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Garmin nuvi 255

*Est. $165

Reviewed July 2009

pros
  • Speaks street names
  • Fast routing and mapping
  • Low price
cons
  • No free traffic alerts
  • No Bluetooth
  • Not widescreen
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

The Garmin nuvi 255 is the least expensive Garmin you can get that speaks street names (e.g. "Turn left on Elm Street in 100 feet," rather than just "Turn left in 100 feet"). Experts and users say that makes directions easier to follow. The nuvi 255 also offers Garmin's trademark fast routing and ease of use, and people who own this unit are very satisfied that it provides all of the most helpful features at a very low price. It does lack a widescreen -- available on the otherwise identical Garmin nuvi 255W (*Est. $175) -- as well as the Bluetooth and free traffic alerts you'll get on the top-rated budget model, the Garmin nuvi 265T (*Est. $180) and widescreen Garmin nuvi 265WT (*Est. $220). Traffic alerts are available on the nuvi 255, but they cost extra.

ConsumerReports.org's testing of the Garmin nuvi 255 is expert and unbiased, but only subscribers can read the reports. GPSLodge.com doesn't compare the nuvi 255 directly against other GPS units as ConsumerReports.org does, but its write-up is more detailed. GPSTracklog.com's review is based on a test drive of the similar Garmin nuvi 205W. We found plenty of consumer reviews at Amazon.com and Newegg.com.

Where To Buy
 
 

Garmin nüvi 255 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

 (120 customer reviews)
Buy new: $249.99 $148.54   76 Used from $118.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

 
 
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org tests 83 GPS units, including the Garmin nuvi 255. A chart ranks the models from best to worst and shows how each performs in nine different tests.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 255, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

2. GPSLodge.com

Reviewer Scott Martin covers every aspect of the Garmin nuvi 255 in this lengthy, well-illustrated review, comparing it with similar Garmin models. Martin awards the Garmin nuvi 255 and its widescreen version, the Garmin nuvi 255W, a spot on his holiday gift guide.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 205W/255W Full Review, Scott Martin, Oct. 26, 2008

3. GPS Tracklog

Reviewer Rich Owings highly recommends the widescreen Garmin nuvi 255W, based on his test of the similar Garmin nuvi 205W. Owings mentions the nuvi 255 and explains how it differs from the widescreen version.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 255W Review, Rich Owings, Sept. 8, 2008

4. Amazon.com

The Garmin nuvi 255 averages 4.5 stars (out of five), with more than 90 user reviews. Amazon.com doesn't hesitate to post criticism and negative reviews of the products it sells, but almost all reviewers like this model.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 255, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. NewEgg.com

The Garmin nuvi 255 averages a perfect five-egg rating here, with about a dozen owners posting reviews. Although this retail site doesn't attract as many user reviews as Amazon.com, it does ask reviewers to rate their level of tech knowledge.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 255, Contributors to Newegg.com

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