UPDATE: Most of the several generations old StreetPilot series, including this model, has been discontinued. For a more current recommendation, check out our Auto GPS buyers guide or go straight to our Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
The Garmin StreetPilot i5 GPS is the flagship model in the StreetPilot i-series of auto navigation systems. Unlike the StreetPilot i2 and i3, this model comes pre-loaded with City Navigator maps for the entire U.S. and Canada. The i5 also accepts TransFlash data cards for adding other regions.
At the time of this posting, nearly 100 buyers at Amazon had given an average 4-1/2 out of 5 star rating in their StreetPilot i5 reviews. The editors there had this to say...
"...About the size of a baseball and priced to keep your pocketbook happy, the StreetPilot i5 is perfect for commuters, college students, and corporate travelers who are looking to experience the ease and enjoyment of GPS satellite navigation. Don't let its small stature fool you, though. Although it only weighs in at 5.3 ounces, the i5 has many of the same powerful capabilities as other premium Garmin automotive GPS navigators.
The i5 features a unique and convenient click-to-enter scroll wheel and a Back button, which makes it easy to select a destination from the unit's menu-driven interface. This unit includes three-dimensional map graphics and provides voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions through a built-in speaker. Toss your navigation worries out the window, because the i5 will automatically put you back on course if you miss a turn, and a detour function enables routing around traffic problems or road construction. Plus, if want to stay off the highways and blaze a scenic trail, the i5 lets you prioritize your choice of back roads or major highways. It is handy in any situation. and you can easily move the unit from vehicle to vehicle with the integrated suction-cup mount..."
Here's what other reviewers have to say:
"...About the size of a baseball and priced to keep your pocketbook happy, the StreetPilot i5 is perfect for commuters, college students, and corporate travelers who are looking to experience the ease and enjoyment of GPS satellite navigation. Don't let its small stature fool you, though. Although it only weighs in at 5.3 ounces, the i5 has many of the same powerful capabilities as other premium Garmin automotive GPS navigators.
The i5 features a unique and convenient click-to-enter scroll wheel and a Back button, which makes it easy to select a destination from the unit's menu-driven interface. This unit includes three-dimensional map graphics and provides voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions through a built-in speaker. Toss your navigation worries out the window, because the i5 will automatically put you back on course if you miss a turn, and a detour function enables routing around traffic problems or road construction. Plus, if want to stay off the highways and blaze a scenic trail, the i5 lets you prioritize your choice of back roads or major highways. It is handy in any situation. and you can easily move the unit from vehicle to vehicle with the integrated suction-cup mount..."
Here's what other reviewers have to say:
- ZDNet gave the Garmin Street Pilot i5 a 7.7 out of 10. Twelve readers there were even more impressed, giving it an 8.8 rating.
- WebBikeWorld's review even took a look at putting the Street Pilot i5 on a motorcycle!
Here are some other resources that may prove useful in deciding whether or not to purchase the i5:
- And a link to a PDF version of the Garmin i5 owners manual.
- Want to see how the i5 stacks up against other units? Check out this Garmin GPS comparison tool.
- Finally, here's a link to the alt.satellite.gps.garmin UseNet discussion group.
Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot i5 at these merchants:
- Check the current price of the Garmin StreetPilot i5 at Amazon.
- Find the low price on the StreetPilot i5 at GPS Now.com.
- Check the deals on Garmin GPS receivers at REI.com.
- Get a great price on the Garmin StreetPilot i5 at eBay.
From the official Garmin StreetPilot i5 web page:
Ready to go right out-of-the-box, StreetPilot i5 comes preloaded with detailed maps of North America and is the newest member of the i-series StreetPilots—a line of small, inexpensive automotive GPS navigators that make driving fun.
No larger than a baseball and priced affordably, the StreetPilot i-series is destined to be a hit for commuters, college students, and corporate travelers who are looking to experience the ease and enjoyment of GPS satellite navigation for the first time.
Don’t let the size fool you: The StreetPilot i-series has many of the same powerful capabilities as our other premium automotive GPS navigators.
The i-series features a unique and convenient click-to-enter scroll wheel and a “back” button which makes it easy to select a destination from the unit’s menu-driven interface. The i2, i3, and i5 include 3-D map graphics, and provide voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions through a built-in speaker. These units will also automatically put drivers back on course if they miss a turn. Easily move them from vehicle to vehicle with an integrated suction cup mount.
StreetPilot i5 comes preloaded with detailed maps of City Navigator North America NT, which features full coverage of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico—including nearly six million points of interest like gas stations, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Like the i2 and i3, it also comes with removable TransFlash™ data storage capability.
As an added benefit, you can now import customized points of interest with the help of Garmin's free POI Loader software. The possibilities are endless — upload safety cameras or school zones, and you will receive a warning if you are traveling too fast. In addition, an optional proximity-alert feature notifies you of upcoming custom POIs.
The i3 and i5 feature a 32k-color, sunlight readable TFT display with backlight, while the i2 features a high-contrast backlit FSTN monochrome display. Motorists can choose from either a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or overhead “bird’s eye” view. For added convenience, drivers can power the unit with either two AA batteries (six hours, typical use) or the included 12-volt adapter cable.
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