When picking out a car CD player, let's begin with the obvious criteria. How much capacity do you need? Do you need a single car CD changer, or are you an audiophile who needs a six-disc CD changer? Keep in mind that changing CDs while in the car is a potentially dangerous activity; for long commutes or drives, it's far safer to load up a multi-CD changer and let the good times roll.

The type of music you enjoy listening to is also something to consider. Do you have homemade CDs? While many CD players are now capable of playing homemade discs, a number of car CD players will not play them well. A high signal to noise ratio will give home-recorded CDs a cleaner sound.

If you want to be able to control your iPod from your car's CD player, look for a model that has a compatible iPod control adapter. The adapter will charge your iPod's battery, which will in turn provide you with optimal sound quality. No matter what external device you want to play, whether it's an iPod, an MP3 player, or some other audio source, you need a CD player with auxiliary input. The majority of the CD players on the market either have a built-in auxiliary input, or an adapter that converts the stereo's changer port to an audio input. For added convenience, look for a model with a front-panel auxiliary input. Reputable brands like Pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood will all offer this feature.

Next, take a moment to think about how you listen. If you want your music to be 'just right,' look for a player with a sophisticated equalizer that has digital signal processing or digital time correction. If you listen to MP3 discs or satellite radio, look for a display that will show you the song, album, and artist information without requiring you to scroll while driving. Choose enhanced graphics so that you can see the display at a glance. Remember, safety must come first when you're behind the wheel.