Whatever Happened to MapQuest?

by Jim Thompson | Last Updated: January 11, 2021

In the early days of the internet, a new breed of computer program was introduced to help drivers navigate their way down the road. This new program was called MapQuest, and it revolutionized the way we got around. If you weren’t sure how to get where you were going, MapQuest could be counted on to get you there. However, in the ensuing years, more and better navigation software has been introduced. So should you choose MapQuest or one of the newer programs to get around? There is much speculation on which GPS enabled navigational software to use. Some people use what they’ve always used, tending to go with what they know.

In the Lead No More

After it was first introduced, MapQuest was the unchallenged leader in GPS navigation. Today, both Google and Apple Maps are giving MapQuest a run for its money. Since both Google and Apple Maps come factory installed on smartphones, they offer much higher ease of use as there is no need to download an additional app or pop open the internet to find MapQuest. MapQuest is aware of this and has developed an app version of their software. Still, many cell phone owners do not see the need to download the app when a navigation app they believe to be superior is already resident on their phone.

So Which Navigation Software Should You Go With?

Many people contend that Google and Apple Maps are superior to MapQuest and that they are better able to provide solutions to your navigation needs. However, many of the people making these judgments have never taken the time to perform a side-by-side comparison.

To make the best choice as to which navigator you should use, you really have to try them side-by-side and check the results. Your comparison should include the use of both apps and take the time to print driving directions from both sites from your computer. Many who have done this say that there is no discernible difference in the directions given by either program, and more likely than not, their choice of which to use comes down to the one they are most comfortable with. Mapquest still has its users, but it has certainly declined in popularity. As Google and Apple Maps have been able to convince phone manufacturers that their apps should be automatically a part of a new cell phone, they have the privilege of taking over the direction market and leaving their digital footprints behind one mile at a time.

Mapquest still has its users, but it has certainly declined in popularity. As Google and Apple Maps have been able to convince phone manufacturers that their apps should be automatically a part of a new cell phone, they have the privilege of taking over the direction market and leaving their digital footprints behind one mile at a time.