Magellan Maestro 4000 Review

Magellan has produced an accurate and easy to use GPS device in the Maestro 4000. With a virtually non-existent learning curve, it’s the GPS newbie’s dream. The menus are easy to learn, and it comes ready to use straight from the box. Maps and destinations for the entire United States are preloaded. It does have an extensive Points of Interest database, although not quite as large as some of its competition. Some users have also found it difficult to download specific Points of Interest, even with the included USB cable. It seems that researching and manually entering them is the only option, which takes time and can be frustrating. Also most Points of Interest included are from AAA, which means that if a specific point is not recognized by AAA, then it won’t show on the points database. Again, simply entering the desired point manually will fix this problem, but you have to wonder why it would need to be done that way, particularly in light of the technology of most GPS devices today.

Good features include the 4.3 inch display, which is easy to read in all light conditions. No worries about direct sunlight, you can see it perfectly, in 2D or 3D. The touch screen is also easy to navigate.

Power up is quick, as it normally takes only seconds to power up completely and find your desired destination. Compared to minutes with other products, seconds is lightning fast. The directions are dead on, and it announces when you come within two miles of your needed turn, then within ½ mile, and finally you’ll hear a “ping” when you reach the spot or intersection. It also tells you which lane you should be traveling in, and when to change lanes for an upcoming turn or intersection.

The battery, although Magellan boasts Two hours of continuous use, normally gives over Three hours between charges. Still, it’s not as great as Garmin, who boasts up to Eight hours with some units, but you still have time between charges to change from car to car, or program the unit at home before a trip.

Voice prompts are reliable and clear, and easy to understand. Directions are accurate and clear.

There’s no Bluetooth technology with the Maestro 4000, but there is a spell checker, to correct incorrect spellings. And it does come with AAA Tourbook Guide travel information, and RoadSide Assistance, however this requires a subscription to AAA.

Overall, the Maestro 4000 is a good device. It’s accurate, easy to use, and not as expensive as the units with the “whole package”. If you’re looking for simply a good, reliable GPS device, and don’t want to pay for all the “extras”, then the 4000 is a good choice. It will get you there accurately and safely. And even tell you what lane to be in when you arrive.

Learn More

How would you like to save time and effort on the road? What if driving could be more pleasurable and less stressful? Magellan Maestro 4000 makes it easy!

If you don’t like reading directions, you’ll love the Magellan Maestro vehicle navigation system! It’s simple to use and ready to guide you to virtually any destination in the 48 contiguous United States. The thin, sophisticated design and attractive, intuitive touch-screen graphics make driving a pleasure. Enter an address or select from 1.5 million preprogrammed points of interest with a few touches of the screen. See your position and route on the 2D or 3D map and let Maestro’s friendly voice guide you turn-by-turn, while you enjoy the drive.

Touch the tow truck icon to quickly access details to direct AAA member Roadside Assistance to your location¹.

Years of experience providing the best in GPS navigation and feedback from among the over 400,000 users of the Magellan RoadMate and Hertz NeverLost systems enables Maestro to deliver the most satisfying navigation experience. From Magellan; the first name in navigation™.

Features

Sophisticated and simple – Bold, streamlined, large 4.3 inch touch-screen and icons minimize steps to locate a destination for stress-free navigation

Sleek Design – Integrated GPS antenna can’t break off and provides excellent satellite reception in a slim and compact design

Turn-by-turn voice and visual guidance – Enter virtually any address or point of interest and BE THERE^™ quickly and safely

Precision navigation – SiRFstar III chipset and integrated multidirectional antennae offer superior GPS accuracy using the Wide Area Augmentation System

Graphical interactive maps – Maps and destinations for the entire continental U.S. are built-in so you can travel the country and always know where you are and where you’re going

AAA TourBook® guide travel information – Integrated travel information from AAA TourBook guides makes it easy to locate AAA approved and rated lodgings and restaurants, recommended attractions, and places to save money

AAA Roadside Assistance details – Touch the tow truck icon on the main menu at any time to get your location details and contact number for AAA to quickly direct reliable AAA help to your location¹.

Birds eye 3D view – Clearly see your surroundings in 2D or 3D

Rechargeable battery – Navigate when you don’t have access to power

Multi-destination routing – Select up to 20 destinations and choose the order that best fits your needs

SmartDetour – Automatically prompts you to route around sudden slow freeway traffic (no fee or subscription required)

Auto Re-route – Never miss a turn and quickly get back on track whenever you take a detour

Auto night view – Adjusts color and contrast for easy night viewing

QuickSpell^™ – Easily enter addresses with unique auto-complete feature that even corrects spelling

Complete mobility – Transfer to any vehicle with no installation

1.5 million points of interest (POI) – Optimized database to easily find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, and more with smart location search by name, category and region. We even added a Coffee category so you can quickly find caffeine whenever you need it.

Interactive Point of Interest (POI) icons – Touch an onscreen icon for a nearby destination; see name and address and get an instant route

Customizable route method – Fastest time, shortest distance, least use or most use of freeways, avoid toll roads

Route exclusion – Select streets and freeways to avoid so you can BE THERE™ your way

4 easy views – Map View, 3D map, TrueView^™ 3D split screen and Maneuver List

Address Book – Create and store personal points of interest for easy reoccurring trips

Instant locate – One touch shows your location; quickly advise roadside assistance or emergency services

Specifications

Product Number: 980919-01A

PHYSICAL

PERFORMANCE

POWER