What is the Best GPS for Auto Navigation

What is the best GPS for auto navigation? While new features are nice, the latest model may not be the best one for your needs.

Your Next GPS: Money's No Object

You like bells and whistles. You like your bells and whistles to have bells and whistles. And you don't mind the cost. High-end GPS units come with a host of cutting-edge features like voice activation, enhanced connectivity and on-board storage.

At the deep end of the pool, the best GPS for auto navigation may be the Garmin Nuvi 885T ($350 - $400). For a premium price, the Nuvi 885T packs a 4.3" wide screen display into a slick, ultra-thin package. Garmin combines awesome reception-reportedly, the 885T can get a satellite lock indoors-with an easy-to-use interface. The list of features reads more like a wish list: voice activated commands, lane assist and integrated Bluetooth are just some of the high points.

Not far behind is the TomTom Go 740 Live ($275 - $325). Take all of the features users demand from a top of the line GPS unit and add a cellular Internet signal-the result is seamless operation and real-time information. Traffic, weather-even restaurant reviews and movie schedules are all available.

You're Serious About Your GPS

While the top end is nice, there are plenty of capable units firmly entrenched in the middle ground between price and performance.

A strong contender in this space is the Garmin Nuvi 265WT ($190 - $220). The 265WT doesn't disappoint, with a wide screen display, spoken street names and an intuitive interface. The icing on the cake, however, may be the free traffic information for life. That's right, in select metropolitan areas, the 265WT provides free traffic info for as long as you own the unit.

While the Magellan Maestro 4350 ($190 - $220) can't match free traffic, it does provide OneTouch route saving for your favorite destinations and the ability to calculate three routes at once (shortest, fastest and most economical). A wide screen display and spoken street names are also nice touches.

Just Get Me There GPS

The fierce competition for market share has provided a bonus for budget GPS shoppers: many of the features that were recently considered top of the line are now available at a reasonable price.

The TomTom ONE 130 ($100 - $125) makes a great entry-level GPS unit. While you'll sacrifice screen size and spoken street names, the 130 still provides voice guided turn-by-turn and decent response times.

The Navigon 2200T ($120 - $140) provides free traffic updates. The unit can be slow to lock onto satellites however, and can be hard to find in the US.