Here's a snapshot of their findings:
> Garmin ranks highest among portable navigation device manufacturers, performing particularly well in the display screen, ease of use and appearance factors
> TomTom follows Garmin in the ranking, performing well in the routing, speed of system and voice direction factors
> Magellan ranks third overall in customer satisfaction.
> While the affordability and multi-car versatility of portable GPS units is very attractive, owners do report considerably higher numbers of problems with their units than people who have factory-installed in-dash units. Common problem areas reported are system mounting, battery life and route accuracy.
The study also finds these interesting findings:
> Real-time information continues to be the most desirable of features among portable navigation device owners, including real-time traffic capability, current weather/forecast, and up-to-date market information (such as average gas prices).
> Portable navigation device owners are particularly loyal to their brand, with nearly 90 percent reporting that they "definitely" or "probably" buy the same brand in the future.
> More than half of portable navigation device owners report that they use their GPS on a regular basis (at least 1 to 2 times per week). Additionally, more than one-third of all owners cite some sort of prior navigation device experience.
> More than 60 percent of owners purchased their device at a retail store, while nearly 40 percent purchased online. Owners who purchased online provide much higher satisfaction scores with regard to the overall shopping experience compared with those owners who purchased in a retail store.
More info here.
subytrojan says:
08:00 AM, 11/ 7/08
Don't forget Edmunds' own 2008 Portable Navigation System Roundup! :o)
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/audio/articles/126895/article.html
2007 Portable Navigation Device Roundup:
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/audio/articles/122247/article.html
ateixeira says:
08:10 AM, 11/ 7/08
I'm feeling pretty good about my Garmin purchase...
They won Consumer Reports' comparos twice so far, then earned Edmunds' highest grade twice in a row, and now JD Powers' as well.
I can't disagree. I'm on my 3rd. Sold the first one to get a bigger screen model, gave #2 to my wife.
For a little while I used a Dash device (listed in Edmunds' 2008 roundup) and it was AWFUL.
autoboy16 says:
03:50 PM, 11/ 7/08
I'm pretty happy with out Navigon 2100 Purchase. My only issue is the $50 for the map update ofsetting the $113 we paid for it... Other than that, I have no issues.
For an extra $40, we get Zagat Ratings and Traffic too so its no doubt updatable. Better than a Garmin? No but it does have WAAAAY more features than one costing the same amount. Where else can $113 get you text to speech, reality view(showing which lanes go where on major highway exits and which to be in), and a super sturdy base?
[End Advertisement] lol
-Cj
estreka says:
12:24 AM, 11/ 8/08
I had the opportunity to use a high end Garmin last summer, and I was certainly impressed. But I'd never substitute an age-old device we used back in the 90's called a map. I'm not scared of technology, but it's nice to have a trustworthy source of info.
bbechtel16 says:
02:39 PM, 11/10/08
I personally believe many U.S. Americans don't have maps.
But seriously, you know they load these maps you speak of into these technological marvels? And you can update them when roads change.
OK I'm done. I'll be here all week.