Magellan - Maestro 4000 GPS Navigation System Review

Recently purchased the Maestro 4000 for a trip to Philadelphia from Boston. I considered other Magellellan products (3100, 4040) and other brands but liked the screen size, AAA database and price ($335 when purchased, now down to $299). Overall the product worked very well.

Navigating the menus is relatively easy, Magellan keeps your options simple, Entering an address, looking up a AAA Point of Interest, setting or canceling a route is a matter of point, listen, click. In fact my wife, not a gadget gal, found it easy to locate tourist sites in Philly without any help.

I found the system to be very accurate, particularly when directing me through confusing freeway on and off ramps. The split screen visual when taking a compound off-ramp is very helpful. The AAA database is extensive though it doesn't contain every listing you might like (for example, I could not find a single Friendly's Rest. listing...though many other chains are located).

Did not have any problems with freezes over a three week period, though you will need the in-car charger (included) since battery life seems about 2 hours. Voice is friendly and clear (particularly like the female reminder to safely make a u-turn when I miss a turn). The windshield mount worked better than I expected.

Things to improve:
1. Software to map route on your computer then upload to GPS. I have not been able to find any software that will allow me to do this on the 4000. This means you must rely on the GPS routing software. They include some software on the CD (pc only) but it is primitive and I couldn't quite figure it out.

2. Need to be aware of the differences between Routing Options (e.g., Fastest Route, Shortest Route, Most Freeways). Fastest route sometimes took me off freeway through the boonies...just need to be aware of this.

3. Related to #1, manipulating the automatic GPS routes is cumbersome. If you just go with what they program, you are good.


Overall, the 4000 is well worth the (declining) price. If you don't need BlueTooth and Voice Command you can save over the more expensive 4040 and 4050. I do think the AAA database is worth the investment. I would just like the option to map a route on my computer and then upload to GPS.