The fact the it took GPS such a long time to find it's way into cars is a little bit surprising to me.  While hikers, backpackers and other outdoor adventurers where the first adopters of GPS technology, it makes perfect sense, that GPS for cars has finally been hitting it's stride.  It is after all our predominant mode of transportation in most industrial and somewhat civilized countries.  And for all the years we've been driving, we've mastered the art of getting lost, in spite of all the assistance of roadside signs, and enthusiastically but hardly helpful back seat drivers.  GPS is great, for telling us how to get where we need to be, and doing it effectively, and politely.  Not only should it save us some money on our gas bills, but it could quite possibly save a few otherwise doomed marriages.

How many times have you driven down unfamiliar roads, and fumbled with folding/unfolding and trying to read a traditional map without having a major accident?  I know I have, and it makes me wonder how many times people have filed insurance claims while trying such a contortionist type move.  I'm not sure if they do or not, but I think insurance companies should offer discounts for vehicles that have a GPS unit installed.  Assuming of course, that they are hands free and voice activated models.  Cell phones are bad enough in the hands of drivers, until the voice activated features were implemented.

A GPS for your car, is utilizing basically the same technology navigates pretty much every commercial shipping vessel, transport truck, cargo train, and commercial airline on the planet.  It's an incredibly accurate and reliable system used worldwide.  I'd hate to think of the chaos that would befall us, if for some reason GPS technology just stopped working.  With that in mind, and our own basic human skepticism towards anything technical, it makes sense to have a good backup system on board.  Yep, those old paper street maps are still important.  With any luck however, they'll stay nice and neatly folded in your glove compartment, with no wear creases from constantly being folded the wrong way.  Seriously though, once you've been told where to go by a good GPS system, you'll never use or abuse a street map, or backstreet driver again.

Most newer cars have a GPS unit as an option, or perhaps even standard equipment when purchased.  If a new vehicle is not in your short term budget, than your still in luck, as they're are plenty of options, for retro fitting a GPS into your current automobile.  You will have to give some thought as to the power source (cigarette lighter usually), and where you will mount the unit.  Dashboards can be pretty cluttered environments, so see if you can find a place, that won't block any vents, or impede your access to other essential automobile controls.

Take some time, playing with the different GPS models available, to find one that makes sense to you.  They all use slightly different software, have varied features, and menus.  One that is most intuitive to you is likely the one that will work the best while your driving where you need to be.  Remember, if the GPS is hard to run in the store, just imagine trying to use one while keeping your eyes on the road and all the distractions that can entail.  With that in mind, voice commands is not a nice to have option, but an essential feature in my estimation.  Especially from a safety standpoint.

The second most important feature to consider, is the maps or database that comes with your unit.  Some maps are more compete than others.  For example, some contain points of interest that could be helpful in your navigation.  Some may not.  Tourist destinations, airports, malls, hotels and restaurants are all good places to go, and should be included in your maps database.  You'll also want to ask questions about updating your maps.  While more advanced units may be capable of automatically updating themselves, most will not.  Make sure you understand any of the costs, and logistics involved in keeping your maps updated.  Otherwise, you may find yourself spending more on the maps over time, than you did on the original GPS unit.

GPS for cars, is a concept that as been long overdue, and I'm sure will become as standard as seat belts and air conditioning over the next few years.  That's a good thing I think.  They're will be hiccups, and a learning curve for most drivers, but over time, as with all technology, things will improve and simplify with time.