Garmin nuvi 205W review

Garmin nuvi 2x5 series -- the best entry level GPS on the market

The Garmin nuvi 205W is one of Garmin's newest entry level navigators and, as part of the nuvi 2x5 series, it's loaded with features previously unavailable in the nuvi line or found only in high-end models. More about that in a moment; first the basics. The 205W sports a 4.3" wide touch screen (hence the "W"), and includes pre-loaded maps of the entire U.S. except Alaska. It does not feature text-to-speech, so you'll hear "drive one-half mile, then turn left" instead of "drive one-half mile, then turn left on Oak Street."

Step up to the nuvi 255W for text-to-speech and maps of the entire U.S. and Canada. The nuvi 205 and nuvi 255 mimic the feature set of the 205W and 255W, albeit with a smaller, 3'5" screen.

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 205W

Regardless of which member of the 2x5 series you choose, you'll have a winner. Read on to see why. And if you want to compare these to other models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

Advanced features found on the Garmin nuvi 205W

None of the features below are found on this unit's predecessor, the Garmin nuvi 200W.

Redesigned map screen

New to the map screen are the direction of and distance to next turn indicator in the upper left corner of the screen, which when pressed brings up a detailed turn preview as the unit speaks the next turn instructions. Moving this to the upper left freed up the bottom left data field which now shows your current speed. You can see all this in the screen shot below.

Speed limit

Speed limit icons display the speed limit for many roads, as shown above. I really like the proximity of this to the current speed display.

Trip log display

Trip log, or as I prefer to call it ;-), tracklog display, can show where you've been and can be downloaded to your computer (tracklogs can be cleared and the feature disabled for those of you with something to hide!). The tracklog is the thin blue line trailing behind the car / current position icon, in the screen shot above.

Recent cities and streets

This feature was first seen on the nuvi 700 series. Tap the folder icon, as shown below, and a list of recent entries comes up.

Where am I?

This emergency location feature provides your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations.

Photo navigation

Though it's not a feature that I find useful, you can download Google™ Panoramio™ pictures via Garmin Connect™ Photos and navigate to them.

Terrain modeling

The nuvi 2x5 series includes a built-in digital elevation model, allowing you to visualize the surrounding terrain, as shown below. Unfortunately, this only works in 2–D mode when zoomed out to at least 8 miles. The result is a nice piece of eye-candy, as shown below, but one that you are unlikely to really use.

MSN Direct or FM/TMC traffic option

You can buy an MSN Direct or FM/TMC traffic receiver as an add-on. This is often a better deal than buying a unit with MSN or FM/TMC, since the add-ons come with a full year subscription, rather than the 3 month trial included with a high-end nuvi. Physically, you end up with the same receiver.

Garmin nuvi 205W pros

• High-end features (see above) at an entry-level price
• Fast startup and satellite lock
• The speaker is quite loud; I had no trouble hearing it under any circumstances
• The ability to delete individual Favorites using the "My Data" feature
• In addition to the above, you get a quality product and intuitive interface, as we've come to expect from Garmin

Garmin nuvi 205W cons

• No text-to-speech; you'll have to step up to the 255 or 255W for that feature
• The power cord is not integrated into the mount, so you have to attach the power cord each time you mount the device

Recommendation

The Garmin nuvi 205W is a joy to use. I recommend it, or any other member of the nuvi 2x5 series, without hesitation. Garmin has set a new standard with this product line; the nuvi 2x5 series is the best entry level GPS on the market.

More Garmin nuvi 205W reviews

• Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 205W reviews are being posted at Amazon
• More consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 205W reviews are being posted at GPS Now
• Boston.com reviewed the nuvi 205W, along with eight other units
• A user review of the nuvi 205W

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

Other Garmin nuvi 205W resources

• A PDF version of the Garmin nuvi 205W quick start manual.
• Confused about so many models and choices? Use this Garmin auto GPS comparison tool or check out my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
• There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion.

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 205W at these merchants:

• Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 205W at GPS Now, where shipping is free on orders over $99 (and the upgrade to overnight shipping is dirt cheap!). Order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment.
• Check the current Garmin nuvi 205W price at Amazon.
• Buy the Garmin nuvi 205 Widescreen Personal Travel Assistant at REI.com, where satisfaction is guaranteed and members get 10% back on eligible purchases.
• Get the Garmin nuvi 205W Wide-Screen Automotive GPS System with USA Maps at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250.
• Get the Garmin nuvi 205W for an amazing price on eBay.
• Check out our GPS deals site for current specials and rebates on a wide range of GPS receivers.

From the official Garmin nuvi 205W web page:

Portable, affordable and wide, nüvi 205W is your personal travel assistant for life on the go. This navigator leads the way with turn-by-turn directions and optional MSN® Direct services to get you there on time and keep you informed. It's packed with millions of destinations and maps for the contiguous U.S., Canada or regional sections of Europe. Like the rest of the sleek nüvi 2x5-series, the 205W is priced right and ultra-easy to use.

Related posts:

• Our GPS reviews
• Auto GPS buyers guide
• Top ten auto GPS

Comments

[Tadd]

I bought my Nuvi 205W and it worked right out of the box, with no set up and it is very intuitive to use. I had a problem with connectivity to my pc, but an exchange solved that problem. I have found that there are a few streets that are not a part of the most recent map, and (unfortunately) it does not identify "one-way" streets. Other than that I am very impressed with this GPS and I have and will continue to recommend it as an entry level unit to my friends. I am considering the purchase of the MSN traffic receiver, but am not able to justify the cost vs. benefit at this time.

[Rich Owings]

Tadd, it should identify one-way streets, though that doesn't mean there can't be an occasional place where one isn't included.

[Jon]

Question on the Trip Log.

I was looking for a road and trail GPS, but realized I just wouldn't really use it on the trail very much, so I just bought the 255W. The one function I thought would be fun in the backcountry is recording a track, that I could then view in Google Earth. Will this unit do that for me with Trip Log???

[Rich Owings]

I'm pretty sure it will. I don't have a first generation 2x5 unit now, but I have a 265WT I'm reviewing and I just tested it and it works. It works with the nuvi 500 too, which is built on the 2x5 platform, so I'd be shocked if you couldn't.

[Jon]

uhmmm.. could you give me a hint on how you'd export the log on the nuvi 500?

[Rich Owings]

Many mapping programs will allow you to transfer the track directly from the nuvi. Do you have MapSource or another mapping program?

Here's a manual method...You can extract the GPX file by connecting the nuvi to your computer and navigating to Nuvi > Garmin > GPX and copying or opening the current.gpx file.

If you don't have any other mapping software, you can search Google for "opening gpx file in google earth." That should get you the info you need.

[Jul]

Do you have to buy a subscription to any service to use this system? I have never owned a GPS and don't want to have to subscribe to a service to use it.

[Rich Owings]

No, there is no ongoing fee or subscription. Your tax dollars have already paid for the GPS satellites. If you buy the optional live traffic receiver, there is a subscription required for that though.

[Elaine]

I am debating over the 205w and a mio moov 500. As a first-time GPS user, which would you recommend?

[Rich Owings]

The nuvi 205W, hands down. It's easy to use and works great. I can't say the same for Mio products.

[Sarah S Chicken]

I just bought the store model which just came with the GPS and the charger. I turned it on and it said nothing was loaded. Is it possible that somehow they locked it so that I can't get to that info? I'm a beginner at this so any help at all is appreciated.

[Rich Owings]

Sounds like a defective unit. You could call Garmin support Monday morning or just take it back and exchange it. I don't think its locked. A hard reset might work. To do this, hold your finger on the bottom right corner of the screen while powering the unit, until it asks if you want to reset it.

[Anna]

I have a gpx. file and once that is placed into the Garmin/GPX folder, how can i find my stops on the device then?

[Rich Owings]

I'm actually traveling without a nuvi now, so I can't try it to see. But I don't *think* you can do it that way. If they are in your device, they are under Favorites. But you'll probably need to load it with a program like Garmin MapSource or Trip and Waypoint Manager.

[Rich Owings]

Anna, I just tried it with another model nuvi and they are under favorites. It should work fine for you.

[Mike Schnieder]

I just got this unit for Christmas and I cannot get it to turn on. I have plugged it into two different lighters in my car, and then in my wifes, and the screen will not light up at all. I checked the cord to see if it was getting juice and it was. Any solutions??

[Rich Owings]

Are you holding down the power button to turn it on? Here's something else to try...

Use the mini-USB cable that came with it and connect it to your computer. Does it go into USB mode (showing an image of a computer on the screen)? If so, download Garmin's Web Updater (http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/)and run it to get new firmware. If that doesn't work, it's totally defective. Call Garmin or return it to the point of purchase.

[John E. Fox]

Are there simple instructions available for an 86 year old novice GPS user to set up a 400 mile one way trip useing seven highways each way. Will hitting the HOME KEY get me back home? The little GARMIN does not have much of an instruction book. I'm not a new traveler since the wife and I have been in all 50 states, Canada eight times, Mexico six times and Alaska twice. We just want a little help with checks and balances.

Name of an inexpensive instruction book?

[Rich Owings]

Here is a PDF link for a better manual than the one that comes with it... http://www.garmin.com/manuals/nuvi205_OwnersManual.pdf. There is this (http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Nuvi-Pocket-Guide/dp/0321591941/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232239670&sr=1-1), but I'm not sure how much help it would be.

Yes, if you've set your home location, it will get you there (and 99 times out of 100 will do a great job of it! -- they aren't perfect though; it's worth checking the route it has planned for you).

[wazir]

how to have mp3 in gps?

[Rich Owings]

You have to buy a unit with this feature built-in. Check out this page for nuvis with MP3 players...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_comparisons/garmin-nuvi-comparsion-chart.html

[lee]

I have a mio & just bought the garmin 205w.
The mio has more features but it is much harder to use.
Both the mio & garmin have maps of the entire world built in. They are not very detailed but would still be useful. They show the outlines of countries, a dot for major cities & some of the major roads. The garmin maps are a bit more detailed than the mio ones.

[Rich Owings]

"The mio has more features but it is much harder to use."... I couldn't agree more.

[Tony H]

Is it possible to load in maps of Europe onto the 205w at a later time? Does it have enough memory or a slot for a memory card?

[Rich Owings]

Yes, it has an SD slot for additional maps.

[Ron]

Is a data card required with a 205W?

[Rich Owings]

No, but you can use one to add additional maps.

[bill abalos]

where do you purchase the sd map cards?

[Rich Owings]

From Garmin or third-parties such as Amazon. What type of maps do you want (topo vs road) and for what area?

[Fercho]

Is it possible to use the "Trip log display" to follow your trace back being offroad? Thanks for the review

[Rich Owings]

No, you can only backtrack using the nuvi 500 or 550. However, you could follow it visually. Be sure to turn off "lock to road."

[John Hayes]

Question ? before i buy, How good will the 205W be on a 4 wheeler and off road?

[Rich Owings]

I think it will be good. You may want to add topo maps. There are a lot of free ones here... http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/

You may also want to consider a secure mount. Maybe a vent mount.

[John Hayes]

Thank you,I will have to look for a secure handle bar mount for this model, Just wanted to make sure they would hold up to the elements and vibration of riding, Thank again.

[Rich Owings]

Not sure about elements (weather?), but I doubt that vibration will be a problem.

[Johny]

Hello, im interested on garmin nuvi 760 gps, please send me the price, including freight inside the US

[Rich Owings]

Sorry, we don't sell any units. We just write about them. But you can find price info here... http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/10/garmin-nuvi-760.html#compare