Garmin nuvi 500 review

The Garmin nuvi 500 represents Garmin's foray into the "crossover" GPS market, aiming for a device that functions well whether used for driving, hiking, cycling or boating. This review will take a hard look at how well Garmin pulls that off, but first let's get some basics out of the way.

The 3.5" touch-screen nuvi 500 comes pre-loaded with City Navigator and topo maps of the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The other model in this series, the Garmin nuvi 550, offers highway coverage of the entire U.S. and Canada but drops the topo maps. Neither unit has text-to-speech, so you'll hear "drive one-half mile, then turn left" instead of "drive one-half mile, then turn left on Main Street."

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 500

There are some other nice features found on the nuvi 500 series though. Based on the nuvi 2x5 platform, the nuvi 500 offers:

• A redesigned map screen with an extra data field showing your current speed
• Speed limit display
• Tracklog display
• Recent cities and streets can be accessed from search screens
• Where am I?
• Photo navigation
• Terrain modeling
• MSN Direct or FM/TMC traffic (optional)

You can read about these features in more detail in my Garmin nuvi 205W review.

There are also a couple of features found on the 500 and 550 that are not present on the 2x5 series nuvis -- multi-destination routing and a removable, li-ion battery rated at up to 8 hours.

Garmin nuvi 500 usage mode

From the main menu, tap the icon in the center of the top bar (the walking icon is shown in the image below).

This brings up the screen below, allowing you to select the usage mode. Note that boating is not listed as an option unless you have a BlueChart® g2 or g2 Vision^TM map loaded.

Unless you check "don't ask me again," you'll first see the following screen overlay.

If you change modes often, you may want to leave this box unchecked, as it will bring up options to select your map view and routing preferences.The options presented are as follows:

• Driving -Chose driving vehicle icon, map view (track up, north up or 3D), driving route preference (faster time, shorter distance or off road)
• Walking - Choose walking vehicle (defaults to boots), map view (track up, north up or 3D), route preference (on road or off road)
• Bicycling - Choose bicycling vehicle icon (defaults to bike), map view (track up, north up or 3D), route preference (on road or off road)

Garmin nuvi 500 driving mode

The nuvi 500 series has lost none of its automotive prowess; it performs just as well on the road as any nuvi with comparable features. As a result, I'm going to focus this review on it's uses for non-automotive pursuits -- geocaching, hiking, etc.

Garmin nuvi 500 as a handheld

With any "crossover" GPS receiver, compromises must be made, and it appears that Garmin made them all on the handheld side of the equation. First, what they got right...

The unit appears to be well designed in terms of being waterproof. Battery life also seems good; it is rated at 8 hours. If you need more than that, it has a user-replaceable battery so you can always buy and carry a spare.

But there are more problems than not. Let's start with the hardware. There is no lanyard attachment, and the unit is awkward to hold. It is pocket-sized, but there is no touch screen lock as there is with the Oregon series. The case seems a little fragile; I'd hate to drop it on a rock, and I definitely wouldn't put it on a mountain bike.

Worse still, some basic handheld functionality is missing. While the 500 will display your track, and can "TracBack," you cannot load even one track to the device. Nor can you reposition waypoints to your current location; not as important as loading tracks, but a pet peeve of mine.

Also note that you cannot change the interval or method for recording track points. The nuvi 500 records a relatively low number of track points when compared to other handhelds. It starts a new track segment when you change modes, or even if you search for a waypoint. Not only that, but it leaves a gap of up to several hundred feet in the tracklog when it does so.

Garmin nuvi 500 compass

The nuvi 500 does not have an electronic compass. It uses GPS signals to ascertain your direction, so you must be moving to get an accurate reading (that's because the unit has no way of ascertaining which way you are facing if standing still).

That's not so bad, but the manual says "...you must have a clear view of the sky" to navigate with the compass, and I've found that to be all too true. When under canopy, the compass is very slow to respond to a change in direction, sometimes taking 500 feet or more at walking speeds.

This is puzzling, because the distance to the destination was fairly accurate, steadily getting smaller even as the compass was telling me to go the opposite way at times. To further muddy the waters, comparing the track of the nuvi 500 to my 60CSx and aerial photos, the nuvi did very well, occasionally showing some error, but never more than 60 feet.

I'm left to conclude that the inability of the compass to guide under even light canopy may be more of a software issue than a problem with the antenna and/or chipset.

Perhaps this will be improved in a future firmware release, along with another  compass / off-road navigation issue; the "Arrive in ____ ft" field below is always blank.

Until they get this fixed, the compass screen is largely useless. Fortunately, the map screen, when routing off road, shows the distance to next and direction in the upper left corner, as shown below. Tapping this field takes you to the compass.

The arrow in this field doesn't point you in the direction of your destination any better than the compass, but seeing the distance to your goal certainly helps. That is if you're within 500 feet of the destination. Above that, it only displays the distance in tenths of a mile, meaning you could walk 500 feet before figuring out that you're going the wrong way!

According to the manual (which is less than clear), the compass is supposed to function as a course pointer in off-road mode. Therefore, it should indicate your relationship to a course line to your destination, rather than acting as a bearing compass, showing the direction to your destination. The image below is taken from the manual, which states, "when the red arrow points at the bug indicator, you are going directly to your destination."

Despite this, in my field tests, the direction arrow seemed to point towards the destination, as if it were functioning in bearing mode. A call to Garmin tech support indicated that the manual may be in error. Note that there is no user setting allowing you to switch between bearing and course mode.

I cannot recommend using this device in the backcountry until the myriad compass issues are resolved. I found it very difficult to rely upon the nuvi 500 for off-road navigation.

Finally, if my notes on the compass are a little confusing, just know that it parallels the experience of using it!

Geocaching with the nuvi 500

Like the Colorado and Oregon models, the nuvi 500 series fully supports paperless geocaching, displaying the full description, cache size, difficulty and terrain ratings, as well as recent logs. Caches can be transferred directly from geocaching.com using the Garmin Communicator plugin or pocket queries can be dropped into the Garmin / GPX directory on the unit. You must be a premium member of geocaching.com ($3/month) to run pocket queries or transfer the full information to the unit. Screen shots follow.

Paperless caching is great, but it's not quite ready for prime-time on the nuvi 500, thanks to the compass problems mentioned above. Out of six cache attempts, I only found one without resorting to pulling out my 60Csx, which often as not I did just out of sheer frustration with the nuvi. The unit is pretty useless for finding caches unless they are right on the trail. It is definitely not a unit for someone just starting in the sport! Having said that, it could be a great geocaching unit once the compass is fixed.

Garmin nuvi 500 tips

• Quickly tap the power button to bring up an option to change the screen brightness; this is a nice way to prolong battery life when you leave your car to use the device as a handheld
• Hold the lower right corner of the screen while powering on the device to bring up a hard reset option (erases all user data)
• After you transfer routes from MapSource, select Tools > My Data > Import Route From File

Conclusion and recommendation

There is something very attractive about having one device for multiple uses. I have to say that I really like being able to load all waypoints to one unit, use it to drive to the trailhead and then use it for a hike. But many compromises must be made with this type of unit, and as I said earlier, Garmin appears to have made them all on the handheld side. They left all the nuvi auto functionality in, but seemingly did the minimum on the handheld side, without adequately testing it as well. It's almost as if they didn't even talk to their handheld folks in developing it.

Until the compass issues are straightened out, I cannot recommend this unit for geocachers, hikers or mountain bikers. Where you will be sticking to roads (road biking), or moving faster (4WDs and ATVs), it may be worth considering.

If you are seriously looking at a "crossover" type unit, you should consider a couple of things:

• What is your primary use going to be? Would you rather compromise on the auto or handheld side?
• Rather than spend $400 or $500 on this unit, you may be better off with a low end nuvi (like the 200 or 205) for your car, and a basic (Venture HC) to mid-range (60Cx) handheld.

While Garmin may fix the compass functionality, the future might not bring many more improvements for the nuvi 500 series. Garmin seems determined to keep the nuvi platform simple, and I doubt that they will add the ability to load tracks, or any advanced handheld functionality. With luck though, they'll use it as a learning experience for a new line in the future.

More Garmin nuvi 500 reviews

• The first consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 500 review has been posted at GPS Now.
• PC Magazine gave a 3 out of 5 star rating in their Garmin nuvi 500 review
• CNet also gave a 3 out of 5 star rating in their review of the nuvi 500
• There is a Garmin nuvi 500 review thread at GpsPasSion
• GPS Magazine has posted a Garmin nuvi 500 review based on a pre-production unit
• The Changelog reviews the Garmin nuvi 500

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

Other Garmin nuvi 500 resources

• A PDF version of the Garmin nuvi 500 owners manual
• Confused about so many models and choices? Use this Garmin nuvi comparison tool or check out my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
• The official Garmin nuvi 500 web page.
• There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion.
• Yes, it really does appear to be waterproof:

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 500 at these merchants:

• Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 500 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 500 price at Amazon
• Get the Garmin nuvi 500 Portable Multifunction GPS Receiver with U.S. Road & Topo Maps at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250
• Find the Garmin nuvi 500 GPS at REI.com, where satisfaction is guaranteed and members get 10% back on eligible purchases
• Get the Garmin nuvi 500 for an amazing price on eBay
• Check out our GPS deals site for current specials and rebates on a wide range of GPS receivers

Related posts:

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

Comments

[Jon]

Very helpful review--thanks.

I consider myself a typical target of this type of device--I do a lot of stuff outdoors (but am handy with a map, compass, and altimeter), and hate driving while looking at a paper map during the once a month time I go somewhere unfamiliar. In other words, a GPS would be nice to have in both realms (but not critical).

A dedicated road unit like the 205 might be too much for me and something like the Oregon is too expensive for the use I'd get out of it.

So, I wonder what unit you'd recommend that is primarily for backcountry, but could also mount on a dashboard somehow (doesn't need to be pretty) and at least show a road map and my position (I could live without turn by turn directions)??

[Rich Owings]

Jon,

My first choice would be a 60Cx or 60CSx. A 76 Cx or CSx model would work too and might be cheaper. But you need to add in the cost of a mount and charger, and you may want topo maps. Garmin's Topo US 2008 is "unlocked" so you can get that on eBay or some such place at a significant discount.

The good news is that there are lots of free maps out there, though ones giving turn-by-turn directions are rare. Check this out...
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/

If the total cost of a 60 or 76 series unit and accessories is too much, take a look at the eTrex Legend HCx.

[Jon]

In researching this a bit more, I noted that a big issue for backcountry use is the quality of the maps. I saw your review on Garmin's higher resolution maps covering National Parks / Forests (and these indeed do cover the area I normally hike in--White Mountain National Forest). But some people have said that the Delorme Topo's have much more detail. Wondered what you thought about the upcoming PN-40 as an all-purpose unit?

[Rich Owings]

I'm heading out the door right now, but I don't *think* it will do turn-by-turn routing, should that prove desirable. And DeLorme's road maps (Street Atlas) may not be compatible, but I don't have time to verify that right now. I could be wrong; check out this thread...
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=197213

[Keith]

There seem to be three choices in this category: this model, the Lowrance XOG and Magellan Crossover. I've read reviews elsewhere on each and seen, in particular, the Lowrance XOG has the widest range of map choices, including fishing maps, topo maps and aerial photos that can be downloaded to the device. The price for the Lowrance XOG is less than half what Garmin wants for the Nuvi, so what gives? I just don't get why Garmin is so high!

[Rich Owings]

Usually, Garmin's quality is a bit higher than these other brands. But the nuvi 500 series has some definite bugs.

[Paul]

I use GPS units for 4x4'ing and geocaching with the kids. I want a unit that can keep me on the right trail and has a large enough screen to see while driving. My neighbor has the 500 and I like the larger screen but the unit is just ok.

I bought the Oregon 200 and loaded topo 24k CA/NV maps. I HATE IT! The maps show more detail, but it does not have a lot of trails that I have yet to explore. The Oregon 200 is cool but unless it's at night I can Not see the screen.

I would love to find a wide screen GPS that I can load topos into and have it work better than the 500. Any suggestions?

[Rich Owings]

There are problems with the trail database in the Garmin 24K series maps. Topo 2008 is better, but far from perfect. You can search for .gpx track files of trails before venturing out, but that takes some effort.

The Oregon's screen visibility problems can be handled somewhat via Setup > Map > Advanced map setup > Shaded relief - do not show.

I'm afraid there are no ideal solutions in terms of a single unit. The best choice is often separate handheld and auto units.

[Paul]

Is there anything in the Nuvi line that will run topo 2008? If so which do you recomend.

Thanks for the info...

[Rich Owings]

All of them will. It comes pre-loaded on the nuvi 500.

[Paul]

I have read some of your reviews and viewed the comparison cart. I am leaning towards the Nuvi 760 and purchasing the topo 2008 map. Although Garmin has indicated that the topo maps are not compatible with this unit, I will go with you expertise over the Garmin operator lol.

Again thanks for the info and the great site.

[Rich Owings]

It works fine on my 660. You will not be able to see your pre-loaded maps at the same time though.

[Paul]

I am mainly after a unit for off-roading and geocaching on 4x4 trails. I want to be easy to read while driving. I debated between the 660 and the 760 and may go either way. I am fine with switching from topo to preloaded maps as long as it's a quick settings change. My only concern is how accurate will the unit be for geocaching compared to a hand held unit.

[John Looze]

I have the Nuvi 550. In the walking mode, the BackTrack feature is, at best useless. It ignores the acutual trak. If you are in the "On Road" mode it routes you on the streets, even if you went thru a park, or similiar place. If you are in the "Off Road" mode the route is a straight line between beginning and end. About every five back track routesit it puts in an end point anywhere from 700 to 2000 miles away. I am quite concerned when I eventually try to use a topo. Needless to say, I have discussed this with Garmin. They suggest a new unit, which I will do. Still, I think it is a software, not hardware, problem.

[Rich Owings]

Yeah, I wasn't that impressed. But I sure didn't have those sort of trackback problems. Wow!

[Derrill]

I'm still looking for a larger screen GPS that will use topo maps. I have given up on the Magellan 1500, as the screen is to small. So is the screen of the 60Cx. I'm not impressed with the Garmin Topo maps, not much detail there. Next up would be the Nuvi 500/550. The Oregon is to expensive and the screen is to small.
If the industry is listening, 4x4, ATV and motorcycle riders (there must be millions of these people out there looking for the same thing) we want a GPS unit that will lock up fast, show great detail on Topo maps, do a back track on the track, record the track in detail, be easy to set waypoints, and have a large screen (at least 3"x2.5".
Are you listening?

So Rich, what GPS would you recommend given the above requirements?
Thanks,
Derrill

[Rich Owings]

I'd look at the nuvi 500/550, with 1:24,000 scale maps added. There are lots of free ones at http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/. Would that work for you?

[Derrill]

I'm going to try it. I will report back after I use it a couple of times. I made a Ti mount for the 1500 Triton. I will make another Ti mount for this one.

Have you used any of their topo maps? I'm in Idaho and not sure which map is best. Is the 2008 map better or the same as 1:24k maps?

Thanks,
Derrill

[Rich Owings]

I'd start with this one...

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/45/

2008 has better trails, but the 24K has tighter contour intervals.