Prices for global positioning system (GPS) navigators are falling, and features that were reserved for higher-end models now are found on lower-cost versions. Garmin's Nuvi 350, above, and Nuvi 660 earned top ratings during testing by Consumer Reports.

Not only are prices for Global Positioning System navigators dropping, more and more features are trickling down from pricey models to lower-cost ones, including internal batteries, touch screens, preloaded map databases and MP3 players. Even features such as spoken street names – “Turn left on Maple Street” instead of just “Turn left” – and real-time traffic alerts, available with a subscription fee, are becoming more widely available.

Consumer Reports recently tested 18 GPS devices made by 11 manufacturers with prices ranging from $250 to $700. All earned ratings of excellent or very good at letting users enter a destination. Nevertheless, they differed in many other respects, such as screen size, the convenience of the controls, information that’s given to the driver, ability to go into biking or walking mode and ability to offer detours or limit route options (like avoiding toll roads).

The five devices that received Consumer Reports’ top ratings are all multitalented. They include three Garmin models – the Nuvi 660, the Nuvi 350 and the StreetPilot c580 – as well as the TomTom Go 910 and the Magellan Crossover GPS. All of them provide top-notch navigation functions, including street-name pronunciation. They also can report traffic delays, although one device, the TomTom Go 910, has to be paired with a compatible Bluetooth phone to do so and the Magellan CrossoverGPS and Garmin Nuvi 350 require purchasing a traffic receiver.

All five also have an MP3 player, and the Magellan CrossoverGPS includes modes for hiking and marine navigation. Three models – the Garmin Nuvi 660, the TomTom Go 910 and the Garmin StreetPilot c580 – also offer Bluetooth hands-free calling. This feature allows users to make and receive calls through the unit’s internal speaker. It also provides access to the user’s phone book and call history.

Consumer Reports singled out three GPS devices that are strictly navigators but do the job well and are especially easy to use. They are the TomTom One, priced at about $300, the Magellan Roadmate 2000 at $250 and the Garmin StreetPilot c330 at $300. The TomTom One is very compact, yet has a 3.4-inch screen. It also provides traffic updates with a compatible Bluetooth phone.

The bottom line is that you now can buy a capable navigator for $300 or less. By spending more, you can get additional niceties such as hands-free Bluetooth calling.

Yet while any of the systems that Consumer Reports tested usually will get you where you want to go, minor errors popped up on most maps. Despite the wonders of technology, there’s simply no substitute for local knowledge.

A navigation system uses an antenna to receive information from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to determine a car’s location.