Garmin StreetPilot c550 Review

What the reviewers like:
Routing is great and all reviewers but one had consistently good reception from the SiRFstar III chipset used in the Garmin StreetPilot c550. Reviewers love features including MP3 playback, Bluetooth, and real-time traffic information service (with subscription). The Garmin StreetPilot c550 uses NAVTEQ’s map database, which reviewers say is the best for North America, and its text-to-speech feature pronounces actual street names.

What the reviewers don't like:
Some reviewers report having trouble with the mount; in one case, the unit repeatedly crashed onto the dashboard. Reviews say that battery life is very good, but only half of what Garmin claims. Portability is the main issue -- this unit is bulkier and thicker than more modern auto GPS units.

Garmin StreetPilot c550 review highlights

The Garmin StreetPilot c550 is an old-style auto GPS unit: Its shape and 2.8-inch depth make it much less practical to carry around than the models in the Garmin nüvi series. That’s a consideration if you want to use it as a portable MP3 player. In reviews dating mostly from the summer of 2006, the Garmin c550 earns very high ratings from all reviewers, who praise its routing, reception, and special features. They also say it is easy to use. The price has dropped in half since the c550 was released, but reviewers like some newer models Like the Garmin nuvi 350 (*est. $300) better. One plus is that the Garmin c550 pronounces street names -- a feature not always included on less expensive GPS units (the nuvi 350 also has this feature).

GPS Magazine.com has by far the best review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550 auto GPS: It is the only review to discuss reasons for considering other models, and it is amazingly thorough and superbly documented. GPS Lodge.com also has a good review with limited comparisons. Consumer Electronics Net has a competent review that needs comparisons and a more credible conclusion. GPS Information.info has a fine article about this GPS unit that is mostly informational. Likewise, the CNet.com and PC Magazine reviews are focused on features rather than performance. We found a large number of owner-written evaluations at Amazon.com for the Garmin StreetPilot c550.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. GPSMagazine.com
Garmin StreetPilot c550 Review
Fletch
4-Jul-06

The Garmin StreetPilot c550 receives the full treatment typical of GPS Magazine. After testing and evaluating every feature and capability, reviewer Fletch concludes that the c550 offers “first-rate basic navigation that’s simple to use.” There are comparisons with other GPS models and long lists of pros and cons. This review predates the release of many newer units, however.

2. GPSLodge.com
Review: Garmin StreetPilot C550 Review by GPS Lodge
Scott Martin
24-Jul-06

Although GPS Lodge provides an amply illustrated, comprehensive review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550, the comparisons are generic, not specific to other GPS units. Scott Martin calls the c550 “the must have GPS for the foreseeable future,” but changes have been rapid in this product category and this conclusion is dated.

3. Amazon.com
Garmin StreetPilot c550
Contributors to Amazon.com

There are over 200 reviews here for the Garmin c550, all written by owners. Most owners are happy with the StreetPilot, but some wish they'd bought a less bulky auto GPS unit.

4. Consumer Electronics Net.com
Garmin StreetPilot c550 GPS Navigation System
Charlie White
Aug. 29, 2006

This review is well-organized, well-balanced, and easy to read. Charlie White tested the StreetPilot c550 on a 4,000-mile trip. The major flaws with this review are the absence of comparisons, and a conclusion and very high rating that are too dismissive of some important problems with the unit.

5. CNet.com
Garmin StreetPilot c550
Bonnie Cha
10-Jul-06

The last paragraph of this CNet review is devoted to performance, and it is very helpful. The only comparison made with other products is in terms of relative features.

6. PC Magazine
>> Details/Subscribe
Garmin StreetPilot c550
Craig Ellison
11-May-06

Craig Ellison regularly reviews new GPS units for PC Magazine, so this review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550 is disappointing. It focuses entirely on features; road testing and navigation accuracy are not discussed.

7. GPS Information.info
Garmin StreetPilot c550
Jack Yeazel
Last updated Dec.21, 2006

This article by engineer and GPS enthusiast Jack Yeazel provides ample information about the Garmin StreetPilot c550, with many illustrations. Particularly helpful are the details of how to use this GPS receiver’s functions, as well as a list of FAQs. There is minimal comparison to other units and no recommendations.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

Garmin StreetPilot c550 Review