In-Dash Navigation Review

Most people know that a portable GPS will help them get around town, but an in-dash navigation system can do so much more than that. These permanent car GPS navigation systems won't be left behind, lost or forgotten because they are installed right into the dashboard of your car or truck – negating the need for suction cups on the windows or charging units sticking out of your car's cigarette lighter. The manufacturers of these in-car GPS units know that these units need to do more than just navigate. Many of them have extra features, such as a radio tuner, DVD player and built-in Bluetooth capabilities, so they can replace your current in-dash receiver.

In this review you will find side-by-side comparisons of some of the best in-dash navigation systems available. You'll also be able to read detailed reviews of each product, as well as articles relating to car GPS navigation. We're confident that this site will help you make an informed decision about which product is best for you.

In our research we found the Kenwood DNX7160, the Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT and the Kenwood DNX6960 to be the best in-dash navigation units we reviewed. Each one of these best car navigation systems offered excellent navigational tools as well as an easy-to-use interface and reliable performance. Additionally, they also had a number of useful additional features to enrich your driving experience.

In-dash Navigation: What to Look For

If your car doesn't come with an in-dash GPS, then you're probably wondering what kind of things you'll need to look for when purchasing your own navigation system. We used the following criteria to rate and rank the products we found in order to help you decide which unit you would like to own.

Navigation Tools
A good GPS needs to be accurate, reliable and easy to use. Certain features, like a large number of POIs (Points of Interest) and text-to-speech guidance, allow you to find your precise destination and know what streets, by name, are coming up through voice cues. Other attributes, such as a multilingual interface and an eco-friendly display feature make sure you're getting the most out of your GPS experience. Finally, other items like a large touchscreen display, 3D mapping and voice guidance ensure that the product will be easy to use.

Additional Features
People want more from their in-dash navigation units these days than just maps and directions. These systems include such features as Bluetooth wireless technology, which allows your GPS to sync up with your cell phone, a DVD player, so you can keep your passengers entertained, and some are even ready for HD radio as well as satellite radio. Plus there are also some other bells and whistles we looked for such as rear camera input, USB connectivity and a remote control. Each one of these features will make car GPS navigation systems a more desirable option than your average in-dash receiver.

Help & Support
With great technology comes a variety of questions. We wanted to make sure that the manufacturers of these in-dash navigation systems were there if you needed help. We looked at the variety of ways you can contact them as well as the length of the warranty. A good support system can help the user feel secure in their purchase, whereas lacking customer support will drive people to other products.

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