Customer Ratings & Reviews

I purchased this to replace an older Garmin nuvi 3490, which unfortunately was stolen from my vehicle. Primarily I rely on Google Maps navigation on my phone, but use this for longer trips, as a backup for phone navigation (in case the phone battery has run out), and for storing & navigating to saved points of interest. This has a bright, clear display, larger than the older device. It seems to be snappier than the older Garmin and there are a number of nice improvements to the user interface. The quality of navigation itself does not seem to be significantly better than the older Garmin; it has all of the same quirks... generally Google Maps has much more intelligent navigation. This update includes a phone app and Bluetooth which if configured, allows you to get traffic information via your phone's data connection. It also comes with a cigarette power cable which doubles as a traffic data receiver. I have not yet tried either the phone app/bluetooth connection, nor the dedicated power cable (my cigarette lighter is being used to keep my phone charged, so I can't comment on either of these. The older nuvi used a USB micro B connector for charging, while this one uses USB mini B. I'm not sure why they went with a larger connector on the newer rev. The windshield mount works well but I still haven't quite mastered fixing the device to the mount (it is easy to detach). One feature which is quite nice is that the device will update maps and other software over wi-fi, so it is no longer necessary to use Garmin Express to keep it up-to-date. If you don't have auto navigation and don't plan to use your phone, I would say this is a good value; if you do use your phone for navigation, this might not be a worthwhile purchase unless you need/like the benefits of a dedicated navigation device, and the extra features this one in particular offers (not all of which I have detailed here).

This GPS has an easy-to-view screen and came with lifetime map updates (US). I purchased it for both the larger screen and the fact that it doesn't require cellular service. The device locks on to GPS satellites quickly, and there are multiple choices for viewing maps (e.g., 2D, 3D). Entering destinations isn't as simple as Google Maps, but that may be good, since more than once I've erroneously selected the correct street address in the wrong town with Google. If you pair the GPS with your phone and activate the Garmin phone app, it's supposed to give you up-to-date traffic info. However, rerouting isn't as easy as Wayze. I used the device in Boston (which admittedly has an AWFUL street layout and congestion) and got stuck in a maze of detours due to construction. On less congested roads, the routes and route alerts were good.

Nice little gps. Screen size is perfect. Overall easy to use. Definetly recommend it

GPS updates easily with WiFi, no cable needed. The touch screen has not shown any finger prints or smudges. Great GPS for navigation. Can be synced with a mobile phone.

Very easy to set up & use. Features all work as advertised. Like the bigger screen,!Great calue for the price!

I love this GPS with one exception. The phone connection volume is not loud enough to hear in a noisy car. So, I just use the phone with earbuds when I'm driving. I bought this for use in my 2012 Corvette, which is not a quiet car, I have no problem hearing the map directions. Maps are good, connecting a smart phone is simple & keeping it updated is also very easy. It does run warm on the left rear side.

Easy to use. Great, readable, helpful display. Good warnings of trouble ahead. I'm glad my wife demanded replacing my probably obsolete Garmin GPS. I was going simply use a cellphone. I'm glad we're using the Garmin-DriveSmart 55 & Traffic 5.5. I use it as a hand's free cell device. Illinois now will fine anyone apparently simply holding a cell phone; thus, it would be more difficult to simply use the cell phone speaker while driving.

I was hesitant to switch from my favorite brand of GPS units but the salesman explained the features and I took a chance. Wow! I’m glad I switched! Clearer display and easy to see even in the sun. Navigation was precise and the unit is super easy to use.

This GPS has awesome features and is very easy to use! The screen is very user friendly and accurate.

Avoided GPS units for years because last one I had, I had to spend high prices every year for map updates and this one has free lifetime map updates. This one is easy to set up and use. Had plenty of nice features on it. Think this will do me great on my trip to N. Carolina this time and free up my phone.

After not having one for a long time and being shut down on data from my cell carrier, I was without navigation on my vacation last year and had to buy a map. So I bought this and it was like an old friend had visited. So easy to use bright display and the perfect size to fit in the corner of my dash. I will def recommend this to friends.

The Garmin, Drive Smart 55 Traffic 5.5" GPS with Built -in Bluetooth, Black is a very good GPS. I purchased this GPS about a month ago. This is the 3rd GPS that I've had and by far the best. I had one older model Garmin and one Magellan. The touch screen works very well. The colors are nice and the navigation route is easy to follow. I usually turn off/down the sound and just follow the screen. It gives you good notice for turns that are coming up. It even shows crosswalks. The information on the screen, mph, speed limit, etc. is easy to read. It has a lot of features that I haven't used. I basically use the the Navigation. At some point I'll explore some of the other features. I find that it pairs well with the Garmin - Vehicle Mount for GPS - Black Model :0101090800. While a few reviews found the shape a little irregular and hard to position on the dashboard I find that it works well. I had a similar Vehicle Mount for years with my previous GPS which was a Magellan and it worked well on the dashboard.

Easy to use, screen is the right size for easy viewing. Accurate and updated

Easy to set p and use. The voice command is nice but is very sensitive. But with a little practice it a great feature. The screen goes to the edge of the device and looks like a small HD TV! The crd is plenty long so I actually put it on the left side of my dash, works great and does not obstruct my view.

While this version has a sharper image, it does get really hot! When my husband is driving I hold the GPS in my hands. I can no longer do this as it is decidedly uncomfortable. I think I need to exchange it. My husband also thinks there is something wrong and I have noticed other reviewers say the same. Also, I made the mistake of receiving my emails to the device and it is way too intrusive, especially while driving! Now I have to figure out how to disable that feature! If I can exchange it for a cooler one I will upgrade my review.

This is my 7th Garmin product and my 3rd Garmin automobile GPS. To me Garmin has the very best of this type of product. I bought this GPS to upgrade from my old Garmin which is still working after about 5 years. The feature that really convinced me to upgrade is the history feature which lists local historical sites! We will be driving to Colorado next month and this will really come in handy when we explore! Another feature that I didn't have on my old GPS is the warnings that pop up for various hazards. That is also a very good feature! This GPS is also very lightweight which makes it more likely to stay stuck to the inside of my windshield. I love my Garmin products and will always stick with Garmin!

Needed to upgrade from map books to modern technology in an older vehicle. This has features that have not used yet. The easy to use device allows typing in of location by address or name. Displays route, current location, current screen and a split screen appears to show recommend road position on multi lane highways. The mounting is easy to use, the suction cup strong. Holding up well in summer heat. The device does get warm to the touch but after a month am not seeing this heat impact the performance. The device will not mount well on a van with severe angle windshield (Chevy Lumina, Ford Astro, older models) this is fault of vehicle design. On this type of windshield the device blocks view or must be mounted too far way to use the touch screen. This is no fault of device. Need to figure out how to mount it on dash that allows it to still be portable. Due to texture on plastic dash the suction mount will not attach. Something to consider if you have this type vehicle.

I've used Garmin for about 20 years and I've always been happy with their products. This particular model is great! It's loaded with features such as searching for locations using your voice and while not new, Bluetooth connection and smartphone compatibility. The 5.5" screen is nice and bright too.

We had purchased the inexpensive, bottom of the line, Garmin a few years ago. The battery will no longer hold a charge. It was replaced with a "middle of the road" model (drive smart 55). with extra features incorporated. We haven't run it thru the paces yet, but so far it is an excellent piece of equipment.

A better model then the last one I had. It has more features. It is very easy to operate. I often wonder how we got along before the GPS was invented and marketed. A must have especially if you travel often from one state to another. Also find it very handy to get around my own town.