Last Updated: March 19, 2019 (Refresh Now)
Garmin Drive 50 USA LM GPS Navigator System with Lifetime Maps Spoken Turn By Turn Directions Direct Access Driver Alerts and Foursquare Data
Last Updated: March 19, 2019 (Refresh Now)
7.5
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
1000
Old Reviews
0
Unverified
29
Spam Test
PASS
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GPS
Yes
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Review Analysis - 971 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
GPS
160garmin, usa, maps, map, nuvi
+73%
-27%
" ... This Garmin drive seems small given how large GPS units have gotten over the years, but if you compare to older models, it's larger. ... This Garmin GPS keeps giving directions even in more remote areas where cell signals can be lost. ... "
" ... great even tells you of red lights and speed cameras that alone has saved me the price of the GPS ... "
" ... Better than the GPS in my car. ... "
" ... Overall good GPS ... "
" ... Enjoying this GPS rather than using my phone's capability. ... "
" ... they are the easiest GPS's to use. ... "
" ... Have used Garmin GPS for years and needed to upgrade since current one was aging. ... "
" ... Have had both magellan and Garmin. ... "
Ease of Use
123easy, user friendly, easy to set, directions, difficult
+79%
-21%
" ... The actual unit is not hard to use but some settings are not clear. ... "
" ... Great at helping me navigate. ... "
" ... It's easy to download, install and operate. ... "
" ... works well easy to use ... "
" ... It was easy to set up and worked wonderful for a month. ... "
" ... I like the traffic features and directions are simple to follow. ... "
" ... there are certain features that I just don't know how to use and its not very intuitive so I need to read up more bit otherwise like it. ... "
" ... we love this system it works very well and easy to use ... "
Software Platform
101updates, garmin, map, google maps, updated
+50%
-50%
" ... It's a smart alternative to using mobile data. ... "
" ... I bought this one because of the lifetime maps feature. ... "
" ... Works way better than Google Maps . ... "
" ... This is my third Garmin, always been happy with the navigation and user interface. ... "
" ... LM (I think it means free download Lifetime Map). ... "
" ... Just hook up to my PC, and it is updated automatically. ... "
" ... System was under a 100.00 and unlimited map downloads, tom tom wanted 100.00 to upgrade map once. ... "
" ... Works great and updates easily. ... "
Product Reliability
101months, stopped, garmin, quit, died
+32%
-68%
" ... I bought a new Garmin Drive 50 and used it for 3 months. ... "
" ... I have only had this since feb. and it has quit working already. ... it is JUNK! ... "
" ... (I use this thing once or twice a month, at most). ... "
" ... I bought it In March 20 2018, today is Agust 18 2018 and stopped working. ... "
" ... would not recognize it . ... "
" ... Stopped turning on after 1 month of use. ... "
" ... I've owned several over the years and I'm very disappointed. ... "
" ... Lasted 6 months then the screen went white. ... "
For Travel
68road, trips, traveling, garmin, travel
+75%
-25%
" ... Unlike our old Garmin, The "up ahead" feature was invaluable and made trip much easier, not having to wonder where next gas station or rest area was. ... "
" ... Have not had a chance to use on a long trip, but so far very good for short trips, etc. ... "
" ... I love the Nuvis, and this one tracks trip mileage for us, too. ... "
" ... Only recently bought for current vacation in USA but proving very useful ... "
" ... Used on a cross country trip. ... "
" ... Driving from LA to Boston soon and plan to use the Garmin throughout my trip. ... "
" ... UPDATE: Used The Garmin Drive 50 For The First Time On a Road Trip & Worked Flawlessly Without Any Issues. ... I Needed a Last Minute Protective Carrying Case So I Used The Case For My Headphones. ... "
" ... I money saver, I don’t travel without it, I must admit something the address that I am going to don’t come right up or it give the incorrect information, but I’ve 95% of the time it’s on point, right down to traffic lights and cameras for speeding ... "
Display Clarity
66display, larger, garmin, size, easy to use
+61%
-39%
" ... Easy to work, good display. ... "
" ... I bought this one with excited for new features of this model and the bigger screen. ... "
" ... The screen is perfect size and the clarity is very good. ... "
" ... It shows your designated exit in split screen. ... "
" ... The screen image is clear and crisp and easy to see mounted on the dash. ... "
" ... The screen is nice and the voice is very clear. ... "
" ... The screen is big and colorful and is easily visible in daylight. ... "
" ... Big screen is nice for older eyes. ... "
Battery Life
56charge, battery life, hold a charge, hours, hour
+14%
-86%
" ... Also navigated with a full charge, not plugged into the car, and it only lasted 1 hour before it died. ... "
" ... the battery life is terrible. ... As soon as I unplug it it says "low battery" ... "
" ... He could never get it to charge. ... "
" ... a short in the power wire or the battery is bad. ... "
" ... came with battery completly dead charged for over 1 hour unpluged from car pluged in to computer to register and up date keep getting errer battery dead agayn.its going back to amazon, i am 78 and remember when you bought some thing it lasted forever but that was when things where made here ... "
" ... The battery was dead on arrival, must be charged before use. ... "
" ... After a few days of light use the on/off button failed to turn unit on consistently and the battery didn't hold a charge - returned. ... "
" ... This low battery, flimsy, cluttered p.o.s will take you on as many toll roads as possible. ... "
Returns
54returning, returned, refund, window, make sure
+13%
-87%
" ... I will have it updated and if it does not work better I will return for refund ... "
" ... I am returning this piece of junk ASAP. ... "
" ... I returned it. ... "
" ... Since I live in Alaska, I will obviously be returning the device, as it was misrepresented. ... "
" ... I am returning it. ... "
" ... So, I returned it. ... "
" ... i had to return it because the brightness was to dim ... "
" ... I had returned ... "
Charging
45charging, battery, car, hold a charge, garmin
+18%
-82%
" ... I bought two of these and neither of these would power up after charging and updating. ... "
" ... It does not hold the charge long enough, not like my original GPS. ... "
" ... Plus the battery does not hold a charge. ... "
" ... It doesn’t hold a charge for too long and it needs to be updated by a laptop or something because I will be going down a road and it won’t be locate what road I am on. ... "
" ... Didn't hold a charge, Returned it. ... "
" ... Battery will not hold charge for more than 5 minutes. ... "
" ... I connected the device to the USB charge, it's still not turned on. ... I charged the device for 8 hours. ... It's still not turned on after charging. ... "
" ... I returned mine when it wouldn't hold a charge ... "
Price
41money, waste of money, worth, works great, waste
+61%
-39%
" ... Plus the price point is wonderful! ... "
" ... Just as listed Brand new and great price. ... "
" ... I would spend the few extra bucks and buy a better one. ... "
" ... The refurb price is greAt. ... "
" ... Good for the money. ... "
" ... We bought one when the cheapest was about $500-600 dollars. ... "
" ... use it everyday in the truck great features for the price ... "
" ... Lots of value here for under 200 bux. ... "
Device Compatibility
41device, navigation, via, smart phone, gps
+56%
-44%
" ... I definitely trust my smart phone more than this device. ... "
" ... good navigation device. ... "
" ... I was able to transfer all my Locations thru My MacBook with the Garmin Software. ... "
" ... It comes with a sync cable (free pc updates) window Mt. ... "
" ... It's a smart alternative to using mobile data. ... "
" ... Mobile, boat to car, car to boat. ... "
" ... I have been using my phone as my navigation system for the longest time. ... "
" ... Will need to update maps via a computer, then can plug it into your car and go! ... "
Setup
30easy, instructions, follow, difficult, roads
+63%
-37%
" ... It is so easy to use, and the voice directions are very easy to follow. ... "
" ... I like the traffic features and directions are simple to follow. ... "
" ... Easy to install updates on the GPS, got to use it a few days ago and it works fine for refurbished and had no problems. ... "
" ... Easy set up and up dating. ... "
" ... Easy to set up & go. ... "
" ... As well as the turning instructions. ... "
" ... a larger screen, explicit directions, easy to put addresses into, and good voice directions . ... "
" ... I.am not the most computer literate and it was so easy to set up even I could do it lol ... "
Features
29feature, light, left, garmin, telling
+72%
-28%
" ... Lightweight and user friendly features. ... "
" ... This has a few less features, but doesn't disappoint. ... "
" ... I haven't explored all the features but so far, I would recommend this for quality and price. ... "
" ... Auto Night Mode is good on the Eyes. ... Can’t beat that with all the features. ... "
" ... I like all the extra features ... "
" ... This feature can be turned off/disabled if desired. ... "
" ... Another nice feature is the positive feedback when entering a destination. ... "
" ... Lots of features not found in the 9 year old Garmin this replaces. ... "
Accuracy
25directions, useful, simple, easy to use, went
+76%
-24%
" ... Very handy, useful, and accurate. ... "
" ... Easy to program it has accurate info ... "
" ... This is the most accurate and useful Garmin I have had to date. ... "
" ... So simple to use and very accurate so far. ... "
" ... Accurate, easy to use and the sound is great, my hearing isn't the best but I have no problem hearing this. ... "
" ... The ETA on my old one was amazingly accurate. ... "
" ... Shows accurate directions with more preferences. ... "
" ... Was accurate with the speed limits and tolls no matter where we went. ... "
Apps
24google maps, download, updates, software, garmin express
+50%
-50%
" ... The software and maps are all up to date. ... "
" ... I assumed it would have software available for traffic but there is absolutely nothing available. ... I downloaded all the updates and it was also no more updated than my ... "
" ... The device is more complicated to use than earlier models and will not declutter the ads/ marker icons. ... "
" ... Older model needs map update, some functions clumsy. ... "
" ... This unit plotted a circuitous route in a city when my cell phone Maps App had plotted a direct route. ... "
" ... DId not receive traffic updates only maps ... "
" ... Great when it works, but three problems: (1) the Garmin Express Software update software had a way of demanding attention during inconvenient times, such as during an operating system upgrade, you had to address Garmin above all else ... "
" ... Compared to Google Maps on my phone, this is a joke. ... "
As Gift
19bought, christmas, gave, daughter, husband
+84%
-16%
" ... This GPS system was a gift for my son's car, he loved it! ... "
" ... This was a gift , she said it works as expected ... "
" ... I got one for myself and then I bought one as a gift , definitely recommending it. ... "
" ... I gave this unit as a gift. ... "
" ... Bought as a gift for my husband and he is very pleased. ... "
" ... Gift for my daughter. ... "
" ... Gave this as a Birthday present and he loves it! ... "
" ... Gift for daughter. ... "
Marketplace
18described, product, one, original, contacted
+56%
-44%
" ... Producto original 100% recomendable ... "
" ... Exactly as advertised. ... "
" ... Good product, thank you. ... "
" ... Does everything described. ... "
" ... Just as described ... "
" ... I purchased this unit because Amazon said it is their best seller. ... "
" ... This product arrived promptly and is just a described. ... "
" ... Fast shipping and just as described ... "
Overall performance
17job, speed limits, speed limit, town, tells
+82%
-18%
" ... Does the job well. ... "
" ... Does the job. ... "
" ... Love the graphics and maps, love the split screen and speed warning also. ... "
" ... The speed limit notices are super. ... "
" ... This newer model is better in all ways, including the speed of finding destinations. ... "
" ... Does the job well . ... "
" ... She does the job and gets me around quite well. ... "
" ... works just fine ... "
Call quality
16hear, garmin, directions, clear, spoken
+88%
-13%
" ... LOL I guess she felt like 'someone' was with her as long as the voice was letting her know 'it' knew she wasn't driving the route it had planned out for her. ... "
" ... It's much better with spoken directions than any I've tried or heard. ... "
" ... Because I have trouble understand high pitched voices one of the features I really appreciate is the ability to install a male voice for the spoken directions. ... "
" ... The voice is loud and clear and the driving directions adjust to my alterations to the recommended route. ... "
" ... Miss my Aussie female voice, but great. ... "
" ... Voice so much better than previous versions plus new options, ie. ... "
" ... It uses voice to tell you were you are and the next turn you will take. ... "
" ... The voice alerts are perfect also. ... "
Fit
16mount, garmin, windshield, dash, suction
+50%
-50%
" ... THEREFORE MAKING IT NOT SAFE WHILE DRIVING. ... "
" ... I had a Garmin and it was damage. ... "
" ... For these and other issues, I threw mine away in a fit of rage. ... "
" ... You can have it back, and maybe I'll try the Tom Tom this time ... "
" ... The sticky part to attach to windshield did NOT WORK AT ALL WE HAD TO HOLD THE GPS. ... "
" ... With this one, you have to hit the "wrench" and turn on the "traffic" and it does not always stay on. ... "
" ... I had Garmin sat nav's for many years' and I guess they had to screw with what already worked' and mess it up when I try to put in an address instead of getting the state then city then street and house number It does everything in reverse so your looking for a street in three different states and so on' It was just to frustrating for me a truck driver that constantly is looking up location, to deal with ... "
Delivery
14fast, arrived, described, well, shipping
+57%
-43%
" ... Item as described, and fast delivery! ... "
" ... Shipping was very fast as well! ... "
" ... This product arrived promptly and is just a described. ... "
" ... Delivered April 1 and worked fine. ... "
" ... It came packaged really well as to not damage it and was delivered on the promised date. ... "
" ... Very, very fast delivery, congratulations,excellent ... "
" ... It was delivered in plenty of time. ... "
Display Size
12size, nice, good, easy to use, small
+83%
-17%
" ... I liked the big screen. ... "
" ... Easy to use and great screen size ... "
" ... Easy to use and a nice screen size. ... "
" ... The screen is perfect size and the clarity is very good. ... "
" ... Good sized screen. ... "
" ... It took up VERY little screen space. ... "
" ... Big screen is nice for older eyes. ... "
" ... The screen is a good size to see where you need to go without being too distracted of where you're driving. ... "
Network
12well, area, address, house, good
+67%
-33%
" ... It works very well When I was driving in a national park that was no signal. ... "
" ... This unit is the right price, locked on signal quickly and did the gap in area the phones don't work. ... "
" ... can't get a signal yet with satellites but it updated well. ... "
" ... It is much less prone to lose satellite signals than any of my past units. ... "
" ... Then you enter the house/building number, then the street name. ... "
Capacity
11family, one, house, going, area
+64%
-36%
" ... I dropped it about a foot to the floor of my car. ... "
" ... Enough for my elderly moms car. ... "
" ... Bought this for a family road trip so we wouldn't have to rely on our phones and cellular connectivity. ... "
" ... Works great and has been a time saver going through large cities. ... "
" ... I highly recommend purchasing one for the car. ... "
" ... Used it in the dense fog (20 feet visibility?) ... "
" ... Then you enter the house/building number, then the street name. ... "
Comfort
11typing, several, pain, older, hand
+45%
-55%
" ... I have older version of Garmin which died due to wear and tear hence bought this one. ... "
" ... Had I known that this problem first hand, I would not have purchased this. ... "
" ... Often a pain in the patoot to use the older model was much better in that it gave you what you wanted. ... "
" ... Instead of directing me to make a right-hand turn, it wanted me to go left and make a U-turn! ... "
" ... It was VERY slow and difficult to get right when typing in. ... "
User Manual
10user, online, would, use, still
+10%
-90%
" ... The online manual is no help. ... "
" ... No manual and can not down load one ,Would never have brought it if I know I could not get my hands on a manual. ... "
" ... Did not come with a manual ... "
" ... and no instructions/manual included . ... "
" ... The user manual instructions do not work for this device. ... "
Screen Protection
10went, use, updated, even, dead
+30%
-70%
" ... I updated it and tried to recalibrate the screen. ... "
" ... Then I was driving down the road and the screen went black and will not come back on for anything. ... "
" ... This updated version just has to much stuff on the screen. ... "
" ... The screen just seems cloudy or dirty. ... "
" ... Lasted 6 months then the screen went white. ... "
" ... Screen kept going dead after 30 seconds to 1 minute. ... "
Build Quality
10broke, seems, old, cheaper, unit
+50%
-50%
" ... It has break down twice within one year, and still have a problem! ... "
" ... It was rigid and inflexible: it positively refused to accepts that the route to Carmel from the South (San Diego) was to go North to Salinas and back south to Carmel. ... "
" ... Broke in less than 2 months ... "
" ... And, the 50LMT seems a bit flimsy compared to my old one. ... "
" ... Broke on the first day. ... "
Controls
9turn, power, right, making, go
+11%
-89%
" ... This made scrolling through options nearly impossible. ... "
" ... Also the buttons aren't correct. ... I press the enter button and it deletes what I just put in. ... "
" ... What you will find is the power on button is unreliable, and will cause traffic accidents when it doesn't power on while driving. ... "
" ... Does not go on after pressing on button,battery dies even lowering volume and brightness Does not update software,crashes and is less than a year old !!!!!!! ... "
" ... So half way home it want off and every time I pushed the on/off button it came on and it would go right off again. ... "
" ... The power button is not easy to access while mounted. ... "
" ... The menu options and actions are not logical. ... "
Cables
9device, usb cable, provided, garmin, cord
+44%
-56%
" ... a short in the power wire or the battery is bad. ... "
" ... Then did some research on the internet, the problem turned out to be my in car cable. ... "
" ... Then, I plugged it in with the USB cable provided, and guess what, the screen kept coming up with the words that the device cannot be charged, use the cable of the device provided. ... I tried again, again and again on that day, but the device could not be charged for the same reason though I used the cable provided. ... Next day, I tried it again again and again, and it happened the same: could not charge the device with provided cable. ... "
Size
9travel, small, use, traveling, one
+78%
-22%
" ... I use this for traveling and it is very easy to set up and use. ... "
" ... The size is great. ... "
" ... It's small enough to pack in a carry-on or briefcase/tote. ... "
" ... Great product, most definitely a need when traveling ... "
" ... Good for travel ... "
" ... Love this and use it when I travel long distance. ... "
" ... I travel alot for work and this gets me to and from with ease. ... "
Drivers
8garmin, truck, reason, husband, drivers
+38%
-63%
" ... Drivers were corrupted, Garmin support was useless. ... "
" ... the reason I bought a nuvi was for life time upgrades that's what my fellow drivers said but Garmin said no not all nuvi' have that so I'm disappointed with them for that but was willing to try and let that go and bought the this new one now I'm unsure but it wont be another one of these. ... "
" ... To anyone that is having this issue, if you ordered Garmin Drive 50 USA LMT GPS Navigator System with Lifetime Maps and Traffic, Driver Alerts, Direct Access, and Foursquare data from Amazon and the USB Lifetime Traffic Antenna/Vehicle power cable that came with your order is too short or its the wrong one, just contact Garmin Support, it would help alot if you had already registered your Garmin Device at their website or through Garmin Express fro verification purposes and you need to give them ... "
" ... Additionally, when giving directions, takes driver way off logical course for no reason. ... "
" ... Additionally, when giving directions, takes driver way off logical course for no reason. ... "
Pedometer
8miles, use, like, step, old
+38%
-63%
" ... Another thing: when I drove the wrong way with the old Garmin, it stated "recalculating", this one says nothing . ... "
" ... It is not effective for use in residential areas during the night because it is about .4 miles inaccurate. ... "
" ... I bought this Garmin 50 for my husbands birthday and he didn't use it right away. ... "
" ... The route was about 25 miles. ... "
" ... Instructions steps do not make sense because when you accomplish one, the next step it says to do is not even an available option. ... "
Color
8sharp, see, dull, display, clear
+50%
-50%
" ... The DISPLAY is dull, "washed out" and has no contrast at all which makes it VERY HARD to see in the daylight. ... "
" ... The display is almost impossible to see because there is no contrast . ... "
" ... the product is also having dull setting even after full brightness . ... So i guess you need to build up contrast . ... "
" ... the product is also having dull setting even after full brightness . ... So i guess you need to build up contrast . ... "
Ports
8usb cable, garmin, device, plugged, computer
+50%
-50%
" ... Had this plugged into to my USB port on my PC all night, and this thing needs a full 18 hour charge. ... I still have it plugged in to my USB so I don't whats going on with this unit. ... "
" ... Device is not recognized by Garmin Express despite attempting on three different computers with multiple USB cables. ... "
" ... Tried different USB cords and still no results . ... "
" ... Then, I plugged it in with the USB cable provided, and guess what, the screen kept coming up with the words that the device cannot be charged, use the cable of the device provided. ... "
For Kids
6loves, purchased, bought
+100%
" ... I purchased it for my daughter-in-law and she loves it. ... "
" ... I bought this for my college aged daughter. ... My son has our older one. ... "
" ... I got this for my grandson's High School graduation. ... "
" ... I bought this for my daughter and she said it works great . ... "
" ... Purchased for my daughter and she loves it! ... "
Storage
6card, unit, sd, micro sd card, updates
+50%
-50%
" ... It has a micro SD slot to expand the memory but it doesn't do anything. ... "
" ... Upon receipt of unit I followed instruction on the formatting of the SD card, installed it and updated again with the unit with formatted card installed in the unit. ... This filled up all available memory on the internal storage to 100% and would not add anything to the SD card in which the unit did recognize. ... "
" ... maybe this unit requires a memory card . ... "
Lagging
6lag, slow
-100%
" ... In addition there seemed to be a lag time in receiving the information. ... "
" ... long delay in powering up and off. ... "
" ... But on a secondary hwy it warned me 10mi early of a less than 5min delay. ... When it works, it’s great- even tells you how much further to the end of the delay. ... "
" ... The device had significant lag between when you touched a button and when it would react. ... "
" ... I have found that the new device is very slow to respond. ... "
Memory
5drive, updates, unit, purchased, new
-100%
" ... When you first update the device the data that you install for it to operate properly takes up all the available build in memory so any further optional downloads won't fit. ... "
" ... This filled up all available memory on the internal storage to 100% and would not add anything to the SD card in which the unit did recognize. ... "
" ... maybe this unit requires a memory card . ... "
" ... Kept it because I needed to drive, but ... "
" ... there was no room in the memory for the updates and the recommendation was that I buy additional memory to accept the updates. ... "
Touch Sensitivity
5screen, better, would not charge, touchscreen, responsive
+100%
" ... Touch Screen is really sensitive. ... "
" ... Touch Screen works better than nuvi 1490. ... "
" ... Touch screen very responsive making it easy to input addresses. ... "
Power Consumption
4button
-100%
" ... Sometime it powers on just fine, but more than 35% of the time it does not power on after 20 attempts and pressing the power button. ... "
" ... Does not turn on unless plugged into the power supply. ... "
" ... Even in the low power mode it empties out within a day or so. ... "
Defective Delivery
4faulty
-100%
" ... They are repackaged,not refurbished! ... "
" ... This particular product was definitely faulty. ... "
" ... The first unit order arrived faulty. ... "
Print Quality
3screen, enlarge
+33%
-67%
" ... Screen print too small. ... "
" ... Had to go the internetto print out directions ... "
Keyboard
3several, screen, due
+33%
-67%
" ... In typing addresses, the wrong letter often popped up. ... "
" ... It was VERY slow and difficult to get right when typing in. ... "
Original Product
3+33%
-67%
" ... They are repackaged,not refurbished! ... "
" ... That sealed its fate. ... "
Product As Described
3advertised
+100%
" ... Just as described ... "
" ... Does everything described. ... "
" ... Exactly as advertised. ... "
ISP
3register
+67%
-33%
" ... It was just what I needed. ... "
" ... works just fine ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
GPS: Yes
USB: Yes