Test-driven: Readers' favorite in-car GPS devices

Bonnie Cha, Senior Associate Editor

Updated July 17, 2008

Though in-car GPS devices are picking up speed, the gadgets and the technology behind them are still new to many people, making it a bit intimidating when you're shopping for one. Plus, so many models are available today, and it's not like buying a car, where you can go down to the dealership, kick the tires, and take it out for a test drive. To help you out, we've rounded up some models that have been road-tested and given passing grades by CNET readers. Read our reviews to see if one is right for you.

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Product name	Garmin Nuvi 200	Dash Express	TomTom One 130S	Magellan Maestro 3100	Mio C520 Navigation Receiver	Navigon 2100

Review date	May 23, 2007	March 27, 2008	May 08, 2008	June 11, 2007	June 19, 2007	November 19, 2007

CNET editors' rating	7.7 Very good	6.7 Good	6.0 Good	6.0 Good	7.0 Very good	6.3 Good

Users' rating	7.4 Very good ( from 51 users)	7.5 Very good ( from 11 users)	8.0 Excellent ( from 10 users)	7.2 Very good ( from 43 users)	6.5 Good ( from 33 users)	7.2 Very good ( from 43 users)

Buying choices	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...	Prices from online stores: Searching for pricing data...

Local shopping	No local stores found	No local stores found	No local stores found	No local stores found	No local stores found	No local stores found

Product videos	Watch video	Watch video	Watch video	Watch video	Watch video

Review summary	The Garmin Nuvi 200 series offers drivers and travelers a more budget-friendly version of the popular portable navigation devices, but we think the price is still slightly high for what you get.	The two-way connectivity of the Dash Express portable navigation system offers powerful search and traffic capabilities to drivers and increases the value of GPS to the next level, but the system needs some refinements before we're willing to invest in it.	The TomTom One 130S is a reasonably priced entry-level GPS with a solid set of features and ease of use. Unfortunately, the system's barely audible voice directions ruin the experience.	The Magellan Maestro 3100 is an affordable, simple, and basic portable navigation system for first-time buyers, but you can get better performance from other similar systems.	The sleek Mio C520 is a good-value GPS device, packing in advanced navigation features, a large screen, and other extras for an affordable price. However, you can get a better user experience and smoother performance from competing systems.	Though the affordable price tag and text-to-speech functionality are nice, the Navigon 2100's sluggish performance and roundabout route recalculations are a turnoff; you can get a better entry-level portable navigation device in the Mio C230.

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Basic Specs
Weight	5.2 oz	13.3 oz	6.1 oz	6.5 oz	6.7 oz	5.6 oz

Destination	Automotive	Automotive	Automotive	Automotive	Automotive	Automotive

Included GPS accessories	Car power adapter , Automotive windshield mount	Dash express , Mounting arm and cradle , Mounting arm extension and wrench , Dashboard mounting disk , Car power adapter , Wall charger , USB cable , Alcohol wipe	USB cable , Car power adapter , Windshield holder	USB cable , Car holder , Car power adapter , Windshield holder	USB cable , Carrying case , Charging cradle , AC power adapter , Car power adapter , Windshield holder	Car holder , Car power adapter , Rechargeable lithium ion battery

Included GPS software	MapSource City Navigator NT	SiRF Star III	TomTom HOME	Info unavailable	MioMap v3.3	Info unavailable

Data memory type	SD Memory Card	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	SD Memory Card	SD Memory Card	SD Memory Card

Antenna	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in

Audible assistance	Navigation instructions	Audible signal(s)	Navigation instructions	Navigation instructions	Warnings , Navigation instructions	Audible signal(s)

SBAS	WAAS	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	WAAS	WAAS	Info unavailable

Maps included	USA , Puerto Rico	Info unavailable	USA , Canada	48 United States	Canada , USA	USA

Navigation waypoints	500	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable

GPS PC connection	USB	Wi-Fi	USB	USB	USB	USB

Design features	JPEG picture viewer , Clock , Currency converter , Measurement converter , Calculator	Touch screen	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Touch screen

System features	Calculator , Custom POIs , Garmin Lock , Preinstalled POIs , JPEG photo playback , 2D / 3D map perspective	Keyboard , Built-in speaker	Downloadable POIs , TomTom PLUS ready , Speed limit warning , 2D / 3D map perspective , TomTom PLUS ready (via Bluetooth) , TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ready , Optional external GPS antenna connection	Built-in speaker , Preinstalled POIs , 2D / 3D map perspective	Calculator , Built-in speaker , Built-in microphone , Speed limit warning , Hands-free calling via Bluetooth , Optional external GPS antenna connection	Built-in speaker , 2D / 3D map perspective

Manufacturer Warranty	Info unavailable	1 year warranty	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable

Body material	Info unavailable	Plastic	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable

GPS functions / services	Info unavailable	TruTraffic , Traffic alerts/detours , Alternate routes	Electronic compass	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Lane Assistant , Speed Assistant

Navigation routes	Info unavailable	3	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable

GPS receiver	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	Info unavailable	20 channel	20 channel	Info unavailable

Product name	Garmin Nuvi 200	Dash Express	TomTom One 130S	Magellan Maestro 3100	Mio C520 Navigation Receiver	Navigon 2100

Full specifications	Full Specifications	Full Specifications	Full Specifications	Full Specifications	Full Specifications	Full Specifications

Price range	Check latest prices $135-400 from 31 stores	Check latest prices $290-300 from 3 stores	Check latest prices $198-260 from 16 stores	Check latest prices $120-309 from 12 stores	Check latest prices $259-300 from 4 stores	Check latest prices $126-206 from 17 stores

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Test-driven: Readers' favorite in-car GPS devices

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