Garmin Nuvi 550

392 reviews

May, 2013

Positive
Screen (33)
Performance (20)
Build quality (7)
Route planning (2)
Voice guidance (2)

No negative mentions yet

General overview
Price comparison
Product Specifications

alaTest has collected and analyzed 392 reviews from magazines and websites. Reviewers are impressed by the voice guidance and usability. The build quality and performance also get good feedback.

screen, performance, build quality, usability, voice guidance

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other GPS the Garmin Nuvi 550 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 79/100 = Good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 392 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(42% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews (32% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews (13% of reviews)
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Show all 2 star reviews (8% of reviews)
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Features

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Performance
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Showing 301 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

Showing 1 - 10 of 301 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (96)

Expert review by: Rich Owings (gpstracklog.com)

Garmin nuvi 550 review

The Garmin nuvi 550 represents Garmin's foray into the “crossover” GPS market, aiming for a device that functions well whether used for driving, hiking, cycling or boating. UPDATE: Here's a post I did about dual-use GPS, and how well they work for both...

Nov, 2008

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Expert review by: (toptenreviews.com)

Garmin Nuvi 550

Garmin is the lead in navigation GPS units because they make quality products that deliver on all ends of the spectrum. The Garmin Nuvi 550 is a perfect example of this; they have taken a navigational GPS and a recreational GPS and combined them into...

The design and waterproofing are standout features on this GPS

There is no Bluetooth option available on this GPS

If you can’t decide between a navigation GPS or a recreational GPS, this is a combination between the two.

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Consumer review by: whuckeby (cnet.com)

Nice GPS with easy to setup software and features.

Overall I like the unit and seems to perform well.

Big screen, easy to see even during daytime driving. Kit from Garmin comes with car charger so don't bother getting one if the sales person pushes you for one

Not Bluetooth ready. Does not come with any type of carrying case. Get the dash mount to avoid states where the law prohibit "suction cup" mounts (which never seem to stay on the window when it's too hot or cold outside)

Oct, 2009

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Consumer review by: shadowACEtour (cnet.com)

Waterproof and affordable, perfect for Motorcycles

I used it on a rainy motorcycle trip and it worked flawlessly in the rain. It loads fast and the speaker is loud enough to be heard wearing a full face helmet on a cruiser with a windshield. Everything works perfectly with this unit. It stayed dry even...

This is my second Nuvi. I thought I would have to buy the very expensive Zuni to get waterproof, but then I discovered the Nuvi 550

My only complaint and why I gave it less than 5 stars is because it does not have Bluetooth

May, 2009

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Consumer review by: shadowACEtour (cnet.com)

Waterproof and affordable, perfect for Motorcycles

This is my second Nuvi. I thought I would have to buy the very expensive Zuni to get waterproof, but then I discovered the Nuvi 550

My only complaint and why I gave it less than 5 stars is because it does not have Bluetooth

Feb, 2009

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Consumer review by: Paddler 1 (cnet.com)

Good for driving, terrible for walking.

The walking mode gives driving directions. The unit starts a new track whenever satillite coverage is lost. No way to save tracks. The back track route is either on a road (when in the "On Road" mode) or a straight line (in the Off Road" mode). It does...

Compact, portable, works well when driving

Walking mode is abysmal

Feb, 2009

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Consumer review by: (amazon.com)

Amazon review summary for the Garmin Nuvi 550

alaTest has collected and analyzed 231 user reviews of the Garmin Nuvi 550 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.0/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other products on Amazon.com.

usability, value for money, screen, performance, build quality

77% of reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

May, 2013

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Consumer review by: ESCAPEMAX (tigerdirect.com)

Motorcycle GPS

Hi all. I purchased this to use on my Yamaha Majesty Scooter. Bought the mount from Garmin. Seems to work pretty good. Battery life is decent. I have another Garmin in my car. Have not had a chance to try all the functions yet.

Nov, 2012

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Consumer review by: Oscar Grau (amazon.com)

disapointed

In the descriprtion of the garmin nuvi 550 it is stated that it has a boating mode, but it does not say that you have to buy at least an 100 dollar chart to activate it.

Aug, 2012

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Consumer review by: Rene Guevara (amazon.com)

Garmin NUVI 550 & 500 3.5 inch

I have extensive experience with various Garmin Car and motorcycle GPS units. This is one of the more reliable units I have used, almost comparable to my Zumo 550 in terms of reliability. I've had several Nuvi models which aren't waterproof/shockproof...

Jun, 2012

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