Garmin GPS

Garmin has become synonymous with on-the-go directions since its introduction into GPS navigation in 1989. Founded by Gary Burrell from Kansas and Min H. Kao from Taiwan, the corporation's empire extends to car GPS, hiking navs and even sonar fishfinders. Garmin has also made strides to be a global brand, recently co-sponsoring a Tour de France cycling team, and introducing mapping software for the 2008 Olympics venues in Beijing.

Garmin's nuvis is the premier series of GPS products offered by the popular manufacturer, and to many techies, the nuvi series offers the best performance, with quick cold starts, accurate turn-by-turn directions and rapid rerouting. The Garmin nuvis' most notable features include screen locks, FM traffic receivers and picture viewers, and they are generally less bulky and more portable than the older Garmin StreetPilot series. Reviewer favorites range from the cheapest model, the basic Garmin nuvi 200, to the more advanced nuvi 880 with multi-segment routing, local news and stock information. One of the newest Garmin nuvi GPS is the nuvi 500, designed to function in the car, on a trail, on a bike or on the sea. Also coming is the Garmin nuvifone, a Smartphone with GPS capabilities to combat the success and popularity of Apple's iPhone 3G.

Click through our slideshow of the Best Garmin GPS, or find our more about Garmin models using our Buyer's Guide. You can also research the most popular Garmin models using the reviews below:  

Garmin Car GPS Devices

MSRP: $170 Garmin nuvi 205

One of the newest entry-level PNDs, the Garmin nuvi 205 delivers Garmin's trademark simple design and easy operation.

MSRP: $190 Garmin nuvi 350

GPS writers say the Garmin nuvi 350 is a breeze to use. From the moment you turn it on and wait briefly for it to boot, the 350 is simple to program and reliable to get you where you need to go. Its only real flaw is time -- several years after its introduction on the market, its features are less-than-exciting compared to newer affordable GPS.

MSRP: $200 Garmin nuvi 200

The Garmin nuvi 200's trump card is "no muss, no fuss" navigation that's absent the frilly features increasingly offered on even the cheapest navs, but fully loaded with Garmin's trademark accuracy and simple operation.

MSRP: $200 Garmin nuvi 255

Like others in the nuvi 2x5 series, the Garmin nuvi 255 is well-liked for its simple operation and bloated features list. And considering what is offered with the nuvi 255, preliminary reviews especially appreciate the price.

MSRP: $250 Garmin nuvi 250

The Garmin nuvi 250 excels at inexpensive yet astoundingly accurate GPS navigation, but it offers little to none of the convenience features many shoppers are looking for.

MSRP: $300 Garmin nuvi 500

The Garmin nuvi 500 Series gets favorable reviews because it can handle any navigation situation you throw its way -- in the car, on a bike, on a trail, even on a boat.

MSRP: $500 Garmin nuvi 5000

The Garmin nuvi 5000 is best known for a massive display screen that outshines any of its other features. But it's also a competent navigator and a good portable choice for large vehicles.

MSRP: $556 Garmin nuvi 660

For a discontinued model, the nuvi 660 has a price tag that ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous, but electronics reviewers say you'll be pleased with your investment.

MSRP: $800 Garmin nuvi 880

According to industry experts, you won't be disappointed with the Garmin nuvi 880 if you can justify the price. Bloated with features but still easy to operate and carry, the nuvi 880 offers accurate directions, local news, movie times, stock information -- and prestige.