For many years whenever I was looking for a place of interest during my vacation I spent numerous hours looking at maps and paper based street directories. The problem is these are cumbersome and usually at least a year old, but expensive to replace with an update every year. Having an electronic GPS which can tell me in real -time, where I am at least if I don't know the area, is immeasurably helpful to get be back on track and to my destination sooner.
Best Car GPS
Finding places of interest no longer needs to be a mess with big paper maps and directory guides. Get to your destination quicker with real-time GPS navigation systems for your car
GPS For Your Car, SUV, RV or Other Vehicle
A GPS is a global positioning system. The benefit for having one for your vehicle is the device can locate and tell you in a user friendly format, where you are, where your final destination is and the most effective route to get there.
There are some amazing features now available for these devices and the challenge is buying a device suited best to your needs. Some devices will simply help you get from point A to point B. Others will advise of traffic conditions, tell you how to get to your destination based on traffic, or best roads to take or based on the shortest distance, or the best time. Others will also feature multi-trip functionality so you can get from point A to B via points C,D, & E.
With these devices and the benefit of real time information lets look at several devices that suit according to your best price.
Best GPS For Under $200
These GPS can be used for simply getting from Point A to Point B with the benefit of having maps for Europe and North America pre-loaded at no extra cost. These devices are also bluetooth compatible for using for phone calls and some also feature Xplorer maps helping you to navigate when using transit systems (bus, train, tram) and whilst on foot.
 | Garmin nüvi 1370/1370T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Maps of North America & ... The NUVI1370T 4.3" Ultra Thin GPS Navigator features a widescreen ultra slim design (approximately 25% thinner than previous models), enhanced user interface, ecoRoute, public ... Only $229.99 |
 | 4.3" GPS full coverage North America, Bluetooth, Lifetime traffic nuvi 1390 preloaded City Navigator North America NT vehicle suction cup mount FM traffic receiver/vehicle power cable USB cable dashboard disc quick start manual Only $99.99 |
 | Mio Moov R403 4.3" Car GPS Navigation System Receiver with Text-to-speech and 4 Million POIs Navigate with ease with the R403 GPS from Mio. The 4.3-inch touchscreen provides excellent visibility and makes it easy to find your route. And, the text-to-speech function ... Only $34.99 |
Best Multi-function GPS for Under $400
These devices are the next generation of multi-function in vehicle entertainment and GPS function. These devices are not just for GPS navigation, bluetooth for phone like the models above, they also allow for AM/FM radio, MP3 music playback and DVD movie playback. Consider these as a great device to navigate when on the road and turn them into a fun and great way to have the kids satisfied with their DVD movies when you arrive at your destination.
Consider carefully as some units are pre-loaded with North American maps only and others for maps for Europe Only.
 | Dual XDVDn8190n in Dash 7-Inch DVD/cd/mp3 Touchscreen Receiver Brand New Dual XDVDN8190N In Dash 7" DVD/CD/MP3 Touchscreen Receiver With GPS Navigation + Bluetooth + SD Card Input Features: Single Din chassis (all-in-one) Import ISO/Din ... |
 | Garmin Nuvi 2360LT GPS Satnav, 4.3-inch screen, European maps, lifetime traffic, voice ... Garmin Nuvi 2360LT GPS Satnav. Large 4.3-inch touchscreen, full European mapping (incl. UK/Ireland), Bluetooth handsfree calling, voice recognition, premium lifetime traffic. ... |
 | Lanzar SDBT74NV 7-Inch 1xDIN In-Dash Motorized Touchscreen LCD Monitor with ... Lanzar's newest in-car entertainment system with GPS has so many features, it's hard to list in a single sentence! Start with the 7" wide LCD motorized touchscreen, making ... Only $822.99 |
How Do I Mount My Unit
This really is a personal choice. You have the option to mount your unit using the mount plate or sticky plug that came with the unit. You also have an option to speak with your local custom vehicle shop and see if they can custom fit your GPS into the front console of your car. Whilst this may not add extra value to a resale of your vehicle it will at least add to it's appeal.
Some custom makers also allow for a mount with a removable set of clips or switches so you can take your GPS mobile if needed. The other benefit is your device is continually powered by your vehicle.
Good luck on your choice and may you find your way on your next vacation.
Updated: 03/11/2012, Kangaroo_Jase
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Comments
@VincentMoore,
I still have (I think) a ten year old street address book floating in the back of my vehicle somewhere......Yet I hate these with a small passion. Cumbersome, awkward, and time consuming especially when one has to pull over the side of the road, find your last landmark or street reference and continue to plod along on a course using the book and memory. I absolutely hate fumbling around with maps.
Electronically these devices are wonderful, I can navigate, see where Im going and grab a wealth of other detail, without needing to stop and getting those details on my planned trip - in real time.
Really appreciate the share.
Great article. I have a Garmin in both my patrol car and my own personal SUV, wouldn't leave home without it:-) Easy and quick to use, no need to fumble with maps, although I do keep a street digest in both my vehicles in case my GPS should go down or fail. Although it hasn't happened yet. Thanks for the share, I to will share and tweet if for others to come read.
@Angel,
I hated paper based maps and having to use a printed street directory to travel to places I wasn't familiar with previously.
The Electronic GPS was a significant device for me. I was working as a mobile technician is it was a great device to have.
I go nowhere without my GPS. Love it. Beats the days of maps as you mentioned. Thanks for such a great article!