Garmin nüvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Speech Recognition Reviews
Garmin nüvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Speech Recognition Reviews
Other products by Garmin Ratting 4.0 Out of 5.0 Special Offer Total New 18 Total Use 2
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Garmin International's nüvi 855 is a GPS navigator and personal travel assistant featuring voice-activated navigation and lane assist with junction view. Navigate with confidence while nüvi directs you to the preferred lane while driving. Also, see realistic images of upcoming junctions where available.
| Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. Click to enlarge |
Junction View gives you a photo-realistic screen that shows you both the road detail as well as the signs as you will see them on the road. Click to enlarge |
| This advanced model feature voice-activated navigation and lane assist with junction view. Click to enlarge |
The nüvi 855 offers full coverage mapping for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The preloaded map data features nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions. The map data is provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping.
Simply speaking, nüvi 855 is one advanced navigator. It features voice-activated navigation, a widescreen display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter and more. Like the rest of the wide nüvi 800-series, just speak a menu option and nüvi obeys your command.
Speak Commands
nüvi 855 not only tells you where to turn but listens to your spoken commands. With nüvi's innovative speech recognition, you safely control nüvi's interface with your voice--allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel. Simply press the button on the remote (which attaches to the steering wheel) to activate speech recognition and begin speaking menu options. nüvi even recognizes shortcut phrases for popular functions. Tell nüvi "Find Address" and speak an address to start navigating.
See More
With nüvi 855's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read--from any direction.
Know the Lane Before It's Too Late
nüvi 855 takes navigation to the next level with lane assist. No more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. It realistically displays road signs and junctions on your route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation.
And with the 3D Lane Assist Junction View, you'll be able to see a photo-realistic screen that shows you both the road detail as well as the signs as you will see them on the road. The signs that aren't needed for navigation are faded compared to the appropriate lane signage.
Navigate With Ease
nüvi 855 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps and millions of points of interest (POIs) such as hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, ATMs and more. Speak a menu option or touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2-D or 3-D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, nüvi 855 accepts custom points of interest, such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.
Where am I?
Keep track of yourself and your car with nüvi 855. Just speak or tap "Where Am I?" to find the closest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations, nearest address and intersection. Also see your exact latitude and longitude coordinates. nüvi 855 even remembers where you parked. It automatically marks your position when you remove it from the windshield mount, so you can navigate with nüvi on foot and find your way back to your vehicle. Perfect for unfamiliar spots and crowded lots such as amusement parks, stadiums and malls.
| With the POI loader program users can set up proximity alerts for school zones, safety cameras, create custom POIs and more. Click to enlarge |
| A handy MP3 player lets you play songs stored on SD memory cards. |
 Enjoy a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide with Garmin Connect Photos. Click to enlarge |
Plan Ahead
nüvi 855 includes advanced navigational features to take the worry out of traveling. With route planning you can save 10 routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns on the 855's wide screen. In addition, nüvi 855 automatically sorts multiple destinations to provide an efficient route for errands, deliveries or sales calls. It also displays speed limits for highways and Interstates. A trip log provides an electronic bread crumb trail of up to 10,000 points, so you can see where you've been on the map.
Take It With You
nüvi 855's high-sensitivity internal (non flip-up) antenna gives it a sleeker, thinner design than the nüvi 600-series, making it easy to slip in your pocket or purse. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or on foot.
Go Beyond Navigation
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 855 includes many "must have" entertainment and travel tools including MP3 player, audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, currency converters, Garmin Games, alarm clock and more. With the included wireless FM transmitter, you can hear audio, including voice prompts, MP3s and audio books, through your vehicle's stereo. It's also compatible with optional FM traffic alerts or optional MSN Direct content. With photo navigation, you can download Google Panoramio pictures via our Garmin Connect Photos website and navigate to them. The 855 features Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and is compatible with our free Garmin Garage where you can download custom vehicles that show your location on the map. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards such as Garmin Travel Guides for detailed data on attractions.
 Search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator. |
Navigate by Photo with Garmin Connect Photos
Using Garmin's Connect Photos Web site, you can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google's Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide.
Easy to use interface displays photos on Google Maps
Search for photos by location name or map area boundary
Transfer photos directly from Garmin Connect to device with the Garmin Communicator
View photos in Google Earth
Supports Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 2+, Safari 3+ on Windows and Mac
Send Addresses Directly from Google Maps or Mapquest
Itching to try out a new restaurant, or setting off on a road trip to locate the best toffee apples on the East Coast? Now, it's easy to search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator.
- Hook up your Garmin to the computer via its USB port
- Search for the location you want
- Click the Send link in the info window for the address. That will bring up a popup "Send to" form
- Pick GPS, then pick Garmin and hit the "Send" button
The address will instantly transfer to your Garmin device, The point will be saved as one of your favorites, and you can navigate to it or view it on a map just like with any other favorite.
The process does require a small plugin, which you can get at Garmin's website. You can send business addresses to your Garmin device from these countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.
Other Features
- Auto time zone--nüvi will automatically adjust your time zone while navigating
- DEM maps--show you shaded terrain contours at various zoom levels
- Trip computer records mileage, max speed, total time and more
- Built-in travel kit includes features such as picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters and calculator
- High-speed PC connectivity using USB 2.0 mass storage
- Configurable vehicle icons--select fun, customized icons from www.garmingarage.com
- Standard headphone and microphone jacks
- microSD card slot for optional mapping and data storage
What's in the Box
nüvi 885, preloaded City Navigator North America NT, remote for voice activation with battery, vehicle suction cup mount, vehicle power cable, lithium-ion battery, USB cable, dashboard disc, and quick start manual
Which nüvi is Best for You?
Note: All nüvis come with detailed NAVTEQ maps containing more than 6 million pre-loaded point of interest locations.| Device | Screen Size inches (W x H) | Included Maps | Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names) | Traffic | Bluetooth | Media | FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system) | Multi-Point Routing | Battery life (hours) | ||
| Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico | AK and Canada | Europe | |||||||||
| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 |  | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 205w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 255w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | | Photos | | | up to 5 | |
| nüvi 265T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 265WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 275T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 285WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 465T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 755T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 |
| nüvi 765T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 775T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 |
| nüvi 785T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 855 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 885T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1200 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1250 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1260T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1300 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1350 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1350T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1370T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1390T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1490T | 4.4 x 2.5 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 1690 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | NAVTEQ Traffic, 2 years free (Garmin nüLink! service) | | Photos | | | up to 3 |
Technical Details
- Sleek, ultra-slim design fits in a pocket; High-sensitivity GPS receiver for fast satellite lock- Pre-loaded with City Navigtor NT maps for North America, including more than 6-million name-searchable points of interest
- Speech recognition--speak menu options and keep your eyes on the road
- Multi-destination routing--enter several destinations and get the best route to all of them; "Where am I?" and "Where's my car?" features
- Full feature set--text to speech for spoken directions with real street names; MP3 player, and Photo viewer
See more technical details
By Morley Brown (NYC)
Works just ok, when it works.
What I've found though, is that it doesn't always pick up the satellites. Doesn't matter if I"m in a big city or not, it's hang for 10-20 minutes. Very frustrating when you're getting ready to leave and you have to wait for the thing to connect.
The other problem I have with this is, for French, it's not great.
I went to Quebec recently, and it didn't recognize a number of streets. I typed in St. and Saint, and got nothing. I also put in a major street and address and was routed to the wrong side of the island. Was pretty much useless while in Montreal.
After my experience with the Nuvi, I'd try other brands just to see the difference, maybe this is the best of the lot relatively. I'm commenting on my frustrations and experience with this model/brand.
By K. Kelly
I'm so glad I chose this GPS over the others I looked at. It's easy to use and it had a reasonable price tag.
By C. R. Michaud (Northeast Kingdom, VT)
I bought this as a gift for my husband, who loves new gadgets. This one has worked very well for trips into unfamiliar territory, helping find services as well as routes. We will be using it a lot this summer and beyond. A very worthwhile gadget.
By Neil (NJ, USA)
This unit like my previous Nuvi 760 is easy to use. Nice menu. The voice recognition is the reason I got this unit. It wowed the wife and kids. It is intuitive and we used it after reading the basic start up manual it came with. It recognizes anyone's voice easily, but other people have to be quiet or it can get confused and listen to their command. You need to give it a second before speaking, it gives you a green prompt symbol to speak. The remote mounted to the steering wheel activates it, but it turns off voice command after a few seconds, sometimes too quickly. But it can be re activated again. It is faster to use the touch screen, but nice to have a hands free option when you need it. I still have some locations that don't show up on it. How many years does it take to update? I got the garmin also because of it's accuracy. I thought of Tom Tom, because of driver updates that help calculate the best practical route instead of the best computer programed route because it is 0.3 miles shorter. And to get places that are not on GPS units yet. It is pretty accurate. This unit is slower to calculate the route than my previous garmin. The voice is loud enough. I could hear it even in a heavy rain storm, just enough. I wish Garmin had a system like TomTom to update real time driver routes and times taken by real people that take into account the actual time it takes to get there including traffic lights, stop signs etc. and routes that are practical. This is a common problem with most GPS units. Tom Tom seems to have addressed this issue, so I may try a Tom Tom next time. Over all I am happy with this unit. It seems a little cheaper in quality of build than my old 760, but the price is much less, so I don't mind, as long as it lasts a couple of years. Still relatively cheaper than updating the maps in the old GPS. Would be nice if this unit had a radio transmitter. My 760 speaker stopped working, so now I transmit to my radio when I need to hear the GPS. Blue tooth on my 760 was too choopy and noisy, so I didn't get one with blue tooth this time to save money. If they improve the blue-tooth connection it would be worth getting. Have not used other features yet. Over all, nice unit for the price. It will get you where you want to go. Also, it has some nice video games that are fun to play that are not listed in the specs. Nice bonus.
By PC PATIENT (Phoenix, Az.)
We had a 2 year old model and loved it. Unfortunately it was stolen. This new voice recognition model is simply outstanding and reasonably priced at $158. Voice recognition makes the GPS much more safe, simple and easy to program.
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