CNET readers' favorite GPS devices (roundup)
We've rounded up a selection of recently reviewed navigation devices with the highest user ratings.
- North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
Let's get one thing straight: this is not a dictatorship. You may have noticed that just below every bright red CNET editors' rating is a cool blue user rating. And just below every review is a place where you, dear user, can make yourself heard by writing a short, sweet user review! Sometimes the editors and the users agree, sometimes we butt heads, but both views are important to the big picture.
Nowhere are user reviews more important than in the GPS category. The core function of the device and the accuracy of its map data relies heavily on the geography and topography of the area where it's operated. A GPS navigator that performs perfectly near the CNET offices in San Francisco may not be as accurate in another city with more tall buildings blocking the sky. On the other hand, maps that aren't 100 percent accurate for our testing area may be perfect near you. That's why it's so important that we hear from our readers.
With that in mind, I've rounded up a selection of the portable navigation devices with the highest average user ratings. If you've got a favorite GPS navigator, pop over to our GPS reviews list and leave a rating!
Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LM Traveler
The Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LM Traveler ships with an odd grouping of features--including Wi-Fi Internet connectivity and a TourDirector POI finder--but that didn't stop our users from giving it a 4.5-star average score. Read the full review.
Pioneer AppRadio SPH-DA01
Pioneer's first-generation AppRadio relies heavily on the Apple iPhone and a selection of apps to do its thing. We thought it needed a bit more time to bake, but that didn't stop the early adopters from rating this device highly. Read the full review.
Garmin Nuvi 50 GPS receiver
The entry-level model in Garmin's Nuvi series has been the manufacturer's bread and butter for years, so it's no surprise that our readers gave the newest entry-level model a whopping 5 stars. Read the full review.
JVC KW-NT3HDT
As the only in-dash navigation receiver on our list, the JVC KW-NT3HDT ranks even higher than our editors' favorite receiver, the Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT. Perhaps the JVC's inclusion of an HD Radio tuner and HD Traffic helped to sway votes. Read the full review.
Compare these navigation devices head to head.