Garmin StreetPilot c320 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 c320 is a popular entry level auto navigation system. It is very similar to the c330 and c340, except that maps do not come pre-loaded on a hard drive. Instead, you get a City Select disc from which maps can be transferred to the unit via USB or loaded onto an SD card.  Additionally, while the c320 gives voice prompts for navigation, it will not call out upcoming street names and points of interest (POI) like the c340.  But even though it doesn’t have a hard drive that will hold the entire
country, you can still fit all of California on the 128 MB SD card that comes
with it, and you can always get a bigger card.

This unit is quite popular, with dozens of users rating it highly in their StreetPilot c320 reviews 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 c320 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.

Although the c320 boasts distinctive and sleek styling, simplicity is the name of the game. 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. You can customize the unit’s appearance with an array of colored faceplates that are sold separately…"

Here’s what others are saying:

• GPS Information.net compares it with the c330 in their Garmin c320 review.
• From the UK comes this review of the StreetPilot c320, including some nice screenshots.
• At CNet, users have given high ratings in their Garmin Street Pilot c320 reviews.
• Tech Nudge Live offers this Garmin c320 review.
• Associated Content has posted a brief StreetPilot c320 review.
• Brad Ward posts a StreetPilot c320 review, based on a full year’s experience with the unit.

Some other resources for you:

• A link to a PDF version of the Garmin StreetPliot c320 owners manual.
• Want to see how this unit stacks up against the competition? Try this handy Garmin mobile GPS comparison tool.
• A new c 320 and c 330 discussion group on Yahoo.
• The UseNet group alt.satellite.gps.garmin.

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c320 at these merchants:

• Check the current Garmin StreetPilot c320 price at Amazon.com.
• Find the low price on a StreetPilot c320 at GPSNow.com.

From the official Garmin Street Pilot c320 web page:
In-car navigation has never been easier—or more affordable.
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 budget-conscious users who only require detailed maps for a limited area, the StreetPilot c320 features an SD card slot, a 128MB SD card, and MapSource City Select street data on DVD. The user simply selects the specific area of interest and the data is transferred from a PC via a fast USB connection. (The c330 comes factory preloaded with MapSource City Select map data.)
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 c320 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).