If you are used to just pulling up Google maps, and you are out of cell range, you are out of luck, but there are good applications that allow for better use.

I have 2 or 3 smart phones that I bought for our kids that are not activated, just used as very very cheap game/music/cameras..
(God Bless Black Friday) cost ranged from 19.95 to 24.95.

The GPS works just fine, as well as the car units I own. You just need to download maps while at hone in a wifi area.

I find that Sygic works best on the older phones. Downloaded all state that I travel in and through. I update the maps every year.