Best GPS values: Basic navigators

Consumer Reports conducts exhaustive testing of portable navigation devices (PNDs) to help you make an informed purchase decision. With our extensive buying advice, Ratings charts, dynamic product selector, and model pages with test insights, online subscribers have a wide array of research tools available to choose the right device in this fast-moving product segment.

But, there is one more that we think may be helpful, the Consumer Reports Value Index™.

Working with the very latest GPS Ratings and approximate retail pricing, we created an interactive graphic that plots the relative value for each notable tested unit in a unique, and easy to use format. (Some low value units were omitted for space.) This fresh look at the data highlights products that stand out for delivering the most bang for the buck. With holiday sales, you may find lower prices on some models, in which case, their relative value would naturally increase.

These basic navigators are plotted based on their overall Ratings score and approximate retail price, with a tri-colored background showing "value zones," which  represent  high, medium, and low values. Products on the upper right side of the chart offer better values than those further to the left and bottom. The product dots are colored to differentiate basic navigators from those that have traffic optional, meaning they can provide traffic services with additional hardware.

Generally, we feel that customers interested in traffic services would get more device for their money with a traffic-ready unit. (An optional traffic receiver can cost more than $100.) We have separated out those units for a separate Value Index analysis.  (See Best GPS values: Traffic-ready navigators.)

To the right, each featured GPS unit is listed in order of value. Roll your cursor over the product name to see that model indicated in the  chart, along with its approximate retail price and a direct link to its model page (available to online subscribers) for more information.

In reviewing the results, Garmin and TomTom own the high and medium value zones. These are heart-of-the-market machines that score well in our testing, sell in volumes, and are aggressively priced – the natural formula for excelling in the Value Index. Looking closer, these range-topping units include  a combination of entry-level, no-frills devices (which have been the sales-flyer darlings this holiday season) and older models.

We have seen many good older devices remain on the market even as their prices decline, such as the Garmin Nuvi 200 and Nuvi 350, enabling them to co-exist with newer models, These were good products when new and remain easy to use and provide good guidance. However, they do not have the latest software enhancements and minor feature upgrades. For most users, value may override the desire to be on the technological forefront. Among the top ranked models, we consider the Nuvi 200 and TomTom One 130 to be CR Best Buys.

Just outside the high and medium value zones, we find wider brand variety. Motorola, Magellan, and Mio all placed just outside the desirable light-blue zone, held back by scores rather than price. These units are all decent. However, as you follow the overall score axis to the right, you can see there are better choices.

There are also a variety of Garmin and TomTom units in the low value zone, such as the Nuvi 255W and One XL S. Notably, many of these feature widescreens that measure about 4.3 inches diagonally, rather than 3.5 inches. The increase in screen size can add $50-$70 to the purchase price. While a Nuvi 260 provides exactly the same navigational aid as a Nuvi 260W, the larger screen can make it easier to read and enter address information. For a frequent user, a far-sighted driver, or a vehicle that requires mounting it further away, this may be a worthwhile investment.

In all cases, we recommend that shoppers review our detailed Ratings and model overview pages to better understand the differences between units. As prices change, so do their value. Do your homework and make sure you not only get a great price, but also buy a great GPS device.

Value Index is a Beta project; We also applied this concept to super-zoom digital cameras and flat-panel TVs recently. Let us know your thoughts on whether this type of tool is helpful by using the Comments below.

—Jeff Bartlett

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. If you're interested in going off the beaten path, See our handheld hiking GPS buying advice and Ratings. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.