Garmin nuvi 500

List Price: $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.

Key Features
  • Waterproof casing
  • 3D map views
  • Custom points of interest
  • FM traffic connectivity
  • Geocaching
Pros
  • One of the most flexible GPS systems on the market
  • Smooth user interface
  • Geocaching abilities
Cons
  • Mixed reviews on unit design
  • No text to speech

Garmin nuvi 500 Overall

The nuvi 500 really is a Swiss-army style GPS unit. It's waterproof (three feet deep in water up to 30 minutes) and it even has the fun geocaching feature, an ability not normally associated with GPS devices that work in cars. It has the light weight (7.6 ounces) usually associated with hiking navs, but the price and features that accompany a car-centric GPS. Prices for the Garmin nuvi 500 Series range from the high $300s to above $500.

For those interested in a more traditional car GPS that's loaded with features, try out the Garmin nuvi 750. If you're looking for an advanced unit with voice-activated navigation, try out the Garmin nuvi 850 or Garmin nuvi 880. 

What the Experts Say:

  • "For those movers and shakers who cruise on four wheels, two wheels, by sea, and even hit the pavement with their own two feet." -- CNET
  • "For out-doorsy types, there's a shaded digital elevation map option, and a dedicated compass page and tracklog." -- Gizmodo
  • "The Garmin Nuvi 500 does fill a huge void in the GPS market providing both auto navigation as well as off-road capabilities yet retaining functionality such as a touch screen." -- GPS Review

  • "The nuvi 500 combines the best of Garmin's various GPS products into a single, easy to use device that's equally at home on the road, trails, or water." -- GPS Magazine

Garmin nuvi 500 Performance 

The Garmin nuvi 500 has a wide array of abilities, but how does the actual navigation perform? According to GPS Magazine: admirably. "When set to driving mode, the nuvi 500 is a full-fledged nuvi GPS, providing Garmin's unmatched routing and navigation capabilities in the car," they state. CNET, however, does point out, "Satellite acquisition time was a bit slow." 

Garmin nuvi 500 Ease of Use 

Reviewers praise the nuvi 500's user interface. CNET says, "As with other Garmin GPS, the Nuvi 500 has an easy-to-use interface and all the onscreen icons are large and clearly identified." And GPS Magazine agrees, saying that the "excellent map screen is easy to read." 

Garmin nuvi 500 Design 

Design is a mixed bag for the nuvi 500. CNET plays devil's advocate, saying, "Some might complain about the smaller display size, but we understand that some sacrifices had to be made for portability ...." GPS Magazine likes the "bright, sunlight-readable screen", but feels that the unit "isn't the most elegant design to date." Regarding build quality, they feel that the "plastic housing isn't as rugged as it could be; could scratch or crack if dropped. For frequent outdoor use, a protective carry case is probably a good idea." 

Garmin nuvi 500 Features 

The nuvi 500 has some nifty features. GPS Review says, "Waterproof to IPX-7 standards and an 8 hour battery life make the Nuvi 500 series very capable for off-road tasks. Topographic maps are included with the Nuvi 500 so you can tap a switch and move from auto maps to topo maps." GPS Magazine enjoys the Geocaching feature, which they explain "is a GPS assisted treasure hunt where 'Geocachers' seek hidden treasure, or 'caches' using GPS coordinates posted on the Internet. Geocaching is growing in popularity, and a fantastic way to discover new places and enjoy the outdoors." But one drawback to the unit is that it's missing text to speech functionality. CNET says, "This means the system won't speak actual street names, which is a disappointment..." 

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $300 Dash Express

The Dash Express is one of the most unique GPS devices on the market, thanks to its Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. But it trades flashy features for navigation basics -- those drivers who are frequently lost should look elsewhere.

MSRP: $277 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: $200 TomTom ONE 3rd Edition

The TomTom ONE 3rd Edition is an affordable, no-hassle solution for those in the market for an entry-level GPS device. While it's not loaded with extras, it will get you to where you're going.

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.