GPS Ratings: New models, new tests

Our colleagues in the Consumer Reports Cars department have just finished reviewing the latest GPS navigation systems. Among the 55 models in our latest Ratings of GPS systems (available to subscribers) are units with interesting features, including the voice-activated Garmin Nuvi 880.

We’ve updated the way we score and display the models in our GPS Ratings, based on feedback from ConsumerReports.org readers and results from a survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Among the changes:

• Models are now divided into three types: basic navigators, navigators with traffic optional, and traffic-ready navigators. We’ve learned from reader feedback and survey data that real-time traffic is an important, distinguishing feature on GPS models—though we don’t prioritize it in the ratings. Greater emphasis is placed on core navigation abilities, ease of use, and information for the driver.
• We now score for some convenience features, particularly those that have safety and value benefits, like Bluetooth connectivity, trip computer, and whether an A/C power cable and USB cable are included.

These changes reflect the evolving nature of the GPS market, the growing number of options available to GPS shoppers, and your feedback on what you'd like to see in our Ratings. Read "New GPS navigation devices, ratings and methodology" on our Cars Blog for more details about the new test and evaluations we perform on GPS units. If you're shopping for a new navigation unit, check out our free buying advice for GPS systems.

Comments

[MommaD]

We have a Mio DigiWalker - cheaper than many - works great - easy to use - display is large and clear - and the navigator's voice is pleasant to listen to. It was rated well by other consumer groups, but hasn't been reviewed yet by C.U. - hopefully it will be next time!! We love it!

[Pat Cooper]

I have been a Garmin user for many years. I have been very satisfied with my handheld garmin, it's maps and features. However I purchased a Nuvi660. It has a lot of great features but the biggest flaw is it inability to force to use major roads. I use it for an RV and do not wish to take backroads with a 34ft fifth wheel behind me. To use an example, I was in Grants Pass, Or and wanted to plot a course to Gold Beach, Or. The settings for routing preferences are either fastest or shortest. Both settings routed me over the same road that James Kim took and eventually died of exposure. It is at best a secondary road. I contacted Garmin and was basically dismissed. Look to Magellan

[Saul Weinstein]

I bought a Sony Nav-U 83T earlier this year before CU reviewed. Too bad, but even the review would not address my biggest problem.

This nav does NOT show icons ( such as gas station ) at freeway / interstate speeds. It has firmware which automatically defaults to a much greater scale over 60 MPH that can not be manually reset or defeated. So when traveling on the interstate ( whether locally in SF Bay area or on trips to other areas ) and looking for an offramp with a gas station, I have to rely on the good old Mark One Eyeball, as before nav purchased.

Sony customer service was less than helpful. The technician I first spoke to was knowledgable, has a similar unit, and believes that the screen "refresh rate" is too low to support a smaller scale with icons ( say 1" - 1,00 feet ). This makes sense along with recent CU review comments about slow rate to program new destinations.

To complain further or ask for more assistance, Sony requires customer to send a written letter to their "National Customer Relations" ( NCR ). They WILL NOT provide a phone number or connection, it's their policy. Sent letter, waited and waited. Called again, told to send NCR an e - mail for letter response. Given wrong e - mail address, e - mail bounced.

Tried again, finally got connected to NCR agent who said would research and get back to me in 48 hours. Waited five days over weekend, called again, got another agent, told that lack of icons ( gas station, etc. ) at over 60 MPH is a "safety issue" and not a defect, they will do nothing.

I believe that's a bunch of crap excuse to cover their product's lack of capability. Sony the premium company, right. Premium PRICE but poor customer service, poor attitude towards legitimate concern. No more Sony ANYTHING for me, I am done with them.

BTW, also do not count on the Bluetooth on the Sony Nav-U. Almost everyone I have tried to talk to on it reports very difficult to understand me talking. I just had a BlueConnect installed, works great and crystal clear on both ends. Also a Parrot 3100 in previous vehicle worked just fine with the same cell phone handset ( LG Trax CU 570 ).

Now shopping for replacement nav unit which WILL show the icons at travel speed. There are a number out there, so much for Sony's so - called safety issue. Recommendations from happy users cheerfully accepted. I am considering Garmin Nuvi 5000 as I don't need Bluetooth or battery and I like the larger screen. Thoughts?

Saul

[Ray Roberts]

I received a Gonav S600A as a gift, I now believe the person that gave it to me doesn't like me very much!
It is my first GPS unit, and if this is any indication on both reliability and service, MY LAST!
The first disc for loading the maps has an error, so loading it isn't possible and try to find anyone who will accept responsibility for this piece of Pacific Rim junk!
Beware, there are major rip off artists out there cleverly disguised as retailers, gift or no.

[Michael]

i am shopping for another GPS. I had a Garmin 660 and loved it. I forgot to take it out of my car and awoke to find a smashed window and no GPS, no sandbag dash stand, and no inverter from my glove box. When i checked into my theft i found the following:
1. portable GPS units are in very high demand
2. all they have to look for is the residue from your suction cup on the windshield and they will smash the window assuming it is in the glove box
3. passenger windows are not part of your security system.
4. all it requires to break the window is a flame (like a charcoal lighter) held next to the glass and the window explodes in a million small pieces
5. the police NEVER investigate so it is the perfect crime

[Art Bourgeault]

In Canada - Amco GPS, with bluetooth, voice guidance, 1 gig ram, memory slot, north america maps loaded, points of interest, and usb supported, mp3 player etc, on sale for $149 It seems to work fine, has clear 4.3 in screen color and you can carry it in your shirt pocket, fairly slim, it has bike mode, motor cylce mode, pedestrian mode, vehicle mode. Seems to have everything you can think of; but it doesn't even show up on your research list. The sales guy told me is was something the US Military used to use...don't know how true that is. Check them out on www.amcornavigation.com

[Stephen Metz]

Over the years I have purchased three TomTom units. I currently have the Model 720. The first model I had worked with my PDA. The second was the TomTom One which has worked to perfection for years. Every time I use the 720 I have to hope it even starts up. I sent in given tech help could not help me get it to work. They sent a refurbished replacement and this is as bad as the one I sent in. Even other start-up I have to hit the reset button in order to get it to start. When you call customer service, they start out telling you they want to provide the best customer service EVER! When this new replacement started acting up, I called TomTom technical service and was given totally different advise I was given the last time. It seemed like he wanted toi just get off the phone. I decided that day, I would never again buy a TomTom product. Everyone can get a bad unit. I got two bad units. But what made iut worse, was the fact that this unit is supposed to be upgradeable to send map errors to TomTom (my street does not exist on their maps). Three times I asked TomTom to explain why they never respond to my request for an answer why I cannot upload the map correction. I have yet to hear back from them. HARDLY THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER RECEIVED. My next navigation, I will add it as an option on a new car. As for TomTom, we are done. I do not recommend them at all.

[Steven Landy]

I have been a long time Garmin user. I have used alot of other manufactures GPS models, my factory Lexus Navigation in all. I always go back to my Garmin because it's so user friendly.

In defense to the post that described his displeasure with Garmins support, I sent my GPS 376C in for a problem 2 years out of warranty. They sent me back a complete new unit with ALL the original accesories. All electronic devices are going to have a bad apple, what product that is man made is perfect? It's what the company does when there is a problem that is important to me.

[Ronald J. Meyer]

Garmin Nuvi 350 - Purchased at BJ's Wholesale Club, Cost was $599.99, on October 21/2006.
The Nuvi 350 has been used less than 13 times. During my last use the unit stopped working, and shut down. I was unable to turn unit on, it was dead in the water. After speaking with customer support at Garmin, his only solution was to send the unit in for service and repair. at $175.00.
I am now using my Comsumers Reports magazine to choose a new unit from a more relaiable manufacturer.

[GPS]

The Garmin Nuvi 880 certainly isn't for those with anything but the fattest pocketbooks! Although it has some really cool features, at near $1,000, it's tough for me personally to rationalize this cost compared to some of the other units with voice recognition software in the $250 - $450 range. I suppose that with any latest/greatest technology, it's only a matter of time until they drop down into my price range. Patience, patience.....