Consumer Reports Rates 39 GPS Units Made By 16 Manufacturers; Garmin Nuvi Sweeps!

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Update: The following GPS systems (all of which have the crucial text-to-speech functionality) have dropped in price since this article was written, as follows:

Nuvi 260 is now $197.00

Nuvi 260W is now $237.00

Nuvi 350 is now $178.09

Nuvi 360 is now $199.99

Nuvi 650 is now $215.99

Nuvi 660 is now $286.29

Nuvi 670 is now $324.99 Sold out!

Nuvi 680 is now $372.14 Sold out!

Nuvi 750 is now $297.69

Nuvi 760 is now $350.25

Nuvi 770 is now $331.09

Nuvi 780 is now $473.32

Related: Nuvi Buying Guide

Originally posted on 05/11:

The June ’08 issue of Consumer reports reaffirms my belief that Garmin’s Nuvi line of GPS units are far and away the best GPS systems out there.

3 out of the top 4 GPS units are Nuvi’s, and the top 2 “Best Overall” as well as the top 2 “Best on a budget” GPS units are Nuvi’s!

I currently have the number 1 rated Nuvi 760. Just based off of its ability to reroute the normal directions based on traffic and construction zones and its multi-destination route planning it is well deserving of that rating!

Consumer reports quick picks:

Best overall GPS units:

1. Nuvi 760 (Consumer reports listed MSRP: $600. Current Amazon price: $422.47)

Includes: Multi-destination planning, bluetooth, text-to-speech, real-time traffic, large LCD screen, internal antenna, “Where am I” feature, MP3 player, FM transmitter.

Note: Nuvi 750 is identical to the 760 except it strips out bluetooth and real-time traffic. Amazon price: $374.61)

Note: Nuvi 770 is identical to the 760 except it adds European coverage. Amazon price: $595.48)

Note: Nuvi 780 is identical to the 760 except it adds MSN Direct Gen. 2 services. Amazon price: $507.98)

2. Nuvi 660 (Consumer reports listed MSRP: $500. Current Amazon price: $344.99)

Includes: Bluetooth, text-to-speech, real-time traffic, large LCD screen, MP3 player, FM transmitter.

Note: Nuvi 650 is identical to the 660 except it strips out bluetooth and real-time traffic. Amazon price: $273.95 via Beech Camera. Not carried by Amazon directly)

Note: Nuvi 670 is identical to the 660 except it adds European coverage. Amazon price: $410.25)

Note: Nuvi 680 is identical to the 660 except it adds MSN Direct Gen. 1 services. Amazon price: $395.97)

Consumer Reports Best Buys: Best overall when on a budget:

1. Nuvi 350 (Consumer reports listed MSRP: $350. Current Amazon price: $236.89)

Includes: Text-to-speech, compact-design, MP3 player.

Note: Nuvi 360 is identical to the 350 except it adds bluetooth. Amazon price: $239.23)

2. Nuvi 260 (Consumer reports listed MSRP: $300. Current Amazon price: $217.85)

Includes: Text-to-speech, ultra compact-design, internal antenna.

Note: Nuvi 260W is identical to the 260 except it adds a widescreen. Amazon price: $272.99)