Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateRecently, the Consumer Reports Cars people took the Navigon iPhone GPS navigation application for a spin. After downloading the app—for the one time fee of $70—to an iPhone 3Gs, they gave their new toy the usual treatment, with a battery of tests.
The results? Mobile Navigator does a good job of mimicking traditional portable navigation devices, and the iPhone's large screen is a definite benefit, as is the touch interface, but in laboratory and real-world tests, they found some differences that leave the iPhone application lacking.
Entering directions can be a chore because of the often-complained of virtual, on-screen keyboard—which has smaller buttons than a traditional GPS. The voice volume (used in turn-by-turn directions) wasn't favorable, neither was GPS accuracy. Mobile Navigator is not as precise as traditional navigation devices. The GPS will often place the current position on a surrounding road—as experienced with other iPhone applications—rather than the road on which a user is actually traveling.
But, you can play music from your iTunes library and use other traditional iPhone features, like pinching to zoom or scrolling though screens with the touch of your finger— while you drive. Though we did not test these capabilities while driving in a test vehicle, given the recent reports of distracted driving, we don't recommend DWI—driving while iPhoning—either.
Overall, Navigon's Mobile Navigator North America is a worthy turn-by-turn GPS solution for iPhone users, but a dedicated GPS unit is still your best bet. For the complete list of features, analyses, and results from the Consumer Reports Cars team, see their post, Navigon Mobile Navigator iPhone GPS app: First look, in the Cars forum.
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
