The following GPS systems (all speak street names) have dropped in price since this article was written:
Have Amazon call you to get a price adjustment for previous purchases!
Related: Nuvi Buying Guide
Originally posted on 05/11:
The June ’08 issue of Consumer reports reaffirms my belief that Garmin’s Nuvi line of GPS units are far and away the best GPS systems out there.
3 out of the top 4 GPS units are Nuvi’s, and the top 2 “Best Overall” as well as the top 2 “Best on a budget” GPS units are Nuvi’s!
I currently have the number 1 rated Nuvi 760. Just based off of its ability to reroute the normal directions based on traffic and construction zones and its multi-destination route planning it is well deserving of that rating!
Consumer reports quick picks:
Best overall GPS units:
1. Nuvi 760 (Consumer reports listed MSRP: $600. Current Amazon price: $422.47)
Includes: Multi-destination planning, bluetooth, text-to-speech, real-time traffic, large LCD screen, internal antenna, “Where am I” feature, MP3 player, FM transmitter.
Note: Nuvi 770 is identical to the 760 except it adds European coverage. Amazon price: $595.48)
2. Nuvi 660 (Consumer reports listed MSRP: $500. Current Amazon price: $344.99)
Includes: Bluetooth, text-to-speech, real-time traffic, large LCD screen, MP3 player, FM transmitter.
Note: Nuvi 650 is identical to the 660 except it strips out bluetooth and real-time traffic. Amazon price: $273.95 via Beech Camera. Not carried by Amazon directly)
Note: Nuvi 670 is identical to the 660 except it adds European coverage. Amazon price: $410.25)
Consumer Reports Best Buys: Best overall when on a budget:
1. Nuvi 350 (Consumer reports listed MSRP: $350. Current Amazon price: $236.89)
Includes: Text-to-speech, compact-design, MP3 player.
Note: Nuvi 360 is identical to the 350 except it adds bluetooth. Amazon price: $239.23)
2. Nuvi 260 (Consumer reports listed MSRP: $300. Current Amazon price: $217.85)
Includes: Text-to-speech, ultra compact-design, internal antenna.
Note: Nuvi 260W is identical to the 260 except it adds a widescreen. Amazon price: $272.99)
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13 Comments On "Consumer Reports Rates 39 GPS Units Made By 16 Manufacturers; Garmin Nuvi Sweeps!"
All opinions expressed below are user generated and the opinions aren’t provided, reviewed or endorsed by any advertiser or DansDeals.
I currently use a Nuvi 680 in the NYC area. (Returned my 650 to Costco after 7 months and used the credit to buy a 680.)It really is a great navigator. On the other hand, the MSN Direct traffic service is completely worthless. Often it will alert me to a major traffic incident up ahead when it’s really smooth sailing and vice versa. Stick with the Nuvi 650 (or the 660 if you want Bluetooth).
Dan, is there a GPS that works in Israel and the U.S.?
Dan, what is the main difference between the Nuv 360 and the nuvi 660. Is it just that the 660 is bigger?
david:
I wouldn’t call MSN worthless, although I haven’t used it in NYC. Here in Cleveland it is pretty accurate. I do sometimes find that the traffic found in the models ending in -60 with the clear channel traffic may be more accurate.
israel traveler:
I wasn’t able to find one last year, if anyone knows of one please post!
leafer:
The 660 adds a larger screen, clear channel real-time traffic, and an FM transmitter.
Have you guys ever heard of Navigon? You can get the 2100 for for under $150 sometimes(including lifetime free traffic info)
I love it. It has speech to text ( says the street names), traffic, rerouting based on traffic info, reality view – which is cool …
Navigon fared pretty poorly as a company in the June Consumer Reports ratings.
Cnet said about the 2100,
“The system is sluggish, and route recalculations weren’t efficient. The user interface isn’t as intuitive as that of the competition and can be especially confusing for first-time buyers…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.”
CR probably tested Navigon with the old version of the software.
I recently got the Nuvi 360 as a birthday gift abd I need to know whether the following is normal and therefore, whether or nor to return it and exchange for another:
1. when it boots up for the first time of the day, it takes probably 30 seconds to find a satellite, sometimes more than that. It normally takes shorter time afterwards. It does recalculate routes in about 3 seconds, which is very nice.
2. I just took it on a long trip after charging it for a few hours. The battery lasted a little more than 3 and a half hours, even though it sayd it is rated up to 8 hours, is this normal?
3. Is battery life affected when the sun is keeping the unit in the windshield nice and hot, or is the unit built to withstand that (since they expect it to be on the windshield)?
Please let me know, since I’d rather not have to return it, but I am getting worried that I got a bad unit, which is not too great after the unit cost almost $250 on amazon….
If you’re worried about it then just call up Amazon to do an exchange. It is quite an easy process.
Amazon: Garmin StreetPilot c580 3.5-Inch GPS Navigator w/ MSN Direct – Now $224.99 (or 204.99 w/ amazon card) with Free Shipping!! (Reg. $799.99)
Dan, do you know any which can do commercial routs?
Thanks!
Dan How do I get Amazon to refund on what I paid for the 260? I paid 250 and now its 208.46. What do i need to do? how do I contact them?
I agree. Ive tested the top three major brands and the Garim Nuvi is by far the best and easiest to use. Almost no learning curve, very portable, small size, nice display and very resonably priced. Love em!