapping system updated.
Thanks

[Rich Owings]

Good point, and one that is very true when it comes to refurbished units as well. However, for non-refurbished Garmins and TomToms, they will update the maps for free, if you register them right away...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2008/06/upgrade-your-ma.html

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2008/08/garmin-numaps-g.html

[Sherry]

looking for a GPS for my boyfriend for fourwheeling in Canada. Needs to work in the bush. I would like a color screen and am looking to pay about $250-$300

[Rich Owings]

Jeep / truck or ATV?

[Wayne]

I want to buy a GPS that reaction very quickly. Last time I bought Garmin Nuvi 750. But the reaction is rather slow. I don't care about other functions. Can you give me some suggestions? Thank you very much!

[Rich Owings]

Do you mean slow to react in terms of updating your position, or slow map redraw speed?

[Nikos Retsos]

I find the GPS recommendation above inappropriate. I appreciate the upfront disclosure that you are biased toward Garmins, but for that reason you should have
recused yourself, and not make any recommendation at all. A biased recommendation is like a ONE WAY street, and it locks the reader into that biased destination only.

Yes, the GPS prices have dropped, but the quality of Garmins have also dropped a lot.
I had a Garmin Street Pilot c330 {discontinued now} that was good, but I didn't like its bulbous shape. I gave it to a friend, and bought the Garmin 255W believing it was an newer and better unit. Wrong! In short: Static and garbling voice;
no voice in some turns, outdated maps -Mobil station closes in my corner in 2004 but it still shows on map, and a route to my local Jewel-Osco took me to a 5 mile circle -even though 2005 construction created a direct 1.5 mile route. I returned to merchant after 2 days at a $ 10% re-stocking fee, which I happily paid to get rid of it.

I write this reply here because I was influenced by people like you [not you] in
buying the Garmin. And as a retired professor
of social sciences, I feel that the advertising dollars Garmin is passing around to promote its products may -in some cases-
influence the reviews. And, of course, there are bad customers reviews from buyers who don't set their preferences in "The Settings", or don't bother to learn how to
operate the unit, and they expect the Unit to read the minds and operate perfectly. A bad review then is their revenge, but that doesn't help other readers looking for
an - here we come to the point again-
unbiased review or suggestion to buy something. My suggestion to GPS buyers: Read your receipt as soon as it comes out the cash register when you buy a GPS. If it says: X% restocking fee if opened, don't buy! Cancel the purchase on the spot and buy somewhere else with a better return policy. Nikos

[Rich Owings]

First of all, thanks for taking the time to reply.

Perhaps I should be more careful with my language; rather than bias, I could say that my recommendations lean towards Garmin because I've tested multiple units by all the major manufacturers and found Garmin to be the best.

Regarding out of date maps, this is a problem with all units, all brands.

[John]

I need some advice on the GPS> I am seriously considering getting the Garmin Street Pilot 7500 because of the large screen. Are there any disadvantages in getting this unit (I read where it was discontinued) but I can't find another large screen. I realize it does not have the bluetooth and extras, but tell me if it is still a good GPS unit

[Rich Owings]

No, there are no real disadvantages. Garmin will continue to support the unit. Some people like the StreetPilots better than nuvis (more options), though they aren't as easy to slide in your pocket to take away (for theft prevention). Here's a great sale on the 7500 thru Monday...
http://bestgpsdeals.net/5-day-tiger-gps-sale-includes-nuvi-755t/288/
Alternatively, you could consider the nuvi 5000 with a 5.2" screen, but it has no internal battery...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2008/03/garmin-nuvi-500.html

[john]

Is there anyone who makes a larger screen GPS (looking for 7") for Van

[Rich Owings]

There are, but they are off brands (Plenio, Invion, etc.). I wouldn't go there. Have you tried anything with a smaller screen? If you're sold on a 7", I would definitely get the StreetPilot 7200 or 7500.

[john]

What options are we talking about, cause we are basically looking for the street maps and maybe some voice telling me to turn here or there, but does the Garmin streetpilot have voice? I don't need the bluetooth or traffic updates... And they said the 7500 they are selling is the 7200 with some sort of optional cord???

[Rich Owings]

The cable is for dead reckoning, so it will know your position in tunnels, etc. Yes, the SP calls out turn-by-turn routing. It has options like being able to always avoid certain roads or areas -- a feature not found on most nuvis. Also, you can connect a back up camera. You might want to check out the manual... https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/manual.jsp?product=010-00400-10&cID=134&pID=6389

[Louis LaRiccia]

Very helpful sight. About 5 years ago I bought a Navman pocket PC with GPS. This was difficult from the begining, having to load stste maps from 3 different discs, etc. My grand daughter now uses it as a PDA/PC. Two years ago I bought a Garmin 330. This has served us well. I recently upgraded the maps, so I'll be ready in about 6 months to upgrade. A few questions: Does the Garmin 760 have choice of voice? (man or woman) I understand that after Christmas prices will be lower and some models will go even lower than that. I believe that the downloaded map series have some effect on the price, ie, the older the maps, the lower the price. I do like the 760's feature of getting you back to your parked car. Last year we lost our car in one of San Antonio's seven, or so, identical looking parking garages and the entry ticket does not identify the garage. Three hours of walking to find our car. Wish we had the 760 then.

[Rich Owings]

Ouch! The San Antonio story sounds painful. The 750 has the "Garmin Locate" feature too, if you don't need Bluetooth. Yes, all the nuvis have multiple voices to choose from. The price of old models is always dropping. There will be several points where good deals may be offered...this week, right after Christmas and after the Consumer Electronics Show when new models are announced in early / mid-January. Maps don't affect the price, and as long as you buy a new (not used or refurbished) unit and register it within 60 days, you'll be guaranteed the latest maps.

[john]

hi
I'm looking for a GPS to use primarily for boating on lake Winnipasaukie in new hampshire but would like to also use it in the car. i don't need alot of frills. i'm usualy fairly tech savvy but i dont know what to look for as options. ive been leaning toward a handheld like the garmin venture hc but any advice would be appreciated

[Rich Owings]

Dual-use GPS units will invariably lead to compromises. It's a complicated subject and I'm working on a post about it, but it will likely be at least a couple of weeks before I publish it. I'm glad you said primarily for boating, because that will make it easier to come up with a recommendation. Some things to consider:

- Most handhelds don't come with maps; they cost quite a bit extra. Fortunately, there are lots of free ones for Garmin units. Here's a starting point... http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/12/free-maps-for-y.html
- You can still use a handheld for marking coves, fishing spots, whatever, even without a map
- There are marine units that will float, or have pre-loaded charts of inland lakes. They'll cost more than the Venture HC.

Now having said all that, the Venture HC is a good choice for boating. You might consider the Legend HCx or Vista HCx ($165 at Walmart.com right now) for the expanded space for maps. Reviews of all three are posted on this site.

If you enjoy it, you might want a car unit later too. You can get nice ones for $120 or so now.

Hope that helps. Feel free to follow up with more questions.

[linda]

I have been researching auto GPS for 3 months and with all the models out there I feel like I'm loosing my mind. I purchased a Garmin Nuvi 770 from costco and returned it because it was slow like we past turn before it said to turn. We do drive faster than most. We drive rural more than city and it could never get us home without taking us thought the National Forest cross country. I would like to have live traffic but don't want to pay for a high price yearly prescription that doesn't have good coverage. The screen must be large and easy to see and hear (we are both 65 years young). No mp3 stuff bluetooth is not wanted unless it is really clear and doesn't have problems. Would like st micro cartesio over Navteq. Easy to set up and uncomplicated. We are leaving in 2 weeks on US trip and need to get one asap. Would be nice to be able to put European maps in it and also have a reliable database of gas, banks, restaurants, medical, motels etc. Seems like every time I think I have one picked out the reviews come up with something bad and I start over. Please can you help.

[Rich Owings]

The nuvi 2x5 and 7x5 series have a faster processor for quicker map redraws, which *may* help with when it calls out turns. The 2x5T and 7x5T series have lifetime traffic. The 7x5 Bluetooth is the best I've ever heard BTW. I'm not sure what you mean about ST Micro Cartesio and NAVTEQ, since the former is a chipset and the latter is a map provider. In my experience, NAVTEQ maps are better than Tele Atlas in rural areas. I think a nuvi 2x5 or 7x5 is your best bet. Hope that helps.

[Cliff]

I'm looking for a GPS unit that will store a "log" of where I go and then download that onto my computer. Does any unit do that?

[Rich Owings]

Yes, any of the nuvis that display tracks allow you to download them. See this for which models do... http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_comparisons/garmin-nuvi-comparsion-chart.html

You would need to download or transfer the .gpx file from the device. This can be opened in a wide range of mapping programs. I'm not sure how long of a tracklog the nuvi will store though.

[Scott]

Picking a GPS has been killing me.

I received a Garmin 760 from Christmas, which promptly died 6 days later (locked up once on day 5, locked up 4 times on day 6 then wouldn't power up past the Garmin screen).

I'm a nerd and really like the customizations of the Tomtom's (the 730T, specifically). I especially like the ability to avoid certain roads, since my drive to work normally takes me on the route not recommended by any mapping or GPS software. I don't like the mount (can buy aftermarket to replace, though), its lack of screen brightness, and despise the snaky FM-TMC antenna.

I like the Garmin reputation and the fact they are a US company and support seems easier, screen is nicer and the traffic cable is way cleaner. Also, if I decide to upgrade in the future (the Tomtom Go 740 is already calling my name, though I don't want to wait until Q2 2009), Ebay-ing a Garmin seems easier because its a more well known name.

So I'm stuck; I want the best of both brands but can't decide.

[Rich Owings]

I'm with you on the TomTom's screen and FM-TMC antenna. Just to further muddy the waters, according to the posted manuals, the Garmin nuvi 8x0 and 8x5 series have custom avoidances...

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2008/03/custom-route-av.html

[billy]

I just bought a Garmin Nuvi 880. Totally lost. Turned it on and everything is in a foreign language. Can someone help me get this thing in english?

[Rich Owings]

From the Main Menu, touch the Tools button (the wrench). The the Settings button (another wrench). Then the Language button (lips). Choose English.