Garmin nuvi 255

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 low price. It does lack a widescreen -- available on the otherwise identical Garmin nuvi 255W (*Est. $195) -- as well as the Bluetooth and free traffic alerts you'll get on the top-rated budget model, the Garmin nuvi 265T (*Est. $185) and widescreen Garmin nuvi 265WT (*Est. $230). 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.