Top Car Navigation Products Under $500 to Get You Where You're Going

Driving the wrong way for hours not having any idea where you are? Have a persistent voice in your ear constantly asking you to pull over and ask for directions? If these situations sound like some of those which commonly arise on your trips or family vacations, then it is time to add a navigation system to your favorite car or truck. Navigation products range from the basic to the full-featured, and vary in price from pocket change to a fairly large, but often worthwhile investment.

Depending on your navigation skills a product such as a digital compass may be all you need to cure your directional woes. A direction compass costs much less than a complete navigation system and can only cure the most basic of screw ups. If you make few mistakes but still want something to help you on your journeys, the digital compass may be the product for you. If you can hardly make it to the convenience store a few blocks down, you require a more elaborate, and expensive product which can be well worth the investment.

A more expensive and feature laden navigation product for your car is a complete navigation system. These types of products give you step by step directions for your travels and often include other features such as weather. These systems typically cost more due to their large incorporation of technology such as touch screens and GPS systems. This investment is a very good idea if you get lost often, travel a lot, or do not want to experience the feeling of being lost in an area you are unfamiliar with. Below is a list featuring a variety of navigational products, the most basic being under twenty-five dollars and even the most expensive and elaborate being priced under five-hundred dollars. They are arranged by price and complexity starting with the cheapest and most basic being listed first.

Navigational products under $500: Wayfinder Wireless Car Compass (V100)

If you simply need to know what direction you're headed when you're in an unfamiliar area then the navigational product for you is the Wayfinder V100 Compass. It's easy to read and uncluttered display informs you which way you're headed. Featuring a simple calibration process, the V100 only requires you to make 2 circles in your vehicle. Installs easily and allows you to find the perfect viewpoint, the compass boasts an auto shutoff feature after you're parked for 10 minutes to preserve battery life and save you money.

Navigational products under $500: Wayfinder Auto/Marine Wireless Compass (VT220)

Do your activities demand a tougher compass to satisfy your directional needs? Spend a few more dollars and purchase the VT220, also from Wayfinder. This compass requires not hardwiring, like the V100 but offers 2-mode compass display in both the 8 cardinal directions and a digital numeric readout. Holographic screen allows you to easily see the VT220s readout in bright sunlight and the powerful backlight let's the compass be easily seen at night too. Compass also features an alert when it is being interfered with by other sources and a shock resistant casing so the compass doesn't skip a beat when you're on back roads or offroading.

Navigational products under $500: Wayfinder Digital Compass w/ Weather Functions (V7000)

Want a navigational product offering more than just the direction? Take a look at the V7000 Compass+, also from Wayfinder, a premiere name in directional products. The V7000 displays the direction in 3 different and unique ways. In addition to direction, this compass also allows you to see both the inside and outside temperatures in Fahrenheit and Celsius. A build in ice warning alerts you when ice conditions may persist in the area you are traveling. Compass also includes a barometer, altimeter, and a weather forecast based upon 24 hour barometric readings. Screen is easy to see in any condition, sunny or dark.

Navigational products under $500: Sony Nav-U Car Navigation System (NVU70)

If you're in need of step by step instructions to get to where you're going, consider the NVU70 navigational system from Sony. The NVU70 is the most expensive product on this list which also includes the most features, mainly step-by-step instructions to any destination. Three-inch touch-screen allows easy navigation of the systems menus and automatically dims depending on external conditions. Offering a reliable and accurate GPS receiver, this system includes a screen coated to prevent finger print smudges. NVU70 unit comes preloaded with maps of the entire as well as 1.6 million points of interest. Search nearby features allows you to find local attractions, restaurants and much more.

Before deciding on any product, either those listed here or any other product, do your research. Make sure that any and all products you intend to purchase will fit with no modification in your vehicle. Read customer reviews as well to ensure that customers are satisfied with the product you are looking at. Also, shop around for the best price or deal on the navigational product you ultimately decide to purchase. This can include an actual discount on the price of the product or other deals such as free installation. There are many more products not included on this list which can help you find where you're going. Many of these are under $500 and others are over this price. Find the product which is best for you and your situation and good luck shopping.