Garmin nuvi 260W review

The Garmin nuvi 260W is a member of Garmin's popular entry level nuvi 200 series. A 4.3" wide screen version of the smaller nuvi 260, the 260W is identical to it in all other respects.  The 260 and 260W are the only two models in the first-generation 200 series to include text-to-speech, the ability to call out street names. That way you'll get "turn left on Highway 128 in 200 feet", rather than just "turn left in 200 feet."

UPDATE: A new model, the nuvi 255W, offers these features and more, and has often been selling for a little less than the nuvi 260W.

Stepping down to the Garmin nuvi 250W, you'll lose text-to-speech.

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 260W

Check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart to see how the 260W stacks up against other units' features, including those of the newer 2x5 series.

More Garmin nuvi 260W reviews

• Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 260W reviews are posted at Amazon
• Okaay.com posts a Garmin nuvi 260W review
• Consumer reviews of the nuvi 260W are also being posted at CNet
• A GPS newbie posts a Garmin nuvi 260W review
• Paul's Travel Pictures reviews the nuvi 260W
• Here's a brief Garmin nuvi 260W review / testimonial posted on the Garmin blog

I'll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some...

Other Garmin nuvi 260W resources

• The Garmin nuvi 260W quick start manual
• There is a Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion
• Confused about the wide range of nuvi models? Check out this handy Garmin auto GPS comparison tool or use my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart
• A video demo of the nuvi 260W:

Comments

[Don Sksggs]

I used my recenly purchased Garmin 260W on a 5000 mile trip through Florida and it was great. The best features were the recalculating, calling out turns two or more time before the turns and the brightnest of the display. I tried the Tom Tom and its didplay was not nearly as bright and clear as the Garmin.

[Help im in germany and cant get my device to work with my sd card]

I recently purchased my nuvi260w, and then purchased a seperate SD card. Im now in Germany and everytime i try and connect here in German it says no rads near starting point.

[Rich Owings]

Two things to do:

Go into the Settings menu > Map > Map Info and make sure the local maps show up checked.

Also, be sure to leave the unit out in the open and on for 30 minutes to rebuild the satellite almanac.

[Gerry Groves]

I just bought a Garmin Nuvi 260W. I have had a few problems in rural and remote areas. The Nuvi has actually provided mis- information in these locations. Are my expectations unrealistic, are there better map software given my interest in traveling to remote areas. In the big city it knows it way around fairly well, not always the most expedient route. During a recent trip the voice announcer called Memorial Drive which is abbreviated Memorial Dr, Memorial Doctor-good for a laugh. Given the present deficiencies I will not be landing my Boeing 747 with the Nuvi 260W.

[Rich Owings]

Check to see if you have the latest maps. I suspect that most GPS maps are worse in rural areas. I've certainly seen plenty of problems in such areas.

[Paul]

Thanks for the link to the Quick Start Manual. My Nuvi 260W should arrive tomorrow and it's nice to get to know it before then.

[omar baralt]

I BOUGHT A NEW NUVI 260W , WHEN I CONNECT TO MY COMPUTER AND MADE A REGISTRATION IN A GARMIN WEB SITE, I DONT KNOW I DID, BUT A LOST
VOICE AND DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, NOW NUVI 260W CANT TALK AND ONLY USE ENGLISH LANGUGE. IM TRY TO RECOVERY THIS BUT GARMIN COMPANY SAID TO ME : THAT IS IMPOSIBLE THAT SITUATION, NOW HOW I CAN DO?
DO YOU HAVE SOFTWARE ( VOICE AND LANGUGES )?
PLAESE HELP ME, ITS MY NEW TOY AND I CANT USED.!!!!!!!
THANKS A LOT
OMAR BARALT LEON MD
MARACAIBO, VENEZUELA
[email protected]

[Rich Owings]

I would update the firmware, including voices. If that doesn't work, I'd call again. Chances are you'll speak with a different support person.

[Barry]

I have a Garmin 260W and have used it on my entire trip from Alaska through Canada and down the entire east coast and now presently in north Florida. This small compact machine is outstanding and has made my trip so very much easier . Thanks Garmin !

[jeff]

I recieved the 260w as a gift (what a great gift idea, by the way) and love it... I am now ready to explore the world! lol, I do, however, have a 2 gig SD card, but am not exactly sure what the uses for it are on the nuvi, any help would be great

[Rich Owings]

Its for exactly what you said...exploring the world! You can add more maps; many are free...

http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/lang/en/citynavigatornt

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/12/international-m.html

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/12/free-maps-for-y.html

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2008/11/more-free-topo.html

[Sande Morse]

Please help me with my decision. I need a gps but live in a mountainous region where satellite reception can be frustrating.So my primary concern is a gps that will find, hold, and lock the best under that type of condition. I like the interface of the Garmin 260W and it has the basics I'm looking for. However, the 255W seems to suggest better satellite power. Can anyone comment or has had experience with similar problems and their gps? Thank you very much.

[Rich Owings]

Having lived most of my post-GPS life in mountainous terrain, I doubt that you'll have any problem with either unit, though the 260W is the first-generation model with an internal antenna; Garmin had much more experience with this by the time the 255W came around. BTW, the 255W has occasionally been priced lower than the 260W. Reception problems are worst in really, really tight and narrow canyons - big cities with tall buildings and slot canyons are the worst.

Here are a couple of current deals on these units...
http://bestgpsdeals.net/garmin-gps-sale/338/

http://bestgpsdeals.net/five-days-five-deals-at-tigergps/350/

[Sergio]

I have tried the Magellan 4040,4050 & 4250 all of which I did not like very much. Both 4040 and 4050 were slow to recalculate my destination whenever I made an incorrect turn. The 4250 looks very but had similar problems with it. The 4050 blue tooth feature was a huge problem for me. Every time I would shut the unit off I would have to re pair the phone and sometimes it would not find it. I've also tried the Nav740 and that one really stunk. Everything that can go wrong it went wrong. Belive me. Finally I purchased the Garmin 260 and finally,one that I really like. The Garmin interface is neat and it is very quick to reroute you when you get lost. Only draw back is that you cannot get live traffic updates and no blue tooth.

[Ray Stanz]

Between the Garmin Nuvi 255 and the Garmin Nuvi 260W which one would you guys choose? The 255W is a little out of my price range.

[Rich Owings]

I'd go for the 255 only if you have a lead foot, or if it's important to maintain a record of your travels via the tracklog feature.

Otherwise, my choice would be the 260W for the wide screen.

[Andrew]

Does the 260W offer multiple vehicle choices such as emergencey, truck, motorcycle? Have been unable to find this info.Thanks in advance.

[rickbaro]

I just received my nuvi 260, and I cannot say I'm happy with it. It doesn't find the local Pei Wei restaurant (once it found one 280 miles away, and the second time it found nothing), it didn't find the closest Macy's, and it cannot find the University of Texas at San Antonio.

I'm ued to the Neverlost in Hertz rental cars, so maybe the Nuvi isn't as good?

[Rich Owings]

One thing you should do immediately is check and see if it has the latest maps. You could be due a free upgrade (https://my.garmin.com/maps/nuMaps.htm).

The nuvis have 6 million POIs; I doubt the Neverlost has more and I think they use the same data provider. They won't have the latest shops, and some areas are worst than others. I can find UTSA in my nuvi 660 this way...Near > San Antonio > Food, Lodging > Community > School.

[Rich Owings]

Andrew -- Yes it offers these for routing preferences. Car/Motorcycle is combined though.

[Linda]

I just purchased the Garmin Nuvi 260W. I went to the site and registered it.
Just as I was ready to check out the onscreen options etc...the unit will not stay on. It only comes with a car adapter. Do you think my problem is that it needs charging or is my unit defective? When I turn it on, it remains on for about 2 seconds where it shows the "Garmin" name, then I get a double quick beep and it goes black. Cannot even see the battery usage.
When new, should it be remaining on? Does it need initial charging from the car, upon purchase?

thank you

[Rich Owings]

It shouldn't, though stranger things have happened. I'd check the battery level in the car. It may be worth calling Garmin to verify that it's new.

[becky]

Nuvi 260w won't say street names????

[Rich Owings]

Go into the voice settings and choose a voice that says TTS (text-to-speech) next to it.

[anonymous]

i puchased a garmin nuvi 255 and i have been trying to charge it since i recieved it.Its not taking the charge.I have had it plugged in for 8 hours on and off and it still wont charge. It gets a little charge but before you can set it up it dies. Has anyone had a similar problem?

[Rich Owings]

Sounds unusual to me. I'd either exchange it if it's local and easy to do or call Garmin. I'm assuming you had it plugged into the car charger. I don't believe it will charge off the mini-USB connected to a computer.

[mark]

any way to temporarily eliminate the point of interest icons on the 260w map? Not much of a bother in the rural areas , but when in New York City so many appear that I can not make out the streets or route. thanks

[Rich Owings]

First try changing the Map Detail settings. If that doesn't work, try zooming out a little.

[John A]

I really like my new 260W, but I'd like the British English voice. I'm only offered American English - how do I get the British? Do I have to buy the Europe maps? If so, can I use it in the US and still get the British voice. Silly request I know, but I'll bet there is a way.

[Rich Owings]

Go to Tools > Settings > Language > Voice. Make sure you choose one labeled TTS (text-to-speech).

[Kellie]

Is there anyway I can charge my 260W at home (not in the car)?

[Rich Owings]

Yes, with the mini-USB connector, though it will take longer than with the car charger. You can also buy an AC charger.

[mack]

How do u know if the GARMIN 260W is fully charged?

[Rich Owings]

There is a battery level indicator on the main menu.

[Johna]

Thanks for help on British voice. Perfect. Another question... I backpack a lot in the Sierra (Yosemite area). Can you recommend some maps for that? Where is the best place to get them? Do they come on a memory card? How about eBay or should I stick with reputable vendor?

[Rich Owings]

You have a number of options, but remember that your unit has a short battery life, isn't ruggedized and has no compass screen. You might want to pick up a handheld unit. Onto the maps...

The Garmin 1:24,000 scale series comes on a micro-SD card...

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=27610&pvID=28987

The 1:100,000 scale Topo US 2008 is not "locked" to one unit, so buying on eBay should be okay.

There are free maps too...

http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/12/free-maps-for-y.html

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/state/ca

Trail data "may" be better on the free maps, or (with a handheld) you can search the Web and load specific trails ahead of trips.

[Johna]

Thanks! I'll check out the free trail maps and consider a handheld - maybe it isn't worth taking my Garmin up there "just for the fun of it." JA

[Mickeyg]

I recently bought a Nuvi 200w. I heard excellent reports about the Nuvi. I have now used it for about a month and I hate it. It has gotten me lost twice and takes me on the most illogical routes imaginable. I don't understand why it is working so badly. Is it possible to reimage the device?

[Rich Owings]

First of all, check the settings and make sure you have the unit set for car and for fastest route (or whatever your preference is). Are you using it in an area you are familiar with? It often won't choose your known shortcuts, etc. But they usually work great in areas you aren't familiar with. They can still mess you up, but it's usually on the order of once or twice in 100 trips.

[Jim]

My Nuvi 260w stop powering up when the car started. Light on the adapter was on but screen wasn't coming on. Took it to Best Buy
they hooked it up and it wouldn't power up. Got a new and on the way home(it was working)stopped for an errand. It wouldn't power up again when I started the car. Pulled the adapter out and push the tip in a couple times and hit start again and it came on. What do think is going on?

[Rich Owings]

Have you tried powering other devices in your car? Is the charger loose in the cigarette lighter receptacle? It sure does sound like it might be on your end. Is there any gunk down in the lighter that would cause the tip of the adapter to stick?

[Anna Randall]

I am interested in GPS car syatem for Mexico. What are my best options. Thanks

[Rich Owings]

The nuvi 200 and 260W both come in models with maps of Mexico. I don't know if their maps are more complete than add-on maps you can buy for Mexico, but I think you'll have better options with a Garmin unit regardless.

[Bernard Nicely]

I have a 260W but it appears to have 255W software. The screen display and functions are 255 type. It does not display speed limits though and I would like to have that. Any thoughts?

[Rich Owings]

It appears that Garmin is shipping 2x0 series units with 2x5 software. These reports started coming in late last year. It seems to include most of the newer features, but not the speed limit display. The only way to get that is going to be to buy a 2x5 series unit.

[E. Hill]

I am more then a newbie with a GPS but I recently purchased a Garmin Nuvi 260W can you tell me where to go to register this system and I am learning more reading the blogs in here then I could in the quick start manual.

[Rich Owings]

Great unit! You can register it at http://mygarmin.com

[Dennis]

Just purchased a 260W and it has a problem with announcing. For "Street" it announces "Saint", and for "Drive" it announces "Doctor". I've contacted Garmin about this, but they don't have a fix. I got an exchange for it, but still same problem. Has anyone else encountered this? I'm ticked that Garmin doesn't have a fix, and that they would release product with this kind of fault.

[sandi mason]

does nuvi 260 have bluetooth capabilities and if so can it be paired to palm treo 650?

[Rich Owings]

No, the only 200 series models with Bluetooth are the 2x5T's.