Customer Ratings & Reviews

Easy setup. I use it on my motorcycle. Great screen. Easy to see in the sun. Works great with my Leader ball mount. Far superior to the TomTom I replaced, which separated from it's magnetic base 30 minutes into my ride and ended up in pieces on I-90 after hitting a bump. Bluetooth works well with my phone.

Our many years old Garmin was starting to act up in a couple of annoying ways. I had to talk myself into buying this new version as the old one was not exactly dead and these things are not quite as inexpensive as I remembered. Wow, what a difference in features/functions between then and now. It finds satellites much much faster. It no longer says "Recalculating" every time I miss a turn. It is a little more complicated than it needs to be (as finding every historic site along the route is not terribly meaningful). Some of the frills seem a bit gimmicky to me, but are fun for your passenger(s) to play with, Being able to answer the phone via the Garmin is nice but had to cut off the total phone connection functionally as it was terribly distracting to have the Garmin go off every time I got an email or text message while driving. The primary reason for using a GPS instead of a cell phone is to avoid cell phone data charges and if you are driving you don't need all of the stuff distracting you. The phone seems to still be better at finding a few things along the route, but overall it is A-OK, The device does get very hot when in use - something that is not characteristic of our old model. When not plugged to power, the battery won't hold it one but 5-10 minutes max. I like the new unit better than the 7+ yr old one we had. I wish there were some way to port over all of the saved addresses we have in the old one into the new one, but alas that does not appear to be possible.

Cell like to overheat and drain battery especially since iPhone 7 I don't take any charger with me anymore. I had to send this device back to Garmin because I got software error and the replacement wasn't that great. Have now three yellow dots what don't show strongly. I didn't had time to complain again. Least it's working

I have always liked the Garmin GPS and have given some as gifts as well. My last Garmin lasted a long time and it was time to get a new one. This model is just what I was looking for, lifetime maps and traffic included. The traffic has saved a number of times and it's a definite plus to have. The GPS is very user friendly and accurate. It's nice to have options when choosing a route in case you prefer a different way than what it originally routes you. Definitely recommend

I was hesitant to switch from my favorite brand of GPS units but the salesman explained the features and I took a chance. Wow! I’m glad I switched! Clearer display and easy to see even in the sun. Navigation was precise and the unit is super easy to use.

It was great easy to learn to run and got us to places we wanted to go. Went on a trip to the west coast we live on the east of Florida. We most of the time we get lost lol with this we never got lost once. We would recommend this to anyone not having one already in their car.

One of the best GPS systems we have had. The display is a tad small, usually only when the phone is connected and messages pop up on the screen is when it can be a bit hard to see. However, this can be disabled and still have the connection and it’s perfect.

Avoided GPS units for years because last one I had, I had to spend high prices every year for map updates and this one has free lifetime map updates. This one is easy to set up and use. Had plenty of nice features on it. Think this will do me great on my trip to N. Carolina this time and free up my phone.

After my old gps failed to update with the satellite reboot, I found this Garmin-Drivesmart 55. I didn't realize all the features I was missing all these years. Of course smartphones can do most of these features, but I don't use my smartphone as a gps. Have you ever driven in a remote area with no cell service. The app that connects your phone to the gps can do traffic updates, and update the maps. The display is great, and voice commands make it hands free. I love how it displays text messages as you drive.

Easy to use, screen is the right size for easy viewing. Accurate and updated

While this version has a sharper image, it does get really hot! When my husband is driving I hold the GPS in my hands. I can no longer do this as it is decidedly uncomfortable. I think I need to exchange it. My husband also thinks there is something wrong and I have noticed other reviewers say the same. Also, I made the mistake of receiving my emails to the device and it is way too intrusive, especially while driving! Now I have to figure out how to disable that feature! If I can exchange it for a cooler one I will upgrade my review.

Easy to set p and use. The voice command is nice but is very sensitive. But with a little practice it a great feature. The screen goes to the edge of the device and looks like a small HD TV! The crd is plenty long so I actually put it on the left side of my dash, works great and does not obstruct my view.

Big improvement over the NUVI. Easy to use and data entry was easier.

Needed to upgrade from map books to modern technology in an older vehicle. This has features that have not used yet. The easy to use device allows typing in of location by address or name. Displays route, current location, current screen and a split screen appears to show recommend road position on multi lane highways. The mounting is easy to use, the suction cup strong. Holding up well in summer heat. The device does get warm to the touch but after a month am not seeing this heat impact the performance. The device will not mount well on a van with severe angle windshield (Chevy Lumina, Ford Astro, older models) this is fault of vehicle design. On this type of windshield the device blocks view or must be mounted too far way to use the touch screen. This is no fault of device. Need to figure out how to mount it on dash that allows it to still be portable. Due to texture on plastic dash the suction mount will not attach. Something to consider if you have this type vehicle.

This is my 7th Garmin product and my 3rd Garmin automobile GPS. To me Garmin has the very best of this type of product. I bought this GPS to upgrade from my old Garmin which is still working after about 5 years. The feature that really convinced me to upgrade is the history feature which lists local historical sites! We will be driving to Colorado next month and this will really come in handy when we explore! Another feature that I didn't have on my old GPS is the warnings that pop up for various hazards. That is also a very good feature! This GPS is also very lightweight which makes it more likely to stay stuck to the inside of my windshield. I love my Garmin products and will always stick with Garmin!

I've used Garmin for about 20 years and I've always been happy with their products. This particular model is great! It's loaded with features such as searching for locations using your voice and while not new, Bluetooth connection and smartphone compatibility. The 5.5" screen is nice and bright too.

We had purchased the inexpensive, bottom of the line, Garmin a few years ago. The battery will no longer hold a charge. It was replaced with a "middle of the road" model (drive smart 55). with extra features incorporated. We haven't run it thru the paces yet, but so far it is an excellent piece of equipment.

Easy to use. Free map updates. Traffic alert system is widespread. Trafficlight camera notification accurate. School zone notifications work well. Glad I bought it after 7k miles of use!

I have used Garmin GPS units for years. I purchased a new Jeep Grand Cherokee which has a built in GPS Garmin unit, but I like the units that are mounted on the windshield, always have. I like using the GPS mph as a double check on my speed. I've always found Garmins to be very accurate this one is by far the best... it even puts my house actually in the correct location!

This is a very intelligent GPS, thin, small bezel and the perfect size for a smaller vehicle. The voice assistant works as well as can be expected in a car moving down the road, better when it is quiet. The search feature is nice and destination addresses can be dictated to the unit while you drive. It connects wonderfully to my phone and handles text messages in a very safe way. It was so worth the additional cost over the cheaper models.