Turn by turn navigation

Overview

Using the iPhone to replace old navigation units is a highly desired featured for many users. You don't have to rely on the built-in maps app for rudimentary directions, in fact many choices have bombarded the App Store featuring voice-guided turn-by-turn directions to anywhere you want to go. Let's take a look at which apps rival even the high end standalone Personal Navigation Devices, and which apps need to be detoured away from.

Essential Apps

$59.99
NAVIGON North America

by NAVIGON AG

If you are going to have 1 navigation app, this one is it. Navigon wins for best feature set and is updated regularly with new updates. The interface is cleaner than most and a recent update added a google maps search for POIs right into the app. It's the only major brand navigation app to offer real time traffic which automatically rereoutes you to avoid congestion. It's an extra $19.99 for the real time traffic feature (in-app purchase), so make sure you factor that in the price. The MobileNavigator app also cured the one huge drawback it had and added turn list accessibility via an app update. You can't go wrong with Navigon, even if the UI is not as iPhone-y as Magellan's RoadMate
$39.99
Magellan RoadMate North America

by Magellan

It's really hard not to recommend Magellan's RoadMate. It has the best User Interface of the navigation apps and loaded with TONS of POIs. It feels like it was built for the iPhone, rather than a port of every other PND on the market. Besides the sleek interface it also announces street names and allows you to insert points of interest along the route. You can also set custom quick searches, such as "Nearest WalMarts." The only thing missing is the integration of real time traffic, and if you look at the amount of care they took building the app, it will be only a matter of time until this feature is included.

Notable Apps

$19.99
CoPilot Live North America

by ALK Technologies, Ltd.

For the price sensitive folk, this is the best navigation app with loaded maps that doesn't impact your pocket too much. Nice big buttons make it easy to use while driving (we do NOT recommend this by the way), but the interface does not feel like an iPhone app at all. An in-app purchase ($19.99) gives the app real-time traffic, current nearby gas prices, as well as live search. The Points of Interest are limited making for a lackluster live search experience. Not a top-tier navigation app, but for 1/3 of the price it makes it a worthy alternative.
$0.99
MotionX GPS Drive

by MotionX™

Amazing price, but no maps stored on device. This is good news for those who don't have the free space on their phone for a 1.5GB navigation app, and the maps are updated regularly; but unfortunately the connection requirement leaves this app vulnerable in poor reception or edge connection sites. While the app is only $2.99 you'll have to pay $25 per year for voice guidance, and no text-to-speach for street names either. If you don't opt for the in-app purchase, you also don't get any auto-rerouting if you miss a turn. Oh, there is also no landscape mode for the maps. That being said, the price makes it very attractive but it is only a great solution if you live in a metropolitan area with a constant 3G connection.

Decent Apps

$49.99
TomTom U.S. & Canada

by TomTom International BV

Maybe the biggest name in iPhone GPS and regular updates have kept TomTom a reasonable consideration in the App Store. The user-interface is not intuitive and downright frustrating as touching the map returns to the menu screen. That being said, it does feature text-to-speech, allows you to find Points of Interest along your route, and even lets you do advanced planning. It can't be recommended it for the price since the competition offerings are better; but it will get you where you need to go.
$0.99
MapQuest Navigator

by MapQuest

The inclusion of real time traffic, and reputation of the brand forced us to include MapQuest Navigator as a decent choice, but compared to the other apps it should really be avoided. It uses online maps (requires data connection to work) and sold in installments of monthly subscriptions (29.99 per year). If you like the idea of not storing maps on the device to save storage space, then we recommend you check out MotionX GPS Drive. MapQuest Navigator's POIs are limited and many standard features are missing...No landscape mode, no ipod integration...No thanks!

Traffic Avoiders

Free
Waze GPS & traffic - Social, fun!

by Waze Inc.

If this app can get popular it can be a powerful tool. Waze allows users to update traffic on routes from their iPhone! Will not function as a stand along turn-by-turn navigation app, but can help you avoid a traffic jam.
Free
INRIX Traffic - Get there faster

by INRIX, Inc.

Check out the route your preferred navigation app is giving you, and see if there is any traffic congestions on the way. Intix Traffic is updated regularly, but it's not as accurate as Google Maps, so I'd say skip it for now.

Parked Car Finders

$0.99
Park'n Find

by Affinicore, Inc.

Tired of getting lost when looking for your car, or need help remembering how long you have on the meter? If so this app may help. Parkn Find uses your GPS location to mark where you parked your car and it also offers options to quickly text the location to yourself, or a more location-savvy friend. The best part of the app is push notifications based on time intervals. It can remind you when your meter is about to run out, or if you're approaching a no parking zone time.
$0.99
G-Park

by PosiMotion

G-Park remembers where your car is parked so you don't have to. It's not much better than opening Maps and dropping a pin, but this may be a little easier. It also allows you to take a photo of the parking location and enter notes. Is it worth $.99? Probably not since Park'n Find offers better features at the same price.