New GPS navigation devices and ratings
The countdown to Black Friday and the holidays is on. The GPS team has watched the calendar closely, as we have felt the pressure to test and rate the latest automotive GPS units that went on sale late summer and early fall. There are a lot of new products now on store shelves, and we have updated our comprehensive Ratings and recommendations to help you make an informed purchase decision.
The latest Rated navigators include:
Alpine PND-K3 – This new unit is a pleasant surprise, marking a significant improvement over past-tested Alpine units and boasting attractive graphics.
Garmin Nuvi 265WT and 500 – Part of the latest 2x5 generation, the widescreen Nuvi 265WT features free real-time traffic. A dual-purpose, the Nuvi 500 unit combines traditional Nuvi car navigation with the ability to serve hiking and geocaching duties, as well.
Mio Knight Rider – We couldn’t resist testing this nostalgic homage to the 1980s television show. And yes, it does use the original K.I.T.T. voice.
Navigon 2000S, 2200T, and 7200T – An all-new Navigon line sees notable improvements, including easier address entry and quicker calculation times. "T" models include free real-time traffic.
Sony Nav-U NV-U44, NV-U74T, and NV94T – Ranging from basic to 4.8-inch premium, the new Sony navigators are quicker than previous models for route calculation and moving through menus.
In addition to car navigators, we have also recently posted handheld hiking GPS buying advice and ratings.
The road ahead
The GPS team has been busy, but we’re not done yet. The handheld hiking GPS buying advice and ratings will go live in a couple days. (View our hiking GPS video.) Plus, we are already at work on the next update, targeting early December for providing ratings on more recently introduced automotive navigators.
Check out our redesigned GPS special section. It has pages of buying advice, including information on in-car navigation and cell-phone navigation. Be sure to use the slick, new product selector (available to online subscribers). This dynamic tool lets you sort and filter ratings by the features that matter most to you, and it even includes information on units in testing.
—Jeff Bartlett
For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.
Posted by: Lynn | Nov 24, 2008 2:44:38 AM
thanks for a very informative post.
Posted by: gloria skiles | Dec 4, 2008 3:24:57 PM
There are several models of nextar gps for sale, but you haven't mentioned them. Are they a good quality? the Q4-02 has a 4.3 touch screen, rechargeable battery, AC & Car charger, text to speech pronounces name of street, no subscription, optional mounting bracket. $129.99 But I'd buy a garmin with less features if the quality is better.
Posted by: Jeff Bartlett | Dec 4, 2008 3:59:12 PM
Hi Gloria - We have previewed the Nextar GPS devices:
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008/11/nextar-gps-navi.html
But, we have not tested them. It is our intention to test them in the future. Until then, we can only make recommendations based on the dozens of models we have tested, and Garmin does tend to perform better than most other brands. However, it is important to check the ratings to see how devices perform in the areas that matter most to you.
Posted by: Tony | Dec 11, 2008 1:58:43 PM
I have recently purchased a Nextar x3-08 3.5 inch model priced at $249 retail with both car and home power cords as well as windshield holder and carrying case that I paid only $65 for after $20 Kohls rebate over black friday shopping. It is also a picture viewer and MP3 player. I have only tried the mapping functions. It seems to work well if you select the level of road mapping you want..i.e. local, fastest, etc. correctly. It has what I consider the latest maps as recent local developments in my area are included. It was mfgd in Sept. 08. I had one quirky freeze that was easily resolved by shutting it off and on. Otherwise I am satisifed so far considering what it provides and how often I will be using it with the right price of course. I am hoping more the quality of the electronics inside hold up. Time will tell and I am also curious on what CR finds in their testing.
Posted by: stephenslave | Dec 17, 2008 1:09:36 AM
Hi friend,
It's nice information gps system and it's rating.It's very helpful for the people who really wants to buy a gps system.
Posted by: Holly | Dec 29, 2008 8:19:11 AM
Regarding the Nextars, I had the X4-04 from Kohl's. It's mapping information was behind, so I called Nextar and got a tech on the phone that was not real pleasant. I tried to explain that the map was not up to date and he said that they use Navteq(sp) which is the biggest mapping facility for all GPS units, they update quarterly. Nextar is only planning on updating every July? I asked him if this was going to be done via the computer and I was told, at this point Nextar did not know if they were going to recall all units, recall just the cards, or do it online. He also did not know if there would be a charge for the update! For me, this is tooo many "I don't knows." At least when I called Garmin they told me fees, when, where and how, and the same with Tom Tom. I have since ordered the Garmin nuvi 265WT, and the Nextar went back to Kohl's today.
I think Nextar needs a few years on the road to figure out what they are doing.
Posted by: Eileen | Jan 7, 2009 6:29:48 PM
I purchased a Nextar Q4-02 before Christmas from Herberger's (a regional department store) for $129.99 after rebate. So far, I am having trouble getting the rebate. I purchased this because we were driving to Nashville for Christmas to see our son. I found the unit very easy to use and it came with a lot of accessories that I would have had to pay extra for if I would have bought a Garmin, TomTom, etc. We don't drive in metro areas very often as we live in a rural area. But it was a lifesaver driving in the Nashville area to find places while our son was at work. I would recommend this unit.
Posted by: ruben gonzalez | Jan 8, 2009 8:11:34 PM
hi i bought a garmin nuvi200&a megallin1212 which one should i keep and take back?
Posted by: Brian | Apr 30, 2009 6:57:02 PM
I bought a Nextar M3 from Kohls for $88. after rebate last weekend and so far I am impressed! Having street names announced for a unit this cheap is a big deal.
Posted by: Jerry | May 3, 2009 2:36:32 PM
I purchased a Nextar X3-03 from KMart in Mar 09 because of the $20.00 rebate and the "eventual" 79.99 price. Even though the Rebate instructions clearly stated "photo copy acceptable" the rebate was rejected and I had to send in the original receipt to get it processed. Seems like a poor management and training problem. The unit works well though -- simple and easy to use. Worked great in the downtown historic district of Savannah finding addresses and getting us out and back to the hotel. The only problem I've had is in the "touchscreen" sometimes being "sluggish". Needed to "hold down" the zoom in button for a few seconds before any change took place. The keyboard and entering destinations is fairly simple and error free. I do hope an update becomes available soon -- my area is fast growing and many new areas are not on the GPS map. It is my 1st GPS and I feel I'm getting a good deal for the money. The standard accessories are options on other brands and it plays Mp3 and Photo shows too. If you only need the GPS sometimes (like me)I would recommend it, but if you travel a lot you probably would do better knowing an update is available or upcoming.