Visit our Business Solutions website >>

Garmin Nuvi 500

Garmin Nuvi 500
Garmin Nuvi 500Garmin Nuvi 500Garmin Nuvi 500Garmin Nuvi 500Garmin Nuvi 500Garmin Nuvi 500Garmin Nuvi 500Garmin Nuvi 500Garmin Nuvi 500Garmin Nuvi 500
alaScore 83

280 reviews

Nov, 2024

alaTest has collected and analyzed 280 reviews of Garmin Nuvi 500. The average rating for this product is 3.8/5, compared to an average rating of 3.9/5 for other GPS for all reviews. Reviewers really like the size and maps. The price and performance are also mentioned favorably, but views are divided on the screen. Some have doubts about the memory and reliability.

usability, performance, price, maps, size

reliability, memory

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other GPS the Garmin Nuvi 500 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 83/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 280 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (36% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (34% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (13% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (8% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews   (9% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

usability
  Show positive (72%)Show negative (28%)(Show all)
performance
  Show positive (73%)Show negative (27%)(Show all)
price
  Show positive (76%)Show negative (24%)(Show all)
maps
  Show positive (59%)Show negative (41%)(Show all)
reliability
  Show positive (33%)Show negative (68%)(Show all)
screen
  Show positive (45%)Show negative (55%)(Show all)
size
  Show positive (76%)Show negative (24%)(Show all)
durability
  Show positive (56%)Show negative (44%)(Show all)
design
  Show positive (89%)Show negative (11%)(Show all)
route planning
  Show positive (60%)Show negative (40%)(Show all)
memory
  None yetShow negative (100%)(Show all)
More features

Showing 270 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

Disclaimer:

Below is a list of reviews for this or similar products. If you think this grouping is wrong please click here to flag.
Read more on our FAQ’s page.
Showing 1 - 263 of 270 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (9)

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Garmin Nuvi 500

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 253 user reviews of Garmin Nuvi 500 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.8/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other GPS on Amazon.com. People are impressed by the durability and maps. The price and performance also get good reviews. Some have doubts about the memory and reliability. Opinions are divided on the screen.

usability, performance, price, maps, durability

reliability, memory

83% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Nov, 2024

Expert review by : Bonnie Cha (cnet.com)

Garmin Nuvi 500 review: Garmin Nuvi 500

 

There are many uses for GPS beyond in-car navigation. After all, there are times you could use some route guidance no matter what mode of transportation. Yet, you don't see too many multiuse GPS on the market, and we're beginning to see why. A while...

The Garmin Nuvi 500 is a multiuse GPS that can be used in the car, on foot, on a bike or a boat. It comes loaded with topographic maps and features a waterproof casing.

The Nuvi 500 lacks text-to-speech functionality. Satellite acquisition time was a bit slow. A USB cable is not included in the box, and marine maps are extra.

The Garmin Nuvi 500 is a satisfactory multimode GPS, but serious boaters and outdoor enthusiasts should consider dedicated devices.

Aug, 2008
Read the full review

Expert review by : Craig Ellison (pcmag.com)

Garmin nüvi 500

 

The nüvi 500 is a good crossover choice for those who can't afford or don't want to carry separate dedicated automotive and outdoor enthusiast GPS devices.

Rechargeable, user-replaceable battery. IPX7-rated waterproof. Integrated with geocaching.com, a Web site that tracks geocaches. Topographic maps are included.

Lacks text-to-speech conversion in automotive mode. Poor track log handling. Distance to destination didn't work in compass mode. No Bluetooth phone integration.

More GPS device reviews:• Garmin DriveAssist 50LMT• Trax Play• Scout GPS (for iPhone)• InRoute (for iPhone)• Garmin U.S.A. (for iPhone)• more

Jul, 2008
Read the full review

Expert review by : Rich Owings (gpstracklog.com)

Garmin nuvi 500 review

 

Hands on with the Garmin nuvi 500 The Garmin nuvi 500 represents Garmin's foray into the “crossover” GPS market, aiming for a device that functions well whether used for driving, hiking, cycling or boating. This review will take a hard look at how well...

The Garmin nuvi 500 represents Garmin’s foray into the “crossover” GPS market, aiming for a device that functions well whether used for driving, hiking, cycling or boating. This review will take a hard look at how well Garmin pulls that off, but first...

Sep, 2008
Read the full review

Expert review by : Fletch (gpsmagazine.com)

Garmin nuvi 500 Review

 

Once upon a time you had to buy a GPS for the car, a handheld unit for outdoor hiking and Geocaching, another one for cycling, and yet a different GPS for boating. Enter Garmin's nüvi 500: one GPS, four modes.

The nüvi That Can Go Anywhere. Like Having Three GPS Units In One.

Jul, 2008
Read the full review

Expert review by : Bonnie Cha (cnet.com.au)

Garmin Nuvi 500 review: Garmin Nuvi 500

 

Garmin Nuvi 500

The Garmin Nuvi 500 is a multiuse GPS that can be used in the car, on foot, on a bike or a boat. It comes loaded with topographic maps and features a waterproof casing.

The Nuvi 500 lacks text-to-speech functionality. Satellite acquisition time was a bit slow. A USB cable is not included in the box, and marine maps are extra.

The Garmin Nuvi 500 is a satisfactory multimode GPS, but serious boaters and outdoor enthusiasts should consider dedicated devices.

Aug, 2008
Read the full review

Expert review by : Andrew Gould (techsmart.co.za)

Garmin nuvi 500

 

The Garmin n??vi 500 features driving, walking, cycling and boating modes which customise your n??vi specifically for your method of travel.

The 500 is a multi-purpose device suitable for in-car and mobile use and features a waterproof casing.

It lacks text-to-speech functionality and there is not USB cable included.

Nov, 2008
Read the full review

Consumer review (newegg.com)

Battery is user-replaceable.

 

In 12-36 months when the battery dies you will be able to replace it. You can avoid throwing the entire unit into the garbage unlike many other GPS units when their non-user-replaceable batteries die

None

Jul, 2010
Read the full review

Consumer review (newegg.com)

Does have bluetooth

 

Works great. Have connected three different types of PDAs to it. Syncs my contacts and is much safer than trying to fumble for phone or even bluetooth handset. Love this convenience

Keep the map in nighttime view mode all the time as day mode is too bright and hard to see. Only downside

Jul, 2009
Read the full review

Consumer review (viewpoints.com)

garmin 500c is a very good machine at an affordable price. ”

 

its a very good machine that is accurate and up-dateable.it has a compact design which allows for use on any size vessel large or small.I have been a commercial fisherman for over  twenty-five years and this is one of the best machines that I have used...

Mar, 2010
Read the full review

Consumer review (viewpoints.com)

Garmin Nuvi 500 is a versile unit. ”

 

I bought my Garmin Nuvi 500 for two things.  First, I was headed on a cross country road trip and I needed something reliable.  Second, I love to geocache.  Geocaching is basically a treasure hunt with latitude/longitude coordinates.  I was looking for...

Feb, 2010
Read the full review
1
2

Price comparison for Garmin Nuvi 500

No prices for this product