New Car Gadgetry: I Want My XM Radio and OnStar

I've been reviewing cars for about five years. And if I've learned anything after driving more than 200 vehicles, it's that every manufacturer has a terminology "spin" for what it believes is its revolutionary automotive technology.

Some of the parlance is clever and represents great innovation; Other descriptions are shameless, meaningless hype.

Regardless, with the admission that I'm a minimalist, I think it's fair to say some vehicles' equipment offerings have reached critical mass or perhaps exceeded it.

In short, some cars have too much stuff, some of which just doesn't work well. Hypersensitive electronic sensors, rear view navigation systems with blurry visual quality and inefficient braking systems all come to mind.

Yet, two items standout among as the best of the worthwhile technology wonderment.

Neither is likely to impressive engineering wizards or car buffs. But I think every car would be better if it featured satellite radio and a voice-command navigation system.

One of my recent weekly test drives, a 2007 Chevrolet HHR, offered both features. The retro wagon's appearance, styled after the 1950s Chevrolet Suburban, attracted attention. But the car's exterior color, "sunburst metallic orange" garnered even more stares and comments.

But what I liked about the car most is that it featured XM satellite radio and the new OnStar "turn-by-turn navigation system.

Satellite radio is available on an increasing number of vehicles, and for me it's now a disappointment when it's not available. The vast music, news and sports channels are ideal for long drives. And satellite radio is an ideal way to eliminate the annoyance of commercial overload on AM/FM channels.

The new OnStar system, available on select 2006 General Motors' cars and most 2007 editions, features both a digital display and voice command for directions.

During my week with the HHR, the OnStar system, called "Turn-By-Turn Navigation," worked well. Its ease-of-use functionality was impressive, even for someone who appreciates the motto: "The fewer the gadgets, the better."

The new OnStar system works in four steps: