Consider a portable GPS navigation system

GPS systems available as built in devices in modern automobiles become quickly outdated and are very expensive. Auto manufacturers charge thousands of dollars for such systems and many require DVD subsystems in the car and expensive update services to keep the device accurate. Much like a cassette tape option (or it's predecessor the 8-track tape!), these devices become more of a hassle than a benefit over time.

An easy answer, for newer as well as current vehicles, is portable GPS units. These units offer the benefit of be portable between multiple cars (do you really need a navigation system in every car?), have a much lower cost and, much like an iPod are easy to update and can be replaced as technology advances. My experience with Garmin has been fantastic and I have owned a Garmin Streetpilot GPS more than a year. I travel with it and find my GPS much easier than learning the systems in rental cars (as well as avoiding the extra charge for navigation systems that rental car companies are happy gain revenue! Current models such as the Garmin Nuvi 360 or Garmin Streetpilot C340 are very solid choices.