Nothing beats a
dedicated navigation unit for ease of use, especially when you need clear,
quick help in the middle of a busy highway.
Improvements in GPS
models we’ve tested include good turn-by-turn navigation, more conversational
directions, and more realistic views of landmarks and interchange signs.
Garmin 2455LT is CR Best Buy at $160, providing very good navigation
Manufacturers continue
to update their lines, and Garmin, for one, is rolling out new models early
this year.
That means you’ll see
some new bells and whistles. It also means you might be able to find deals on
previous devices. Here we have Ratings on recommended models with 4.3-inch
screens from among more than 100 models we tested in all size categories.
Ratings GPS navigator recommended models
only From 40 tested
Notices
Many models offer
Bluetooth, which lets you make hands-free calls with your cell phone if your
car doesn’t already have that capability. Most devices include spoken street names
and even traffic services. The traffic information is imperfect, especially in
the low-cost units, but it can be helpful. Consider buying lifetime traffic and
map updates because they will extend the device’s usefulness and are much
cheaper to purchase up front. Model names typically include “M” or “T” to
indicate those services.
10 Garmin & 8 TomTom
1 Garmin provides a
very clear and sensitive touch-screen displayed packaged in a thin, sleek
design. It’s easy to use and has plenty of features, including updated mapping,
Bluetooth, and more.
8 TomTom improves upon
earlier devices. Features include IQ routes, lane guidance, Bluetooth
hands-free calling, and revamped voice-recognition software. 10 Garmin is CR
Best Buy at $160, providing very good navigation. It offers free traffic
information that’s supported by advertising, but it excludes Bluetooth.
Tomtom Go2435 TM improves upon earlier
devices
Small 3.5-inch devices
have become the exception rather than the rule, as they were a couple years
ago. But they’re extremely portable, just right for string in a pocketbook or
briefcase.
The more common
4.3-inch size provides a larger screen, making it easier to read the maps and
enter addresses. Large 6-inch devices might be a good choice for full-sized
pickups, SUVs, commercial trucks, and RVs, but they can be too big for a
conventional car.
