Garmin 010-02038-03 DriveSmart 71 with Traffic EX

This thing is easy to use and is huge! The touch screen is responsive, and the voice command works well, too. It has more features than I'll need, but it also has all the features I really do need. Bluetoothing it over to my phone was easy, but you have to have the Garmin Drive app on your phone. But that makes it great for getting traffic and hazard updates. I'm pleased for what I've paid for it. So I'd say it's a good value.

I have a have had a lot of gps units over the years. I use them for the airplane and some for the trucks. This one is very good. It slaves to your phone so when a call comes in you can use the gps to accept or decline the call. It is a full function unit. Stop light camera warning etc. Good graphics, fast updating, It only came with a windshield suction cup, but it will accept the former gps dashboard stand which I use. I set it on my steering wheel column in my pickup truck,which works well for navigation, and speedometer. That eliminates any blind spot if mounted on the windshield or dash.

I like the size. I like the features you get if you use the bluetooth although I disable it often bc I have a blink at home and got tired of the notifications every few minutes when my husband took the dog out. Someone else said she wished it would talk more. I get what she meant. I’ve never made as many turn-arounds and go-backs as I’ve had to with this one. It doesn’t warn me soon enough. I really have to be more attentive with this one. My old gps would say “turn left at the stop sign” or traffic light. It was more specific. This one says turn left on Main St. instead of at the stop sign or traffic light. Not a huge deal but I liked how the old one operated. I like the ding when speed limit changes. I like the automatic reroute when there’s an accident or a road is closed and the fact that she announces it. It’s easy to get your destination by voice command (almost always.) I like the categories for search. I like the Recent. I like the easy way you can Save. It’s pretty perfect if it would only talk sooner.

My wife has a Lexus SUV and you have to subscribe to get built in Navigation. You can pair your phone but she's had a lot of problems with her phone. So I got her this Garmin and it's great. I especially like the depiction of off ramps, exits and such that make it a little more obvious which path to follow. Had a Garmin before and would definitely recommend.

I took it on a trip to Maryland and it did very well. One thing I didn’t realize is that by default the notifications for email, phone calls, texts, etc. are all on, so you have all these dings popping up while you are driving. But this is easily turned off, and the maps are good so far, as well as giving you plenty of warning for upcoming turns, along with a picture of what you are looking for. It also has a built in warning for traffic backups and road closures. It will tell you when the road ahead is blocked. It’s a better GPS than the one I replaced.