Consumer Reports magazine published its annual car GPS buyer's guide in its December, 2008 issue, including best overall and best budget picks. CR reports a trend we've been following here for some time – more features at lower prices. CR did its usual thorough job of on-the-road evaluation with experienced testers to create the following recommendations:
Best Overall:
- Garmin Nuvi 880 ($700 - $899): Cited for its voice recognition input capability, full feature set, ease of use, accuracy, and optional MSN Direct service.
- Garmin Nuvi 760 ($300 - $400): Does not have voice recognition input but otherwise commended for full feature set, ease of use, accuracy, and optional MSN Direct service.
- TomTom GO 730T ($450 - $499): Easy to use, quick route calculation, includes an FM traffic receiver, iPod interface, "reality view" of intersections. See About GPS review here.
Best on a Budget:
- Garmin Nuvi 255W ($235 - $340): Widescreen (4.3 inches), features text-to-speech and is traffic-capable.
- Garmin Nuvi 255 ($190 - $250): Text-to-speech. 3.5-inch screen.
- TomTom ONE 130 ($150 - $220): Good basic navigator, portable, easy to use. 3.5-inch screen.
- Garmin Nuvi 200 ($130 - $199): Great entry level navigator, compact, 3.5-inch screen.
