Last Updated: November 24, 2018 (Refresh Now)
Garmin DriveSmart 51 NA LMT S with Lifetime Maps Traffic Live Parking Bluetooth WiFi Smart Notifications Voice Activation Driver Alerts TripAdvisor Foursquare
Last Updated: November 24, 2018 (Refresh Now)
7.7
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
190
Old Reviews
0
Unverified
24
Spam Test
!
Yes
GPS
5 meters
SIZE
Yes
BLUETOOTH
Yes
WIFI
Review Analysis - 166 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
GPS
52garmin, traffic, navigation, map, maps
+88%
-12%
" ... Very Pleased with this GPS product. ... "
" ... I've owned several GARMIN GPS devices. ... "
" ... The phone option on this Garmin is so handy. ... "
" ... Unlike my older Nuvi GPS this one does not say that annoying “recalculating . ... This is my second Garmin GPS. ... Sure it will take a little getting used to when searching for a location, but I still think it’s a great GPS ... I bought this GPS last month when it was $240. ... "
" ... I have 3 Garmin GPS units. ... "
" ... Sooooo much better than the GPS system that came with the vehicle. ... "
" ... I have had several Garmin units but this one is the best by far. ... "
" ... As a GPS, the Garmin DriveSmart 61 works reasonably well. ... "
Display Clarity
46display, 95, size, easy to read, capacitive touch
+87%
-13%
" ... the large screen is wonderful ... "
" ... The display is bigger, brighter, cleaner, and the navigation is excellent. ... "
" ... Screen is big and easy to read. ... "
" ... Enjoying large screen and clear directions. ... "
" ... Goes to a gray screen and allows no interaction. ... "
" ... I like the screen size and the vocal directions are very good. ... "
" ... Anything lower and the display goes completely bonkers. ... "
" ... The display is incredible. ... No problem with glare, clear a d large and easy to read. ... "
Call quality
24command, recognition, commands, call, really
+79%
-21%
" ... Voice commands for hands-free navigation. ... "
" ... I do some voice work and have good enunciation and it still just won't recognize some things. ... "
" ... love everything about it especially the voice command for hands free usage while driving. ... "
" ... Love the voice command and bluetooth options, only had a few mismatches on finding "bowling alley" but all in all it works great. ... "
" ... It allows me to talk on the phone hands free. ... I can us it to make hands free phone calls and do and have even participated in a conference call while traveling saving me time and making me money. ... "
" ... Voice command and wifi updates are also two improvements that I really like. ... "
" ... As such you need to look at the screen to use voice . ... "
" ... On the positive side, the Voice Command feature seemed to respond well, and the prompt voice was loud and clear. ... Also, I like that the Find Place voice command would seek out locations well beyond your current area. ... "
Ease of Use
22features, easy to use, user, intuitive, easy to read
+91%
-9%
" ... Easy to enter addresses to save for later. ... "
" ... Directions are easy to follow and I had no problem giving verbal commands. ... "
" ... It is user friendly and easy to read. ... "
" ... The more I learn how to use it, the more I like it. ... "
" ... No problem with glare, clear a d large and easy to read. ... "
" ... The user interface takes a little to get used to, but we like the additional features that come with the newer models such as DriveSmart 61 with school zone and red light camera warnings. ... "
" ... Easier to change route. ... "
" ... Easy operation and programming plus many other features! ... "
Apps
22google maps, traffic, maps, map, garmin app
+73%
-27%
" ... I use the Garmin for navigation and the built-in for all the infotainment applications. ... "
" ... All these same features are available via apps on smart phones! ... "
" ... With the Garmin Smart Phone Link App on my phone I subscribe and get up to date weather and can look at weather radar as I am traveling. ... "
" ... The installed USA map seems pretty good after a week's use. ... "
" ... I find this new Garmin a big improvement from my old 765 Garmin I like the voice direction and how easy I is to program routes also the large screen and has a bright screen you can see easily ... "
" ... My phone with google maps does a way better job in showing correct routes and current traffic. ... "
" ... I will probably give the app a shot once more of the bugs are worked out and the reviews improve, but for now I really don't need it to connect via bluetooth. ... "
" ... You must type exactly "garmin smartphone link". ... Even then, the store gives you various Garmin and 3rd party apps. ... "
Device Compatibility
22smart phone, updates, traffic, link, gps
+82%
-18%
" ... I have been using Garmin devices since 2004 and loved the 6 GPS devices I had before this. ... "
" ... Seamless integration with my Samsung Galaxy. ... "
" ... So, once I figured this out, the unit worked fine, phone syncs up, etc. ... "
" ... Once I use it, hook up my smart phone to it and do a few other things . ... "
" ... time than Garmin) and voice command that actually works. ... Garmin connects to gps instantly. ... "
" ... at least with Ford Sync+. ... "
" ... Just connect it to the wifi. ... "
" ... I love the voice command option to start a new route or find someplace along my current route / near my destination. ... "
Software Platform
20maps, traffic, updates, garmin, waze
+65%
-35%
" ... All these same features are available via apps on smart phones! ... "
" ... It has Lifetime Maps, Lifetime Traffic and that is a buy in itself. ... "
" ... The installed USA map seems pretty good after a week's use. ... "
" ... The user interface takes a little to get used to, but we like the additional features that come with the newer models such as DriveSmart 61 with school zone and red light camera warnings. ... "
" ... My phone with google maps does a way better job in showing correct routes and current traffic. ... "
" ... I will probably give the app a shot once more of the bugs are worked out and the reviews improve, but for now I really don't need it to connect via bluetooth. ... "
" ... Map updates are very accurate. ... "
" ... Lastly, look into all of the apps that allow it to connect to your phone or even compatible smart watches. ... "
For Travel
13road, trips, trip planner, trip advisor, roads
+77%
-23%
" ... Halfway through a month-long driving trip I started using the Garmin again, and found that I prefer it to Ford's. ... "
" ... Have not tried yet on a long distance trip ... "
" ... I love this device😊😊😊, it helps me a lot when i go travelling, Highly recommended . ... "
" ... It does so much for me and I travel everyday for work. ... "
" ... Made a trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario recently. ... "
" ... needed it for a trip and it delivered 100% ... "
" ... I chose the DS 51 primarily to use in rental cars while traveling. ... However, for traveling purposes I did not want a 7" screen to stuff in my carry-on. ... "
" ... I would have loved to crank this device up with an AC charger and learn how to use it for future trips. ... "
Display Size
11size, large, nice, larger, unit
+100%
" ... the large screen is wonderful ... "
" ... Double the price but it is a newer unit and larger screen. ... "
" ... PROS- Beautiful screen. ... "
" ... The 6.95 inch screen makes things so much easier to see. ... "
" ... Screen is a perfect size for me. ... "
" ... I like the big screen for watching things but I mean this 7" unit is large. ... "
" ... Yes, this screen is large, and now the 5" screens on my other Garmins seem small. ... "
" ... Love the capacitive touch screen and size. ... "
Product Reliability
10unit, warning, update, stop, ds61
+70%
-30%
" ... This one does everything but tell you what you ate last week, really impress so far. ... "
" ... It worked flawlessly. ... "
" ... Other than that the other functions worked very well. ... "
" ... There must be a simple fix, but I have not stopped and taken the time to play around with the unit to figure out what is going on. ... "
" ... I've had this device for about a month and haven't had any problems so far. ... "
" ... No overheating issues. ... Overall I am happy after using it for a few months. ... "
Fit
10vent, garmin, size, route, round
+60%
-40%
" ... I'm hoping it will last like my NUVI 7 but am doubtful it will. ... "
" ... Use a good magnetic/air vent phone holder and connected to quick charger and your goood to go! ... "
" ... Great size for a built in, but a little big for the windshield. ... "
" ... I also purchased the Garmin air vent mount along with the AmazonBasics 5" GPS case. ... The case fits the GPS, car charger, and vent mount easily with a little room to spare. ... "
" ... Installed in wife's 2007 BMW. ... "
" ... Would have preferred a magnetic mount for this rather than the round plastic snap-in type it comes with. ... I purchased the Evecase Portable Case Bag Cover with Extra Front Pocket 5-Inch . ... "
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Specifications
Body
Size: 5 meters
Connectivity
GPS: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
WiFi: Yes
Display
Display Size: 2.5 inches
Recommendations
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