Garmin Nuvi 255 / 255W Review Analysis | All Features Rated & Tested

price

5

This particular system does not have bluetooth capabilities, but there are more expensive models that offer this feature
Bluetooth would be nice, but it is available on more expensive models
Price a little expensive

Best GPS in its class & price
and the price is reasonable
The wide screen is easy to read, the system is 99.9% accurate right out of the box, and the price is reasonable
best in its class and price
price

Size, display, price
Great does all it claims to, does not have all of the gadgets of the more expensive units but really good at what it does
it was not much more expensive than models with only british coverage
I especially like the european coverage & considering this, it was not much more expensive than models with only british coverage
does not have all of the gadgets of the more expensive units but really good at what it does
low price and features offer the most for your money
Great Price
good price
good value
exellent value for the price
What a deal for the price
It's reliable, accurate and has everything you could ask for in a lower priced GPS
Price/VFM
Nice size and weight along with good sound and display features I would have to say this GPS is one the best on the market for its price range
Easily updated, Nice size and weight along with good sound and display features I would have to say this GPS is one the best on the market for its price range
Value for money
I bought this item for my wife based on it being rated a Consumer Reports "best buy" for navigation devices in its price range
The price at Newegg was great too
I did a lot or research before making this purchase because I have never owned a GPS
I bought mine at half price
best value for a speech to text GPS - basic navigation needed - no MPE
best value for a speech to text GPS - basic navigation needed - no MPE, voce recognition etc
if you go off route it re calculates very quickly overall worth the money
Good features, easy to operate, value for money

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performance

2.5

fast
the 255w is very clean, fast, and straightforward
It would be nice to have an alarm when going over the speed limit
Uses main roads, even when side roads are quicker
even when side roads are quicker

and trip routing and rerouting times are slightly faster than the competition
Startup, destination entry, and trip routing and rerouting times are slightly faster than the competition
lightning fast route calculations
shows speed limit on many roads
extremely easy and fast to enter/save/find destinations

depending on speed on the motorway in some areas of the country
depending on speed on the motorway in some areas of the country, ie wales the junctions arnet exactly where it says they are, rest of uk fine
ie I wanted to know if the sat nav made a beep when it was coming up to a speed camera as just having the speed on the screen is not any good when driving
I thought the instruction booklet was light on information, ie I wanted to know if the sat nav made a beep when it was coming up to a speed camera as just having the speed on the screen is not any good when driving, I have still to find this out
Estimated time of arrival is hopelessly optimistic - it seems to assume you are able to maintain the maximum speed limit at all times
Slow to reposition vehicle after turns
often so slow that you find yourself in the wrong lane if your in a series of quick turns
Slow to reposition vehicle after turns, often so slow that you find yourself in the wrong lane if your in a series of quick turns
start - up time is quite slow GPS
can be a little slow at junctions or roundabouts with multiple exits

Text-to speech, lightning fast route calculations, shows speed limit on many roads, customizable, extremely easy to use right out of the box, extremely easy and fast to enter/save/find destinations
Fast recalculations even on the road
Quick to recalculate
I love the posted road speed limit
I love the posted road speed limit, very accurate
Picks up speed cameras well in advance and find and an alternative route immediately if required
fast response
The plan way speed is quick

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memory

1.5

the fact it only came with a car charger no usb for the computer or a home charger
Charging with a an ordinary USB cable and charger puts it in a "mass storage mode"
Charging with a an ordinary USB cable and charger puts it in a "mass storage mode", whatever that is and the unit is not accessible
Plugging to a computer does the same
You must use Garmin's special car charging cable or it again enters the "mass storage mode"

trip computer
Compact for storage and carryingt around
super - memory
Powerful, super - memory

My computer wouldn't recognize the nuvi though I tried 3 different USB cables
I bought one and I am now able to connect to the computer

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LCD

5

Doesn,t show miles to on screen
t show miles to on screen
The screen gets dirty easily due to being touch screen
The screen would be better a little bigger
The screen would be better a little bigger, but is good and visible

The wide screen is easy to read
nice wide screen
the larger screen is a real benefit
can download different images of vehicle on screen
Automatically changes the on-screen colours from day to night time when it needs to

Once it get pass the Garmin screen

Big enough screen accurate good volume designe nice and slim fits into my make up bag
The screen is a really good size
easey to follow on screen instructions
big screen 4.3"
The screen is very clear
clear screen
good screen size
good screen size, bought it at half the retail cost
The widescreen Nuvis have just the right amount of screen space
The screen rarely gets washed out by sunlight
Nice screen
Nice screen, size is good and it looks good
Screen is simple to read and understand
I did a lot of research and decided to get this because first of all it's a Garmin and it has the 4.3" screen
The screen is bright and if set on "Auto adjust" will switch from daytime to nightime automatically
Screen is large and easy to read
Analog 3D screen
but clear screen
Good size, compact, but clear screen
Ease to set up and see the maps on screen
nice size screen
nice size screen, instructions for directions to wear you are going are well in advance
good sized screen

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interface

5

charger or even the user manual - shame on you Garmin
Garmin 255W does not come with USB cable, charger or even the user manual - shame on you Garmin
and keep left command get confused
The turn left, and keep left command get confused
It didn't come with a user manual

The Garmin Nuvi 255W features a large touch screen and an easy-to-understand interface
user friendly
Very user friendly
Very user friendly, the larger screen is a real benefit
The interface is better than any previous model I have had

Intuative interface
Widescreen, Intuative interface, Points of interest
Same great product as mine with the wider screen and updated interface
Supremely intuitive interface
Plenty of features for the average user and accurate directions
Plenty of features for the average user and accurate directions, for the most part
A clear interface

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maps

3

You have to fork out an extra 50$ for a map of Mexico when other comparable brand models include it
and if you need to turn off the road but it's not at 90 degrees it'll say keep left
If you go round a 90 degree bend it'll say turn left, and if you need to turn off the road but it's not at 90 degrees it'll say keep left
Can be a bit confusing especially in estates where they change road priorities etc
towns and roads missing from the map

Premium version of TMC traffic info
The maps are more are better than the TomTom's that I have owned
Do your research on TeleAtlas vs Navteq maps
super and accurate maps
The map clearly shows which turning to take with a white arrow that runs through the turning - The maps are clear - The screen is a really good size

Restaraunts, towns and roads missing from the map
Maps are not current
Maps are not current, even with online update
GPS fix time can sometimes take a while to fix
Some of the Europe maps are out of date (France in particular
Directions over the Forth Road Bridge wrong they did not take account of the new road system
Directions over the Forth Road Bridge wrong they did not take account of the new road system
Map was not accurate and did not contain a postcode
had trouble downloading the map update
had trouble downloading the map update, all other downloads were very easy
First time I used on European routes - it took me on longer road then it should have (thru a conjested town and not on the bypass - the bypass had been there for years
Unclear maps
The Nuvi is a little sluggish in cold weather
Maps are NOT accurate
Maps are NOT accurate, despite what I've read in other reviews
Only complaint is that units are fragile but most GPS units (except handhelds
since I was on the road and didn't have time for warranty claims
Replacing the fuse didn't help, so I bought a cheep generic replacement adapter, since I was on the road and didn't have time for warranty claims
cost to much to add trafic alerts
It had been used already and map locations in Ohio were stored so this HAD to be refurbished
Voice sends you in a different way to that shown on the map

The map clearly shows which turning to take with a white arrow that runs through the turning
The maps are clear
Extra slim widescreen with the option to have a 2D Map view like a normal map
Fantastic selection of international maps
Terrific GPS
I have owned other GPS's and by far this one aquires the signals the fastest
I have owned other GPS's and by far this one aquires the signals the fastest, almost instantaniously
taking a lot of pressure off the map reader
Excellent for travel in Europe, taking a lot of pressure off the map reader
maps were accurate and got me through a 400 mile trip this weekend
So much information is available to you that you will drive off the road digesting it all
The maps are about 95% up to date
I have driven off the map a few times - and it's fun to watch the steam coming out the Garmin's brain as it tries to get you back on a road
2009 maps
Great GPS
I've tried just about every GPS out there and Garmin products have one specific feature that the rest don't have
Maps seem pretty up to date
Loved it and the best GPS unit I have owned so far
Good basic gps
Good map layout
good gps
gps

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menu

3.5

down loading the update very difficult
down loading the update very difficult, still not achieved
I had to get a computer geek to register the sat nav and down load as I was havng trouble
I had to get a computer geek to register the sat nav and down load as I was havng trouble, that could have been me
A bit awkward to adjust the volume or mute while in route (you'll have to go back to Menu and manually adjust your volume then return back to the route

Where Am I help menu
easy menu functions
It has only tried to take me down a closed private road once

usability

5

havent found anything i dislike yet...easy to use
The instruction manual is poor and lack infomation
Instructions how to use/set up Traffic function are not clear for SatNav virgins like myself
all other downloads were very easy
There is some bug or something that difficult to use when trying to set a destination in one country whist you are in another country - I can't get this to work reliably

Very easy to use
Very easy to use, - Premium version of TMC traffic info, - Good reactivity in menus
ease of use and operation
extremely easy to use right out of the box
Easy to use

it is very intuitive for my wife to operate and she wouldn't have read the manual even if it came with one
However, it is very intuitive for my wife to operate and she wouldn't have read the manual even if it came with one
Traveling without one and not being able to use it as a phone
He told me that I needed to use a USB cable that has a ferrite barrel at the end of the cable
one part of the motorway mentioned 50 speed limit but as i use the road regular i am aware that it has finished some time ago

Easy to use, and use right out of the box....no nothing needed, just grab and go
It very easy to use
easy to use interface
Reliable, dependable signal, sleek design, easy to use interface
easy to use system
It is accurate and simple to use
I just took it out of the box and used it - didn't even need to refer to the manual
Easy to use, super and accurate maps, best in its class and price
Seems to work right out of the box without having to look at the manual for instructions
easy to program
Easy to install and take out
Ease of use
He found it easy to use and he says it can upgrade information via the internet so it stays upto date
Easy to Set Up
Easy to Upgrade
Easy to Set Up, Great Price, Easy to Upgrade
easy setup
easy setup, easy to use, good price
Anyone can use this
Works wonderfully and EASY to use
Very easy to mount (or not
and easy to use
Easy to use,clear voice, street names
Easy to use right out of the box
Very easy to use right out of the box
Very Easy to Use
Easy to set up, comes with a lot of useful accessories, and easy to use
Easy to use, speaks directions
Text-to-speech and ease of use were the only "must have" features for me
Text-to-speech and ease of use were the only "must have" features for me, along with not costing a lot
The interface is intuitive and easy to use
Easy to use, even for a beginner
easy to mount in car
can use on foot also an added bonus
Easy to use, clear screen, easy to mount in car, can use on foot also an added bonus
Ease of use-Clear instruction-Advance warning of traffic hold ups
Easy to use good scren size
it is easy to use
After the initial set up, it is easy to use
It is quite easy to use
It is quite easy to use, it fits into the pocket when away from the car, accuacy is good providing you put the .whole address and not rely on just the postcode
but of course I am still getting use to it
I have had sat navs before and this is the best so far, but of course I am still getting use to it
Easy to Update
very easy to use, and the traffic monitor works very well
Excellent and easy to use
It is easy to hear
Setup was a snap and I regularly use it for all sorts of trips
The more you use it the more you will realize how friggin' cool this little device is
Interface is intuitive and easy to use and read
Installation on the windshield with the included suction cup thingy was easy and it is very secure
The set up and ease of use are so very easy
VERY easy to use for a electronic learner like me
Easy to use and operate
Bottom line: If you are looking for a simple to use GPS without all the bells and whistles of the expensive units
Bottom line: If you are looking for a simple to use GPS without all the bells and whistles of the expensive units, this one cannot be beat
Easy to use, Simply
Identification of high and easy to operate
easy carry
super-simple to operate
Clear and practical
slim design and easy to use
Well discreet and easy to use
Very simple to use
Simple to use
easy to use, if you go off route it re calculates very quickly overall worth the money
Easy to set up in the car
Very good sat nav to use easy and simple to use
Very good sat nav to use easy and simple to use,had a tom tom before this and it much more acurate and takes you to your destinations ,and diversions with ease .This sat nav has given me the confidence to go anywhere
The functions and menu etc are easy to use and it picks up the satalites quick which enables you to set your journey straight away
EASY TO USE BOTH ON FOOT AND IN CAR
EASY TO USE BOTH ON FOOT AND IN CAR, ESSENTIAL FOR EUROPE ROAMING
simple instructions very easy to load
it is the easyist sat nav i have ever used, simple instructions very easy to load
Once we figured it out which was more down to us than the SatNav it was really easy to use
easy to operate
Easy to use, Small Size, Voice Prompt, Battery Life, Affordable

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screen

4.5

average display
No Bluetooth, no FM transmitter, speaker volume lacks punch, unorthodox address input method, sluggish start-up time, average display
Not too crazy over the graphics display but otherwiser flawless
It can sometimes miss a turn which would be better than the turn recommended by the unit
whatever that is and the unit is not accessible

Decent display graphics
Decent display graphics, nice wide screen, SD slot a plus
display
clear display
easy to program, clear display

any characters display has pink lines running horizontal
Once it get pass the Garmin screen, any characters display has pink lines running horizontal

You cannot go wrong with this unit
Nice display
Nice display, good directions
Screen display is really nice
I purchased this unit from Dell around Thanksgiving for less than $200
The 255W has a really clear display that's easy to see in any light
unlimited unlimited display of speed
unlimited unlimited display of speed, unlimited early to know

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voice guidance

4.5

Voice is a bit robot-like
Voice is a bit robotic
Voice is a bit robotic, - Some itineraries are questionable
Would like more voice options, not a big deal though
It would be helpful if it gave an indication of which route it was going to take you on longer journeys rather than leaving you guessing and blindly following 'a voice'

Clear voice directions
Very clear voice directions
Very clear voice directions, can download different images of vehicle on screen
as is the voice
The screen is very clear, as is the voice

They need more voice options
Voice is a bit robotic a

Voice prompts are clear and maps are visually friendly
The voice giving the instructions was very clear and did not become an irritation like some sat navs do
Voice direction is nice
Voice direction is nice, but can be a little annoying
Voice clear
Voice Capabilities
Voice Prompt

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design

5

A slimmer design would enhance its appearance

Compact design
sleek design
enables you to see and plan ahead
enables you to see and plan ahead, especially at tricky junctions
Smart design and fairly clear cut operation

size is good and it looks good
If you put in the wrong city it won't find the address range that you're looking for
Than have to upgrade the first generation of configuration

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energy efficiency

0.5

It doesn't come with a cover - It doesn't come with a home electric charger (only a cigarette charger)
It doesn't come with a home electric charger (only a cigarette charger)
hate the power cord draping down the dash
Needs a suction cup to mount, hate the power cord draping down the dash

finish

5

I had it on the front seat of my car covered with a coat
I had it on the front seat of my car covered with a coat, away from the windows and it was still able to keep a signal

glare

5

Used in europe and it was brilliant

it is brilliant in all respects except one small thing
Ease of use and brilliant for mainland europe

image quality

5

Displayed image was less than perfect

Extras like the picture viewer, trip computer
Extras like the picture viewer

viewfinder

5

screen is easy to view
No matter what the light is like, screen is easy to view
and to view
It is easy to hear, and to view
You can set the finder to either "the fastest route"

You can set the finder to either "the fastest route", or the "shortest route"

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sound

5

It might sound like a minor issue but believe me..it takes SO much hassle out of finding a "Where to" location in a major city because in Denver a specific street may go through 5 cities including areas where it's in and out of a city
include features that are able to change text into sound
quick to come on line and good volume on sound

color

4.5

the white background had a hint of pink color mixed in
as soon as I open it, the white background had a hint of pink color mixed in

This strikes a great balance
nice size - good colour maps easy concise instructions letting you get into the right lane in time when at roundabouts

appearance

0.5

The only defect is that fuca fixed glass in the car

lens

1.5

in the middle of a grassy field

the system is 99.9% accurate right out of the box

sensor

0.5

still need to keep an eye on road signs

keyboard

0.5

Would prefer a qwerty keyboard
I wish the keyboard was qwerty
when typing in details
when typing in details, if an error is made it does not seem possible to go back one spave - rather it takes you back to the very beginning of where you started keying details

zoom

5

Good zoom feature
Good zoom feature, in or out

control panel

5

The reason for me buying this product was the dash board mat designed to be used with Garmins

reception

5

dependable signal
Very quick to pick up signal
Very quick to pick up signal, compact and accurate
great satellite reception
good value, ease of use, great satellite reception

I have not lost the signal yet while driving thru New Jersey
Picks up signal very quickly
Very good at picking up signal and clear instructions
No problems with GPS reception and I often get a strong signal in my kitchen
Fairly quick to get the GPS signal
This little thing picks up a satalite signal very quickly
away from the windows and it was still able to keep a signal
Good signal

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resolution

5

good battery life and screen resolution

battery

0.5

Very poor battery life and charging capability (see below
I wish to have longer battery life
I would have thought a simple charger could have been added to the pack
I wish that the battery life was longer and that the battery was replaceable/exchangeable
The unit lasts about four days or 2 hours on a full charge while being stored in a cold car

I can get about 3.5 to 4 hours on the battery
Battery Life

I can get about 5 hours out of a full charge (screen at 10% brightness
On long continuous drives, I can get about 5 hours out of a full charge (screen at 10% brightness
Eight to ten hours would be preferrable
Lack of battery life
Battery
Disappointing that it does not come in a pack complete with case and electric charger etc
Disappointing that it does not come in a pack complete with case and electric charger etc, as these had to be bought separately
Battery lasts a pitiful short time so have it plugged in using the included car charger whenever possible

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portability

5

Mounting cradle is bulkier than competing models and not very portable
I thought the instruction booklet was light on information

Compact design, ease of use and operation, Where Am I help menu, Australian text-to-speech voices, preloaded speed and red light camera alerts
No matter what the light is like
It's slim enough to fit comfortably into a shirt pocket
compact and accurate
very thin easy to pocket if you're a dude

big screen 4.3", very thin easy to pocket if you're a dude
Slim enough to fit in you pocket
it fits into the pocket when away from the car
neat will fit into hand bag light weight
Portable
compact

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connectivity

0.5

No Bluetooth
No Bluetooth, no FM transmitter, speaker volume lacks punch, unorthodox address input method, sluggish start-up time
Garmin 255W does not come with USB cable
No USB cord in box
no mini for usb cable included

GPS fix time can sometimes take a while to fix, no mini for usb cable included
No USB cable
The USB conector i was supplied with the product didn't fit the unit
no bluetooth connectivity but not listed as an option
no bluetooth connectivity but not listed as an option, so you cannot be upset
it didn't come with a USB cable but that's not an issue for me since I have a spare
Also, it didn't come with a USB cable but that's not an issue for me since I have a spare
They need to add a usb cable with the unit
It is impossible to register the gps without the usb cable
NO BLUETOOTH as described
USB cable (not included)

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size

3

ok well the suction cup is a little difficult to get off the windshield when un hooking
Icons appear a little cartoonish
a little off by 50-100 ft or so sometimes
it was a little confusing
Roundabouts seem to be the only problem as far as directions are concerned, ie it said take the 3rd exit but before I got to the 2nd exit it said turn left, it was a little confusing

it is a smart little bugger
it is a smart little bugger, has great name recognition when entering an address
Size
Great graphics and just the right size
but can be a little annoying

a little bit stupid
I'd drive a few miles both ways to make sure it wasn't just a little off and it was nowhere
for short distance
for short distance, it does not give me optimum route as I think
A little bossy in tight quarters
A little bossy in tight quarters, too much talking
This is a big deal for me
Too big
Too big, seems to be relatively small
Speaker is a little underpowered and tinny

I was a little concerned since my track record for buying electronic gadgets for my wife has not been great
Great little unit
Great little unit, as I expected
Great little device
Good size
Small size
makes a big descion in my buying

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build quality

5

Durable
Durable, love the fact it says the street name, great features

Garmin Nuvi 255 / 255W Reviews Analysis

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