Garmin nuvi 200

Discontinued
Reviewed
November 2008
Garmin nuvi 200

Pros
  • Very inexpensive
  • Excellent Garmin routing
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Can't pronounce street names
  • Not many features

The Garmin nuvi 200 is one of the least expensive auto GPS units you can buy. This entry-level nuvi omits many common features: Bluetooth hands-free calling, a widescreen, traffic information and the ability to speak street names. Experts and users say that can be useful for novice users who can be overwhelmed by complicated features and menus. But newer Garmin nuvi models create maps and grab satellites more quickly than the older, slower nuvi 200, according to reviews. Newer Garmin nuvis also offer more features, including "Where am I?" (which quickly tells you the closest hospital, police and gas station), photo-based navigation and the ability to add a traffic-alert receiver.

GPSReview.net and GPSLodge.com both offer comprehensive expert reviews of the Garmin nuvi 200. Kiplinger.com does a good job explaining which extra features are worth the extra cost in an entry-level GPS, and when a stripped-down unit like the nuvi 200 might be the best option. Practical PC Online and CNET have relatively short noncomparative reviews, neither of which is supported by as much testing as those at GPSReview.net and GPSLodge.com. We found a huge number of owner-written reviews for this auto GPS unit at Amazon.com.

Where To Buy
Garmin nuvi 200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

 (561 reviews)
Buy new: $419.98   46 Used & new from $34.89

 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
CompuVestCompuVest rated 3.84 (543 reviews)543 store reviewsIn Stock. $89.64
 

Our Sources

1. GPSReview.net

GPSReview.net provides a detailed and comparative review of the Garmin nuvi 200, with a handy chart covering all features and specs. Tim Flight calls the nuvi 200 "a great simple device" with some limitations. His main complaint -- the price -- is no longer an issue, as the nuvi 200's price has dropped dramatically.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 200, Tim Flight, March 15, 2007

2. GPSLodge.com

In this amply illustrated, comprehensive review, the Garmin nuvi 200 is described as a well-designed unit with a steep list price (at the time it was reviewed). Scott Martin evaluates performance, usage and features, but GPSLodge.com does not rate products.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 200/250/270 Review, Scott Martin, March 25, 2007

3. Kiplinger.com

The Garmin nuvi 200 is a good choice for people who aren't interested in any extras, Kiplinger.com senior editor Bob Frick writes. Frick doesn't appear to have tested all of the models in this roundup himself, but he does include helpful advice from outside experts.

Review: The Best GPS for $300 or Less, Bob Frick, June 2008

4. Practical PC

U.K. reviewer Iain Laskey, who admits to being a relative GPS novice, travels over 1,000 miles in one week of testing the Garmin nuvi 200. He gives it a high rating, praising its compact form and ease of use.

Review: Review: Garmin Nuvi 200, Iain Laskey

5. CNET

Relying on only the most basic testing of the Garmin nuvi 200, Bonnie Cha offers a brief review that focuses on features. She gives the unit a "very good" rating (3.5 of five stars). Her major complaint, that the nuvi 200 is too costly, is no longer valid.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 200, Bonnie Cha, May 23, 2007

6. Amazon.com

Nearly 550 owners have contributed reviews for the Garmin nuvi 200, awarding it a very high average rating of 4.5 stars (out of five). Most say it is simple, affordable and easy to use.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 200, Contributors to Amazon.com

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