See All Auto GPS

Garmin nuvi 1300LM

*Est. $150

Reviewed

October 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Lifetime map updates included
Pedestrian/public transit navigation
4.3-inch widescreen
Inexpensive

Cons

Some owners complain of routing problems
No free traffic alerts
Garmin nuvi 1350T costs about the same and has more features

Our Analysis
Specs

Along with the top-rated Garmin nuvi 1350LM (*Est. $155) , several sources also recommend the Garmin nuvi 1300LM. It omits the free lifetime traffic alerts, lane assist, speed limit indicator and Canada and Alaska maps you'll find on the nuvi 1350T, but it does add free map updates for the life of the unit. Of course, Garmin offers a slew of models with every possible feature combination, so you could buy the Garmin nuvi 1350LMT (*Est. $175) to get both free lifetime traffic and maps. When we checked real-world prices for these models, we found very little difference.

Experts at ConsumerReports.org and GPSTracklog.com perform hands-on tests and compare the Garmin nuvi 1300LM against other auto GPS units. Amazon.com and Newegg.com both post customer reviews, both positive and negative.

Where To Buy

Garmin nüvi 42LM 4.3-Inch Portable Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps (US)

Buy new: $129.99 18 New from $129.99

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org includes the Garmin nuvi 1300LM in its latest ranking of 137 GPS navigators. Editors rate each model's usability and performance and usability criteria before ranking the units from best to worst.

Review: GPS Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

2. GPS Tracklog

This review explains the differences between the Garmin nuvi 1300LM and other Garmin GPS units in the same price range. Rich Owings concludes with a list of pros and cons.

Review: Garmin nuvi 1300LM, Rich Owings, Oct. 3, 2010

3. Amazon.com

With about 1,600 owner reviews posted for the entire Garmin nuvi 1300 series (Amazon.com lumps them all together), the Garmin nuvi 1300 LM gets an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Review: Garmin nuvi 1300LM 4.3-inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Map Updates, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. NewEgg.com

Newegg.com customers give the Garmin nuvi 1300LM an average rating of 4 out of 5, with just over 20 reviews posted. Despite all the praise, a few owners have recently complained that the unit freezes up, won't acquire satellites or has a nonresponsive touch screen.

Review: GARMIN nuvi 1300 LM 4.3" GPS Navigation with Lifetime Map Updates, Contributors to Newegg.com

Garmin nuvi 1390T *Est. $165

4 picks including: Amazon.com, PCMag.com…

Garmin nuvi 1200 *Est. $150

3 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…

Garmin nuvi 3760T *Est. $265

3 picks including: Amazon.com, Which? magazine…

Garmin nuvi 1350 *Est. $160

3 picks including: Amazon.com, GPS Tracklog…

Garmin nuvi 1300 *Est. $155

3 picks including: Amazon.com, Walmart.com…

Garmin nuvi 1300LM *Est. $150