Honda: Navigation System Reviews

The best in GPS systems just got better. Learn which names in navigation are leading the market, and what other Honda Civic or Accord owners are saying about them.

By Charlie Gaston - April 13, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic/Del Sol (1992-2000), and Accord (1990-2002).

For most people on the road today, no navigation app from a web-enabled phone or tablet can take the place of a stand-alone GPS navigation system—nor do they mount as easily. Nowadays, most drivers rely on a GPS to get them from home to their intended destination, or use it to travel across the country with ease. Search online, and you'll find that many reviewers cite some GPS devices to offer screens with sharp screen resolution and sensitivity, as well as up-to-date maps for trusted navigation. Here are our top picks for the best turn-by-turn GPS navigation systems on the market for your Honda Civic or Accord.

Turn-By-Turn GPS Navigation Systems


Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD
Tom Tom VIA 1605 TM
Tom Tom GO 600
Magellan RoadMate 6230-LM DashCam Navigator
Magellen SmartGPS 5390
Price and Subscription
$400 $120 $205 $150 $190
Size (HWD)
3.1 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches 3.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches 4.1 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches 3.3 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches

3.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches

Accuracy
Good Excellent Good Good to fair Good
Display Type
Capacitive touch Resistive touch Capacitive touch Touch Touch
Warranty
Limited one year warranty (plus free lifetime maps and traffic) Limited one year warranty (plus free lifetime maps and traffic) Limited one year warranty (plus free lifetime maps and traffic) One year warranty (plus free lifetime traffic alerts) One year warranty (plus free traffic alerts)
Best Quality: Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD and Magellan RoadMate 6230-LM DashCam Navigator

Best Value: Tom Tom VIA 1605 TM

Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD

Price – $400

Size – 3.1 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches

Accuracy – Good with some inaccuracies

Display Type – Capacitive touch

Warranty – Yes

The Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD is a high-end navigation device that proves to be well worth its expensive price tag. Aside from some minor complaints of excessive screen glare in the sunlight and instances were the destinations were not always accurate, this stand-alone, high-end device is still one of the best on the market. The glass, capacitive touch screen enhances the Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD screen sensitivity and responsiveness, making it one of the easiest to use for optimal touch or visibility. Recommended for those willing to spend a little more for advanced technology and design.

Tom Tom VIA 1605 TM

Price – $120

Size – 3.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches (HWD) inches

Accuracy – Excellent

Display Type – Resistive touch

Warranty – Yes

With a total display size of six inches, the Tom Tom VIA 1605 TM features one of the largest GPS screens on the market, and is designed for installation inside of a commercial vehicle like the Honda Civic. Users claim that this device has horizontally accurate routing capabilities, which provide the vehicle with an exact location when on the road. Because of its high resolution specs, this high performance navigation system also offers a sharp display panel for drivers who value a clear image. Recommended for drivers who want a solid GPS device at a low cost.

Tom Tom GO 600

Price –$205

Size – 4.1 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches

Accuracy – Good

Display Type – Capacitive touch

Warranty – Yes

With complimentary on-screen traffic alerts, the Tom Tom GO 600 is a great buy for someone who values generous features combined with a large, sharp screen for a crisp display of turn-by-turn directions. Although rated as a "mid-level" GPS device due to some drawbacks—such as its confusing voice prompts,—this stand-alone device wins for its comprehensive Point Of Interest (POI) database. Users give it a high accuracy rating in finding nearly every business searched for. Recommended for drivers who value dependability over a spectacular interface design.

Magellan RoadMate 6230-LM DashCam Navigator

Price – $150

Size – 3.3 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches

Accuracy – Good; some inconsistencies in navigation have been reported

Display Type – Touch

Warranty – Yes

Visit any automotive forum, consumer reports, or reviews site and you'll find that one brand as well as model has been mentioned multiple times: the Magellan RoadMate 6230-LM DashCam Navigator. It is a nicely designed GPS device, which is a particular favorite among Honda owners. Raved for its affordable price tag and free lifetime traffic updates, the Magellan RoadMate 6230-LM DashCam Navigator outperforms similarly priced competitors. Recommended for drivers who want a multi-functional device at a reasonable cost.

Magellen SmartGPS 5390

Price – $190

Size – 3.4 X 5.4 X 0.6

Accuracy – Good

Display Type – Touch

Warranty – Yes

Many drivers rank the Magellen SmartGPS 5390 as another high-end GPS device on the market. What makes it so popular is its many features, which include Bluetooth hands-free calling, multi-destination routing, an exit guide, reality view, and lane assistance. The device also comes with pre-loaded maps that cover the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Recommended for Honda Civic or Accord owners who value strong performance, and are willing to pay a little extra for it.

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