Garmin StreetPilot c330 Review

UPDATE: Most of the several generations old StreetPilot series, including this model, has been discontinued. For a more current recommendation, check out our Auto GPS buyers guide or go straight to our Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

The Garmin StreetPilot c330 is a popular  automotive navigation device, from a company known for great customer service and intuitive menus.

Unlike the c320, the c330 comes preloaded with City Select maps for North America or Europe. Step up to the c340 and the unit will announce upcoming street names and add optional FM TMC traffic alerts.

Over 100 users have contributed reviews of the StreetPilot c330 at Amazon, which has this to say in their editorial review…

"With a simple touch screen interface, automatic route calculation to any destination, and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions, the StreetPilot c330 GPS navigator is a powerful companion for your adventures on the road. Plus,
Garmin has designed the "c-series" of car navigation units to be as simple and easy-to-use as possible– no more intimidating features, just straightforward, basic navigation at your fingertips. Selecting a destination is as simple as a few finger-strokes, and you can choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional "bird’s eye" overhead view."

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c330

Here’s what others are saying:

• gpsinformation.net, a great GPS website, has this Street Pilot c330 review.
• CNET gave a 7.3 out of 10 rating in their Garmin C330 review, while dozens of users rated it slightly higher.
• PCMag.com gave a 3.5 out of 5 star rating in their c330 review.
• The Street Pilot 330 even earned a place as Time’s Gadget of the Week.
• CompUSA has posted many very positive Garmin StreetPilot c330 reviews by satisfied consumers.
• Here is a brief, but positive Garmin StreetPilot c330 review from Forbes.
• A Mom reviews the StreetPilot c330.
• The GPS Guy has posted a Garmin StreetPilot c330 review.
• Crutchfield has also posted a Garmin StreetPilot c330 review.
• SimonAndBaker.com’s Garmin c330 review.
• Here is an Epinions review of the StreetPilot c330.
• A husband and wife team review the Garmin c330.
• Here’s another Garmin StreetPilot c330 review.

Finally, here are some additional resources:

• If you really want to get in depth, check out the 330 manual.
• There is a Yahoo discussion group focusing on the StreetPilot c320 and c330, but it’s not very active. Another option would be the alt.satellite.gps.garmin Usenet group.

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c330 at these merchants:

• Find the low price on the StreetPilot c330 at GPSNow.com.
• Check the current Garmin StreetPilot c330 at Amazon.com.
• Check the deals on Garmin GPS receivers at REI.com.
• Get the Garmin StreetPilot c330 for an amazing price at eBay.

Product description from the official Garmin C330 page:

Our StreetPilot "c-series" GPS navigators feature a simple touchscreen interface, with automatic route calculation to any destination and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions along the way. Selecting a destination is straightforward and requires only a limited amount of input from the user. Plus, the StreetPilot c320 and StreetPilot c330 allow you to choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional “bird’s eye” overhead view.

For the ultimate out-of-the-box convenience, the StreetPilot c330 comes preprogrammed with highly detailed MapSource City Select street data. The database features nearly six million points of interest—including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. (The c320 comes with a 128 MB SD card and a MapSource City Select CD-ROM for data transfer from a PC via a USB connection.)

As an added benefit, you can now import customized points of interest with the help of Garmin’s free POI Loader software. The possibilities are endless — upload safety cameras or school zones, and you will receive a warning if you are traveling too fast. In addition, an optional proximity-alert feature notifies you of upcoming custom POIs.

The centerpiece of both units is a bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display that makes navigation a snap. The StreetPilot c330 features dual integrated speakers
for high-quality voice prompts, and an internal lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

The new StreetPilot c-series boasts distinctive and sleek styling—the only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch. The device is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield for easy portability between vehicles. Users can customize their unit’s appearance with an array of colored faceplates (sold separately).

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