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Garmin nuvi 255

Discontinued
Reviewed
November 2010
by ConsumerSearch
Garmin nuvi 255

Pros
  • Speaks street names
  • Fast routing and mapping
  • Low price
Cons
  • No free traffic alerts
  • No Bluetooth
  • Not widescreen

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 (Discontinued) -- as well as the Bluetooth and free traffic alerts you'll get on the Garmin nuvi 265T (Discontinued) and widescreen Garmin nuvi 265WT (Discontinued). 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.

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Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $219.99 $110.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
image
Garmin nüvi 265/265T 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $329.99   
Average Customer Review:  
image
Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $219.99   
Average Customer Review:  
Where To Buy
Garmin nüvi 255 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

 (303 reviews)
Buy new: $139.99   23 Used & new from $34.95

 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
AmazonAmazon rated 3.40 (1826 reviews)1,826 store reviewsIn Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25.00$199.99
Amazon MarketplaceAmazon Marketplace rated 2.75 (234 reviews)234 store reviewsIn Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com!$199.99
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org tests 75 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 reviews the widescreen Garmin nuvi 255W here. 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 5 with about 250 user reviews posted. 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 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator, Contributors to Amazon.com

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