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Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Model number: NUVI 255WT | SKU: 9252854

Navigate the United States and Canada with ease with this GPS that features free lifetime traffic updates, up to 1,000 waypoints and customizable points of interest for easy route planning. The "Where Am I?" emergency locator and travel assistant tools provide additional support.

Average Customer Rating:

4.2 out of 5 (50 Reviews)

41 of 50 (82%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.

Customer Reviews for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Review 1 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

2.0 5

disappointed 11/06/2009
By Rich45 from Brewster, NY

Value for Price

2.0 5

Ease of Use

2.0 5

Features

3.0 5

What's great about it: it works
What's not so great: long setup to enter destination, enters letters without key beeps

"I thought it would be easier to use. I have been using Verizon Navigator when I needed it without any difficulty. I bought this Garmin for my wife to use, as it was recommended to her to be the one to get.
You have a lot to type in to enter the destination address. It defaults to the state you were in last when entering city, so I kept trying to enter Danbury, CT and it kept putting me in Danby, NY until I backtrack and found a screen to change the state to CT. then Danbury.
Also, the keys beep on typing, but if it enters two same characters, because you held it too long, you still only get one beep, not repetitive beeps, so you have to check each letter to make sure it entered properly.
We are planning a cross country road trip- so it will get a workout soon.
For now- I'll stick to my phone- I don't need a bigger screen."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: No

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Review 2 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

2.0 5

Poor navigation system 10/30/2009
By HT09

Value for Price

1.0 5

Durability

3.0 5

Ease of Use

4.0 5

Features

1.0 5

What's great about it: Recalculation is quick.
What's not so great: navigation; traffic alert

"I bought the 255WT, hoping that it would help me on my trip in NY. Boy, was I wrong!
I haven't been to NY area before and I thought I could rely on the device and save myself some time. But I actually wasted more time than I ever had on any trip with a map. Yesterday I was driving from Holbrook NY to White Plains. It should take about 1.5hrs according Google. With the help of this GPS, it actually took me 3.5hrs. It took me to the NY downtown area and I was stuck in the 1st ave for two hrs in heavy traffic. The live traffic feature of the device rarely worked. It only showed me some traffic with 3 or 5mins delay, while there was actually no delay at all, and didn't show any alert when the delay was more than 2hrs on the 1st ave. The right way to White Plains from Long Island should actually be all highways instead of small local streets. The GPS took me way off the short/quick route, although I selected "quickest" navigation in the setting.
I am not happy with this 255WT at all. But considering that I should take some responsibility for not preparing for my trip and that I should not rely too much on the GPS, I'm still going to keep it. It did take me to the destination, although through a very long route."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: No

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Review 3 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Worth Every Penny I Paid For It 10/30/2009
By Bluememaw from Indianapolis

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

5.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Easy for a technological illiterate to use.
What's not so great: I hate the keyboard. Rather have a QWERTY board.

"We are directionally challenged. We recently went to the Navy Pier in Chicago. I programed in the address, sat back and enjoyed the trip. The "lady" led us directly to the entry to the pier. Later I typed in the address of the restaurant we were looking for. It took us right to the front door. No problems at all. This is not the first trip we've taken with her, but it is the first time for this particular spot. Other venues were repeat visits.

The only thing I find difficult is the keyboard. Why oh why can't it be normal? Takes me f-o-r-e-v-e-r to type in an address.

I am a grandmother. I bought the GPS for me for Father's Day (single parent). It is worth every penny I paid for it."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 4 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

4.0 5

Garmin Nuvi255W 10/28/2009
By cr

Value for Price

4.0 5

Durability

4.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Right size, clarity, features
What's not so great: missing cable for registration and registration process

"My 2006 Streetpilot C340 froze on me after entering my destination. Nothing worked. Couldn't do any touch screen and could not even power it off. In need of GPS NOW bought a NUVI255W to finish trip. The 255W doesn't come with a computer cable (USB) and the ONLY way to register the 255W is by computer and internet. My C340 cable and the download software drivers are supposed to work with the 255W according to Garmin support, but so far doesn't. The main reason for selecting the Garmin as a replacement, was I had just purchased the 'Life Time Maps' on the C340. I asked support if I could transfer my life time maps from the C340 to the 255W...... Nope! you got to buy another $119.00 life time for it. So if your Garmin dies so does the life of the' life time maps'. Not customer friendly!"

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 5 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

2.0 5

Returning Garmin 255wt - is it just me? 10/24/2009
By axnjport from nj

What's great about it: Nice unit
What's not so great: Strange directions

"My first GPS - are my expectations too high?

I have to return this unit, because it gives very strange directions. Have updated the SW under directions from Garmin support.

Examples: under "fastest" settings it routes me along a suburban road with lights and a draw-bridge!!! instead of the Garden State parkway (NJ). Nearly missed a flight when on the way to JFK from NJ it told my son to pull off the the freeway approaching Verazano bridge and routed him through suburbs for 40 minutes or so. Same again on southbound NJ Turnpike, with about 20 miles of clear freeway ahead told me get off the freeway. (I did not - totally suspicious of any directions from the unit by then.
Cannot tell freeways with with express and local lanes, got totally lost on rt78 west of Newark NJ until I pulled off at my exit, then it recovered.

Not acceptable to me. It's a shame because generally the unit gets such good reviews from everybody else. Are the bad reviews not published? Do people who give up - like me - not bother to write?"

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: No

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Review 6 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

1.0 5

Thanks but no Thanks 10/21/2009
By Randy53 from California

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

1.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: I liked everthing about this unit until....
What's not so great: Loses satellite contact

"I purchased 2 of these units. First one failed after 3 weeks of ownership. Second one failed in two weeks. Unit is awesome in my opinion. Liked everything about it. Much easier to use than the built in unit in our MBZ. However, after 3 weeks of using it, the first unit lost contact with the satellite signal. Took it back and got another one to replace. This one had the same problem, but only lasted about 2 weeks. Must have been a bad batch of them I guess. Will try another brand. Too bad, as I really liked the device."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: No

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Review 7 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

5.0 5

So far, so good. Very nice GPS 10/20/2009
By George2319 from Houston, TX.

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

4.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Nice features, easy to use.
What's not so great: Advertisement for Best Western keep poping up when stopped. Just annoying.

"I bought this as a repalcement for Garmin 350, which I really liked. Some jackhole busted my window a helped themself to it. This is my third Garmin and I really like some newer features on this one. the traffic updates for starters works pretty well. i am in Houston, which is on the map of places this feature will work. I also like the speed limit posted on the screen and i really like the 'where i am" feature that will locate the nearest police station, hospital and gas stations at one touch. So far it picks up satelites really quick, which my 350 had trouble at times. I like the wide screen and points of interest, which is outdated at times. No big deal, no gps will be 100% current. A littel advice, do not leave your gps in your vehicle. the police told me it is an easy target, easy to grab, and can get loser drugheads around $10 to $15. They also told me not to leave your mount on the window to advertise you have one. They will bust your window thinking you hid it in the car. Conclusion: really good gps, get this one."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 8 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

4.0 5

some shortcomings; recommended for sale price 10/18/2009
By randy46 from Minnesota

Value for Price

4.0 5

Durability

4.0 5

Ease of Use

4.0 5

Features

4.0 5

What's great about it: Usually reliable directions; very clear screen;
What's not so great: Sometimes very slow to acquire satellite connection; traffic feature uneven

"Overall, good for directions but makes occasional blunders. Like all other GPS units I have used, I recommend that when you are in unfamiliar territory, check a map first --- and take the paper map with you for backup.
Traffic feature is almost worthless around Minneapolis, but it has been very helpful in Florida --- even re-routing automatically around traffic problems. Unit was invaluable guiding me on intricate route on mountain roads from Dulles Airport to West Virginia after midnight. Worked very well in Hawaii, Washington state and Vancouver, B.C.
Sometimes takes 10 minutes to acquire satellites --- other times it takes 10 seconds. Definitely needs to be mounted on dashboard.
I updated the maps in the unit as soon as I bought it --- strongly recommended. But I still find the unit's "points of interest" surprisingly outdated. Sent me to a Target store that had closed 3 years ago.
I look to a GPS unit as more of an assistant to getting me to a destination in unfamiliar areas than an infallible director, so this unit works well for me overall. I also recommend it to my geographically clueless friends as one of the best deals for the price."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 9 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Top 1000 Contributor

Customer Rating

4.0 5

Don't get if for the Traffic feature 10/15/2009
By nunojedi from Los Angeles

Value for Price

4.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

1.0 5

What's great about it: Size, re-routing process time, maps.
What's not so great: FM Traffic.

"The only reason I got this model was because of the FM Traffic feature. I've had the unit for a week now and it has never received any updates. I will be returning it.

If you don't mind not getting the FM Traffic updates, then the unit will be perfect for you. All the other features worked well and the maps and directions are very clear and easy to follow."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: No

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Review 10 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

4.0 5

Good Price & Feature for money but reception sucks 10/13/2009
By Mon68 from Saint Louis

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

3.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Good Price, Speed Limit & Traffic, Wide Display, Voice Guidance
What's not so great: Reception is not the greatest

"My older Germin just died on me right before my trip to FL. So went to Best Buy and picked up this new Garmin. It worked great on our trip to FL and in and around the Orlando Metro Area. But on the way back, as we are passing the airport the Unit got completely confused. Right when we are passing the Atlanta Down Town Area. The reception was lost and since than till we stopped for the night the recpetion will come for 10 mins than loose again for 10 mins. In the mountain, it was keep confusing the HWY with the surrounding roads and constanly giving wrong directions. The next morning after we changed the destination address, it worked fine for the rest of the way. It appreas as the Airplane flying low some how confused the GPS completely and it did not get it's momentum back till we changed the destination again. I will go to best buy and have it exchanged for another one and try it. Hopefully the replacement will work out better.

Traffic Delays is not very accurate either. It showed delayed at some spots where there was no delay and it didn't show any delay where there was dealy.

For $180 it is not a bad unit, but I do not suggest any one to buy it for traffic feature only."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 11 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Great GPS for the price 10/07/2009
By estradam30 from Houston, TX

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

5.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

4.0 5

What's great about it: Big LCD Screen, Free Traffic Updates, Ease of Use
What's not so great: No bluetooth

"I gave my old Garmin Nuvi 205w to my wife and upgraded to this model. I was pleased with that model, but am even happier with this one as it was half the price and has more features (i.e. traffic updates, announces street names, MPH speed displayed on navigation screen). If you are looking for a mid-priced GPS, I would definitely recommend this GPS."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 12 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

5.0 5

I LIKE I LiIKE IT 10/03/2009
By don156 from twin cities

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

5.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: easy to work
What's not so great: disagree with a few routes

"Great at finding addresses and most routes are excllent. The traffic function makes me switch to better or different route and will keep me on time . Very easy to operate. Had a problem with first one a day out of the box it would lose the satalite. Returned with no hassel. The replacement has worked for 2 week. I give it 2 thumbs up"

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 13 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

1.0 5

Very Dissapointed 10/03/2009
By CCHORNER from Centreville, MD

Value for Price

1.0 5

Durability

3.0 5

Ease of Use

2.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Easy to read maps, Lots of downloadable options
What's not so great: Doesnt work properly, need i say more

"Went to best buy to purchase new gps, had a small navigon which worked pretty flawlessly for a couple years until it just died. Bought a garmin, by reputation, and chose this model because of the free live traffic option as i drive to DC everyday for work. First of all, the display didn't have option of miles to destination as my navigon did. That was just the beginning, several days in a row the satellite would just loose signal, for ten miles at a time on route 50 which is a major highway. Then yesterday, all the way home it had me on roads i was no where near, it had me like a half mile to the left or right of where i was, it was on my everyday to work so no danger of getting lost, but kept it running for traffic feature. I had to keep turning off and on to correct but withing couple minutes i was way off track again. I'm just glad i wasn't using it for somewhere where i didn't know where i was going. I just wanted to buy something that works properly, and i didn't. This unit will be returned in next couple days and won't buy garmin again,"

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: No

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Review 14 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Awesome! 09/15/2009
By brantw from Gilbert, AZ

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

5.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: the screen is amazing
What's not so great: nothing

"so i bought this for my dad's birthday(55) he gets lost really easily so it was a perfect gift for him. he took it out of the box and figured out how to use it very quickly, after 10mins of wating for the sat's to sync up, he now uses it all the time."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 15 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

4.0 5

Great product for a great price 09/10/2009
By TheRollingCarShopdotcom from Queen Creek, AZ

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

4.0 5

Ease of Use

4.0 5

Features

4.0 5

What's great about it: Good covergae for newer areas, fast, bright screen that doesn't smudge
What's not so great: Sometimes loses signal for no reason, routes can be unnecessarily long

"I recently started a mobile mechanic business, so I know my way around town but really needed something to replace online maps and help me in and out of neighborhoods. Bought this about two months ago, time to review. This is my first GPS, and I've only dealt with a Magellan a little bit before this. Did a lot of research online and playing around with different units in the store. This is a great GPS for a price near the lower end, got it on sale too. Of all the units I tested, it seemed that Garmin had the best coverage for newer or growing cities, like the one I live in.
The good: Fast calculations, lots of POI's with phone numbers, very accurate ETA's, bright screen very easy to read even in full sunlight, screen doesn't smudge(and my hands are pretty much always filthy when working), easy to navigate through the menus and options, free traffic built in(haven't run into something to have to detour, but nice to know its there), also just used for a camp trip and it literally brought me right to the spot based on coordinates, including the forest roads.

The bad: A couple of times in clear skies it just lost signal and took a few minutes to come back, sometimes I setup the route even though I know where I'm going hoping for an unknown shortcut or just to see an ETA and a few times it tries to send me way out of the way-if I go the way I normally would it eventually recalculates to the obviously shorter and faster route-don't know why it gets confused like this. Don't know how I did it but screen already got a couple of scratches I can feel with my fingernail. Other than that, no complaints.

The verdict: Very happy with this unit and didn't have to shell out a ton of money. You will be satisfied with the GPS."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 16 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Works Great and Lifetime Traffic cord included 09/10/2009
By BryanOne from Michigan

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

5.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Lifetime traffic cord included with the T model . GTm25 Navteq. easily updated.
What's not so great: could have a few more voices in english to choose from, but no biggie

"255 WT comes with the GTM25 lifetime FM car plug no service fee required and is plug and play. Love the fact i can use Google maps to find an address and send it to my favorites on the 255wt makes it so easy to build a list of places we travel. after updating the maps and installing all the vehicles and voices from my garmin works great. i wish they had a few more voices in english to choose from but not a big deal. It doesnt come with the mini usb cord but so many other things i have use it wasnt a big deal i just borrowed my usb hard drive cord."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 17 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

5.0 5

GREAT PRODUCT! 08/27/2009
By Louie from Staten Island, NY

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

5.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Everything
What's not so great: Nothing so far

"I purchased the Nuvi 255WT at Best Buy after my Nuvi 350 died on me a few days ago. The 255WT has a large, backlit display, which is very sharp and easy to see. The voice is loud and clear and the device quickly recalculates your route if you make a wrong turn.The battery was fully charged upon opening, the signal strenth was very strong even indoors, and the satellite signal was quickly picked up. The Garmin was up and running within minutes of taking it out of the box. I am happy that I am able to use the accessories I had already purchased with my Nuvi 350, which are the AC adaptor and the USB cable, both of which are not included with the 255WT. I had also purchased a bean bag for the dash board for my Nuvi 350, which I am also able to use with the 255WT. A few good tips from the salesman at BB: do not leave the device in the car in extreme temperatures, hot or cold; do not keep it plugged into the car charger, as this will burn out the battery; use only the battery and then resort to the car charger if the unit needs charging. I always left my Nuvi 350 olugged into the car charger, which is why it may have died after 2 years. You should also register the product within 30 days of purchase, to take advantage of the free map update from Garmin, which the salesman told me could take a few hours. And finally, it pays to get the extended service plan, which would give you 2 years insurance from the date of purchase. I did not get this plan, but after a lot of thought, I will go back to BB this weekend to purchase the $40 service contract, which includes replacement even if the unit is dropped. I know from experience that this plan will give peace of mind. I did not have the service contract with the 350, and it died in 2 years. The service plan can also be renewed if you want to extend the coverage. All in all, I am extremely pleased with the Garmin Nuvi 255WT, as I am sure you will be too."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 18 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

3.0 5

It's just "OKAY" 08/23/2009
By Dann64 from Media,PA

Value for Price

4.0 5

Durability

4.0 5

Ease of Use

3.0 5

Features

2.0 5

What's great about it: Menu is easy to use
What's not so great: It's not as great as everyone says it is!

"I went to best buy originally for a garmin because of the popularity of it. i ended up buying a tom tom because it had a better deal at the time. after one day of use with the tom tom i "thought" it was too complicated and returned it for a garmin. BAD move! the maps on the garmin dont even come close to comparing to the tom tom. there are many different routes to my work but the back roads are always the best choice. the tom tom uploaded the route i take every day in 1 try of the detour button, the garmin never recoginized that route untill i came within 5 miles of the destination. garmin kept wanting me to turn off onto the highway. also, i live in an apartment complex with a few different turns and streets. the tom tom knew everyone of them while the garmin actually told me to make a right into my development when i knew to make a left. although the tom tom is known to be a little more complicated because it has more menu options, that isnt always a bad thing. once you learn how to use them they are way more helpfull. put it this way- i had the 2 most popular nav systems in 2 days and my opinion, hands down, is the tom tom. now i am returning to besy buy one last time to get my tom tom back."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 19 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

5.0 5

the gps everyone should have 08/23/2009
By roedawg from murray, ut

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

5.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Easy to set up, Easy to use
What's not so great: na

"I have not had this devise for long but I must say it is top notch. For one the ease of set up on the device is the easiest that I have ever used. I like that the first thing when touching the screen it says where to no confusing stuff that makes no since. I previously bought a Nextar the device was hard to use and very confusing on the directions, where as the garmin makes it much easy to understand where your next exit is. When you first enter the free way it says that your next exit is like for instance exit 1006 south and it is on the right. Nextar's was not as clear. I would get this device!!!!!"

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 20 for Garmin nüvi 255WT GPS

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Awesome GPS! Inexpensive, EASY to use, quick setup 08/18/2009
By BWallenstein from Toms River, New Jersey

Value for Price

5.0 5

Durability

5.0 5

Ease of Use

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Setup and ready to use in less than five minutes
What's not so great: Voice sometimes guides you into parking lots if they are very close to a street you're supposed to turn onto

"This GPS is awesome. I bought one today at the local Best Buy and unboxed it in my car. It was setup in literally two minutes and was ready to travel anywhere in the USA (didn't try anywhere else in North America). I had no clue how to get to my brother's new place and typed in his address; within about five seconds a route was mapped and I was being told where to go by the built-in voice I call "Rosalita".

Rosalita guided me to my brother's house in no time.. features are great, presets are very useful, and ability to add points of interest and a home location are key.

Definitely check this out if you're looking for a sub-$200 GPS. The Best Buy I went to had two boxes; one combo package for $250 with a dashboard stand, window suction mount, A/C adapter and a few other things, and also $199 package with just the GPS unit and a window suction mount. So, know what you want before going in!

Great GPS. The ONLY con I have found so far is this: If you're going to, say, Main St., and there's a parking lot RIGHT next to Main St., the GPS will sometimes guide you into the parking lot and then recalculate the route from there. Obviously, this can be avoided by just looking at road signs."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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