Garmin nuvi 250 Review

What the reviewers like:

• Easy-to-use menu options and pared-down features
• Excellent navigation
• Low price

What the reviewers don't like:

• No text-to-speech
• Not much cheaper than more full-featured Garmin nüvi models

Garmin nuvi 250 review highlights

The Garmin nüvi 250 is thoroughly road tested at both GPSMagazine.com and GPSLodge.com.

Consumer NZ (New Zealand's version of Consumer Union, publishers of Consumer Reports) includes the nüvi 250 in its head-to-head test of six GPS models, but only one of the other models tested is available in the United States. Although the nüvi 250 doesn't appear to have been tested in-depth at GPS Tracklog, that reliable site calls it a top budget alternative. We also found useful owner reviews at Amazon.com.

The stripped-down Garmin nüvi 250 is the kind of GPS you'd buy for a non-tech-savvy friend, experts say: It omits extra accessories and menu options, leaving only an excellent navigator that's easy to use. In routing tests, the nüvi 250 beats more expensive Magellan and TomTom units, picking the most efficient route time after time. Experts say the nüvi 250 is a better navigator and easier to use than the ultra-budget TomTom ONE 3rd Edition (*est. $145). However, like the TomTom, the nüvi 250 GPS omits one feature that experts usually recommend: the ability to speak street names. For just a bit more money, the Garmin nüvi 350 (*est. $230) offers this important feature plus a few extras, including a traffic receiver and MP3 player. Although owners like their nüvi 250s, experts usually recommend stepping up to at least the nüvi 250W (*est. $215) to get a wide screen. For a small savings, Garmin offers the nüvi 200 (*est. $160) and its widescreen version, the nüvi 200W (*est. $200), which are identical to the nüvi 250/250W except they come with maps of the lower 48 states only (the nüvi 250 and 250W add Canada, Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii).

Also see full report: Auto GPS

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

1. GPSMagazine.com
Garmin nüvi 250 In-Depth Review
Editors of GPSMagazine.com
Apr. 22, 2007

This e-zine's road test of Garmin's entry-level nüvi 250 is incredibly comprehensive. The review thoroughly analyzes the nüvi 250's features - and lack thereof - and recommends some alternatives for budget shoppers who would prefer more features or a wide screen.

2. GPSLodge.com
GPS Holiday Gift Guide - The Best GPS Gifts
Scott Martin
Nov. 11, 2007

GPS blogger Scott Martin recommends both the Garmin nüvi 250 and 250W on his holiday gift guide. The guide links to full reviews of both units, including Martin's analysis of widescreen versus small screen.

3. Consumer.org.nz
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Garmin nüvi 250
Hamish Wilson
Apr. 7, 2008

The Garmin nüvi 250 is tested and rated against five other navigators at Consumer NZ, New Zealand's version of Consumers Union, publishers of Consumer Reports. The review includes a ratings chart, with numeric scores and full profiles of each unit. Of the other units tested, only the TomTom ONE 3rd Edition is available in the U.S.

4. GPS Tracklog
Garmin nüvi 250 Review
Rich Owings
Mar. 26, 2007

The Garmin nüvi 250 is GPS blogger Rich Owings' alternative pick for a budget auto GPS in his buyer's guide. Although some of the entries in Owings' buyer's guide link to his own detailed road test results, the nüvi 250 page includes only a brief description of the unit's features and links to reviews from outside sources.

5. Amazon.com
Garmin nüvi 250
Contributors to Amazon.com

More than 40 customers have posted reviews of the nüvi 250, almost all of them rating the unit four or five stars (out of five). Most users say they're glad they didn't spend extra, because the budget nüvi 250 navigates very well.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

Garmin nuvi 250 Review