When shopping around for a car GPS navigation system, consumers should look for several specific features. A wide touch screen has become a standard feature in the latest GPS devices for vehicles. However, not all modern navigation systems include options such as turn by turn directions, lane assistance, and live traffic reports. These are all essential features that could either ruin or facilitate a long road trip. It is also important to consider if the GPS navigation system can be updated with new maps. Top companies such as Garmin, Magellan, and Tom-tom release new road maps several times per year. These updates could be bought for an affordable paid subscription through the company's website.