Garmin nüvi 200 Review

What the reviewers like:

• Very inexpensive
• Typically excellent Garmin routing

What the reviewers don’t like:

• Missing important features, such as the ability to speak street names
• Other Garmin nüvi GPS units get higher ratings

Garmin nüvi 200 review highlights

GPSMagazine.com provides a superb comparative review of the Garmin nüvi 250 auto GPS; thorough testing, balance, illustration, product positioning and explanation are all exceptional. GPS Review.net and GPSLodge.com both have very good reviews. Kiplinger's Personal Finance 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 nüvi 200 might be the best option. Practical PC Online and CNet.com have relatively short non-comparative reviews, neither of which is supported by sufficient testing. We found a huge number of owner-written reviews for this auto GPS unit at Amazon.com.

The Garmin nüvi 200 is one of the least expensive auto GPS units you can buy. Garmin's entry-level nüvi cuts costs by omitting many common features: Bluetooth hands-free calling, a wide screen, traffic information and the ability to speak street names. In this price class, reviewers are more likely to recommend the TomTom ONE 3rd Edition (*est. $145), which - unlike the nüvi 200 - is traffic-receiver-compatible (although the receiver isn't included). However, the TomTom unit uses Tele Atlas maps while the Garmin nüvi 200 uses NAVTEQ software, which generates more efficient routes in tests. Experts usually recommend spending a little extra for the Garmin nüvi 350 (*est. $230), which is much more full-featured. The nüvi 200 is offered in a widescreen version, the nüvi 200W (*est. $200). The nüvi 200 is identical to the nüvi 250 (*est. $180), except the nüvi 250 includes maps for Canada and Alaska as well as the continental U.S.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

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

1. GPSMagazine.com
Garmin nüvi 250 In-Depth Review
"Fletch"
Apr. 22, 2007

Reviewer "Fletch" provides a thorough review of the Garmin nüvi 250 with abundant comparisons, including all relevant alternatives, future buying considerations, lists of pros and cons, photographs, and a very helpful Garmin line comparison chart. Fletch says the nüvi 200 series is highly effective and easy to use, but overpriced (at the time of the review) for the features it offers.

2. GPSReview.net
Garmin Nuvi 200 Review
Tim Flight
Mar. 15, 2007

GPS Review.net provides a detailed and comparative review of the Garmin nüvi 200. 'The review lacks photographs, screen shots or ratings. Specifications and features (or their absence) are covered in a handy chart. Tim Flight says the nüvi 200 is solid but too expensive (prices have dropped since it was reviewed, however).

3. GPSLodge.com
Garmin Nuvi 200/250/270 Review
Scott Martin
Mar. 25, 2007

In this amply illustrated, comprehensive review, the Garmin nüvi 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 his comparisons with competing models are insufficient. GPSLodge.com does not rate products.

4. Kiplinger Personal Finance
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The Best GPS for $300 or Less
Bob Frick
June 2008

The Garmin nüvi 200 is one of the least expensive basic navigators recommended by Kiplinger Personal Finance senior editor Bob Frick in this roundup. Frick doesn't appear to have tested all of the models himself, but he does ask specialist sites - GPSLodge.com, GPSMagazine.com and GPSInformation.net - for helpful advice on extra features'. The nüvi 200 is a good choice for people who aren't interested in any extras,, Frick says.

5. Practical PC
Review: Garmin Nüvi 200
Iain Laskey

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

6. CNet.com
Garmin Nuvi 200 Car GPS (Navigation) Review
Bonnie Cha
May 23, 2007

Relying on only the most basic testing of the Garmin nüvi 200, Bonnie Cha offers a brief review that focuses on features. Her major complaint, that the nüvi 200 is too costly, is no longer valid.

7. Amazon.com
Garmin nüvi 200 Review
Contributors to Amazon.com

More than 400 owners of the Garmin nüvi 200 have contributed reviews at Amazon.com, and the auto GPS unit gets a very high average rating of 4.5 stars (out of five). Most say it is simple, affordable and easy to use.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

Garmin nüvi 200 Review