Herb Shuldiner of Newsday’s Motor Matters had a chance to check out General Motors Onstar Turn-by-Turn, the automaker’s unique navigation system.
Onstar Turn-by-Turn works by the driver instructing the Onstar operator his or her destination. The operator pulls up the directions, downloads them to the driver’s Onstar system which then relays them verbally. The driver simply has to follow the directions.
Was it that simple? Shuldiner found it so. GPS kept track of the car so that, if he stopped to grab a bite to eat or had to take another route, the system would recalculate his new directions. He also like the ability to contact Onstar again if he need additional instructions on any of the directions.
Our take? We find the turn-by-turn system intriguing. Several of us have touch-screen navigation systems and sometimes think it would be easier just to listen for the voice cues while driving instead of wasting battery power on a screen. However, a colleague pointed out that one can look ahead using such systems. You’ll be able to find gas stations or a hotel with but a glance. There are also costs to consider since car owners have to pay a monthly fee to use Onstar. Owners of integrated navigation system pay for it—maps and all—when they purchase the vehicle.