Garmin nuvi 200

#2

in Inexpensive GPS Systems

Score: 9.1/10 , Based on analysis of reviews and performance evaluations.

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.

List Price: $200
Key Features
  • 3.5-inch screen
  • JPEG picture viewer
  • World travel clock
  • Pre-loaded maps for 48 states
Pros
  • Accurate navigation
  • Simple operation
Cons
  • Bulky design for such a small, cheap GPS
  • Doesn't have text-to-speech functionality like some of its class

Garmin nuvi 200 Overall - 9.125 (Excellent)

If you're just now considering a GPS purchase, you might have landed on the right review. Although the Garmin nuvi 200 has none of the bells and whistles the newest nav devices offer, it's still a go-to product for being a reliable router that's easy to program. Reviewers generally have nothing bad to say about the littlest nuvi, but do recommend doing your homework on what you expect a device in this price range to have before purchasing one. Even a basic feature like text-to-speech functionality -- or in other words, reading out street names -- is not offered with the nuvi 200.

Prices for the Garmin nuvi 200 start around $120, but could go over $200. The Garmin nuvi 200W has many of the same features, but on a larger screen. The similar nuvi 270 and 250 models feature transatlantic mapping upgrades.

What the Experts Say:

  • "If your navigation needs are simple and you just want to get a device that will remind you of turns and take you to new destinations, the Nuvi 200 would be a great choice." -- GPSReview.net
  • "The Garmin Nuvi 200 series offers drivers and travelers a more budget-friendly version of the popular portable navigation devices, but we think the price is still slightly high for what you get." -- CNET

  • "I'd written about the highly capable [Garmin StreetPilot] c580 GPS the other day with endless bells and whistles -- not all of them useful. Now I've gotten my hands on the cheap-o Nuvi 200 and I have to say, testing them side by side, they gave nearly identical performances in terms of warning me of turns, locking on satellites, and ease of use. ... I'm in love with how it does the basics." -- Gizmodo

Garmin nuvi 200 Performance - 8.75 (Very Good)

The nuvi 200 might be basic, but it "is a Garmin, and it comes with the navigation trust that a lot of people have come to expect," as GPSLodge  writes. "In my testing the directions were sound, and the routes logical." Others agree the nuvi 200 excels at what it was built for: simple but accurate navigation. Reviewers also note how the device's color sunlight readable screen assists in reliable performance. GPSReview.net says, "The screen is bright! It is brighter than the screen on the 300 series and is visible from a wider viewing angle. ... This is one of the best 3.5" screens I've seen."

Garmin nuvi 200 Ease of Use - 8.5 (Very Good)

"Easy" is a keyword in most Garmin nuvi 200 reviews. Right from its cold start, the nuvi 200 seems transparent in operation. According to GPSLodge, the GPS "greets you with the classic 'Where to?' or 'View Map' Garmin interface that is both easy to understand and easy to use."

Garmin nuvi 200 Design - 8.5 (Very Good)

Even though the Garmin nuvi 200 has an internal antenna and only weighs 5.2 ounces, tech writers like those from CNET say it's "probably a little too bulky to fit into a pants pocket comfortably." However, the 200's light weight does make it easy to transport between cars.

Garmin nuvi 200 Features - 7.25 (Good)

Few tech reviewers spent time discussing the Garmin nuvi 200's features, probably because there aren't that many extras offered. Nevertheless, "part of the allure of the Nuvi series is its travel features," as CNET reports and the nuvi 200's include a calculator, world clock and converters for the currency and measurement.

Other GPS Devices to Consider

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: $400 Magellan Maestro 4250

The Magellan Maestro 4250's sharp design, easy operation and nifty features are a nice blend. Some reviews point out occasional touch screen lag and even some cases of the unit freezing up. But despite this, the Maestro 4250 receives favorable reviews for its overall value.

MSRP: $100 Magellan Maestro 3100

The Magellan Maestro 3100 is an entry-level GPS that aims to provide bare-bones navigation at an attractive price. While not loaded with extras, it will get you to where you're going -- and it won't break the bank in the process.

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.