I remember. You had to plan in advance and communicate with others.

There were other mapping services too. Google also didn't start from blank map, they bought data from Navteq/TeleAtlas.

I do. I remember adding a lot of buffer time just in case I wouldn't be able to find my way. It is much more convenient now with G-Maps and other providers. I also remember how expensive the maps for the early navigation systems were and how bad they were.

you stopped at a gas station and bought a mapsco.

Paper maps were often only marginally useful due to lack of proper street signs or building numbers, especially at night or in bad weather.

Yes, I used services like Map24.