Garmin GPS Navigation System Review

GPS navigation systems are very common and familiar to most of us. They can be very helpful in getting from place to place when driving as well as on foot. The problem though is determining which brand and model to purchase. There are several major brands and numerous models to choose from and the prices vary greatly. Keep reading for an in-depth review of Garmin GPS systems for passenger vehicles.

The nüvi® and zūmo® series by Garmin are intended for use with passenger vehicles, with the zūmo® models specifically designed to be motorcycle friendly.

Garmin nüvi® GPS series
Garmin has 26 models in the nüvi® series, ranging from $160 for a basic model to $550 for the fully decked out models.

The first distinguishing factor between the 26 Garmin nüvi® GPS models is the screen size and portability options. There are four screen sizes, listed as width by height: base display – 2.8″ x 2.1″; wide screen – 3.8″ x 2.25″; extra-wide screen – 4.5″ x 2.7″; large screen – 4.4″ x 2.5″. At each price level Garmin offers models which are waterproof or ultra-thin. It is important to consider all the situations in which you will use your GPS device. Having a waterproof model will be important if you will use the GPS device outside of your vehicle, walking in the city or hiking in the woods. An ultra-thin model can also be useful if you will carry the GPS device with you, sliding the GPS device into your briefcase or laptop bag, instead of storing it in your vehicle.

The second distinguishing factor is preloaded street maps. All Garmin nüvi® GPS models have preloaded street maps, with the less expensive models containing street maps for the lower 48 states, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Three more preloaded street map levels are available as the price of the model increases. These options are street maps for North America, for Europe and North America or for Europe and North America as well as US topographic maps. All models speak the street names and include pedestrian navigation options.

The third group of distinguishing options include sound capabilities. The higher end Garmin nüvi® GPS models tend to be Bluetooth® wireless capable while the lower end models are not. Also, the FM lifetime traffic functionality is included with the higher priced models but only as an optional add-on for an additional cost for the entry level models.

The last group of distinguishing factors are multi-function options. Most of the higher end Garmin nüvi® GPS models offer a built-in FM transmitter or MP3 player. If you usually carry one of these, by choosing a higher end model your Garmin nüvi® GPS device can be your FM radio or MP3 player.

Once you have determined the Garmin nüvi® GPS models which fit your needs based on the above factors, then you can concentrate on the navigation functionality Garmin nüvi® offers and pin-point the model which is right for you. These Garmin navigation features are: photo navigation, 3-D building view, lane assist, ecoRoute to calculate more fuel-efficient routes, route planning, and speech recognition. Each of these navigation functions will raise the price of the Garmin nüvi® GPS model selected.

Garmin zūmo® GPS series
The Garmin zūmo® series are semi-ruggedized models designed for bikers. The Garmin zūmo® series consists of 2 models, priced at $800 and $900. Both of the Garmin zūmo® GPS models are Bluetooth® wireless enabled, waterproof, and battery powered.