Garmin nuvi 855 review
The Garmin nüvi 855
Comparing the nuvi 855 and 7×5 series
Despite these improvements, the 855 does not include all the features found in the 7×5 series. It is missing the following:
- 3-D buildings
- A2DP Bluetooth
- ecoRoute
- Recent cities and streets folders that speed searches (though these aren’t really necessary if you’re using voice commands)
- Customizable data fields
On the other hand, the 855 has the following features which are not present on the 7×5 series:
- Removable battery
- Dual speakers
- Voice command
- Custom avoidances (avoid specified streets or areas)
- Backup camera input
This is unfortunate – there really isn’t one top of the line Garmin nuvi. If you want the best, you’ll need to choose between a 7×5 series and an 8×5 series unit.
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 855
One other note; the nuvi 885T adds Bluetooth and an MSN Direct receiver to the 855’s feature set. Since the models are so similar, much of the information below is taken directly from my hands-on review of the 885T.
To see how the 855 stacks up against other models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
Using voice commands with the nuvi 855
The nuvi 8xx series offers the best voice command feature of any GPS unit on the market. I covered this extensively in my Garmin nuvi 880 review and rather than repeat myself, I’ve shot a quick video demonstrating the voice command feature:
I remain impressed with this feature. Popular Places even had ‘”libraries” and “rest areas.” Nevertheless, it is much faster to enter many things by hand, though the voice recognition feature is nice for anything that would involve a lot of keypad entry, like addresses and cities.
Custom avoidances
The nuvi 8xx series allow you to set custom avoidances. Follow the link for a full run down on this feature. You can select streets (or portions thereof) or rectangular areas to avoid. The only other nuvi with this feature to date is the nuvi 5000.
http://gpstracklog.com/gps_tracklog/
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Lane Assist and Junction View
I had previously experienced this feature using the 7×5 series in Atlanta, and I think Garmin has done an excellent job with it. Unfortunately, coverage is woefully lacking, as I did not see any signs of it in Charlotte or Greenville / Spartanburg. I can understand the latter, but c’mon, Charlotte is the 18th largest metro area in the country. Maybe it’s because I stuck to the northeast side of town, but I thought I would at least see it on I-85.
Other features
On top of all this, the nuvi 8×5 series includes:
- Pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada
- Multi-destination routing (and auto-sorting)
- Text-to-speech
- Where Am I? (find closest hospitals, police & gas stations, nearest address & intersection)
- Garmin Locate™ (marks position when removed from windshield mount)
- Photo navigation (navigate to geotagged photos)
- MP3 / audio book player
- FM transmitter
Garmin nuvi 855 recommendation
If you do most of your driving alone, and especially if you succumb to the temptation to use the GPS touch screen while driving, I highly recommend the Garmin nuvi 855. The voice command system makes it one of the safest GPS units to operate, and it is without doubt the best voice command navigator on the market.
However, if you usually have a passenger with you who can operate the device, or have the self-restraint to not operate it while driving, you might choose the nuvi 785T instead.
Finally,a recommendation for Garmin — charge what you will, but please, give us a top of the line unit that combines the features of the nuvi 7×5 and 8×5 series!
More Garmin nuvi 855 reviews
- Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 855 reviews
have been posted at Amazon
- More consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 855 reviews are being posted at GPS Now (click the Reviews tab)
I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…
Other Garmin nuvi 855 resources
- A PDF version of the Garmin nuvi 855 owners manual
- Want to see how the 855 stacks up against other models? Check out this Garmin auto GPS comparison tool or my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart
- There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion
- The official Garmin nuvi 855 web page
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 855 at these merchants:
- Check the current Garmin nüvi 855
- Get a great price on a Garmin nuvi 855 GPS Navigator & Personal Travel Assistant w/ Speech Recognition
at BuyDig.com
- Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 855 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
- Find the Garmin nuvi 855 Portable Automotive GPS System w/ Lane Assist & Voice Recognition
at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250
- Get the Garmin nuvi 855 for an amazing price on eBay
| Store | Rating | Best Prices |
|---|---|---|
Compare all prices on the Garmin Nuvi 855 Auto / Road GPS ranging from $127.54 to $399.99. | ||
 |  In stock at Zappos.com | $399.99 |
 | In stock at PCNation | $341.12 |
 |  In stock at Walmart.com | $127.54 |
 | In stock at RadioShack.com | $147.40 |
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Costco has them for a promo price of $299.99 wont last.
Actually costco is selling them at a price of $267 with shipping and handling included. Already bought mine because of the low offer. The deal goes on until I believe July 5th, or whenever they run out of units.
Thanks for the tip!
Available on eBay for under $200 incl. shipping.
Don’t wast you money on purchasing MSN traffic.
I purchased the Nuvi885T for a trip from Orlando Florida to McMinnville Tenn. The directions were great. The approaching a turn warning was extremely helpful, especially going through the east coast’s nightmare city, Atlanta.
The one BIG drawback is MSN traffic. It told me about an accident after I was stuck in non-moving traffic on I75 for a half hour; then it predicted a 20 minute delay. Also, MSN only updates when you have been in a city for at least a half hour. I was constantly seeing yesterday’s gas prices or the gas prices 100 miles ago.
And now it’s going away entirely…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/10/msn-direct-to-end.html
Amazon.com has the 855 at 199.99 – just purchased one and it arrived in three days. Amazon also offers a further discount if you purchase the carrying case for the 855 and the dashbgoard portable friction mount – all three at less than the three iterms purchased separately.
That’s cool. Thanks for the tip.
I’m trying to decide between the 855 and the 755T. My main needs are to have route mapping (I’ll be having to travel to 5-6 destinations daily in a relatively rural area I don’t know well; these destinations will change every day and I’d like to know the most efficient route). Both nuvis have this feature but I’m admittedly intrigued by the voice recognition capabilities of the 855. I don’t need Bluetooth or traffic alerts. Are there any specific advantages of the 755T vs. the 855? Any guidance would be appreciated…
I’m not a huge fan of voice command. I find it quicker to use the touchscreen, which you can still do on the 855. If it were my choice though, I’d go with the 755.
These seem like they could impact your decision though… If the ads will bother you, go with the 855. Another reason for the 855 is that you can exclude certain streets or areas from routes. Hope that helps!
do tomtoms have a feature similar to “custom avoidances”? I would like to avoid unsafe parts of town
No, they don’t.
Do you have to speak extremely clearly in order for the voice to work? Never used a GPS voice unit but voice technology is often frustrating
I found that it worked well for most commands without me having to be extra careful about how I spoke.
I’m trying to understand the traffic difference between nuvi 265WT and 285WT. 285WT gives you traffic for how long before you need to start paying a fee?
9 months. But the MSN Direct service will cease operations on 1/1/2012 and you will not be able to renew after that date.
do all garmins offer public transit mode? what about tomtoms?
No, TomToms don’t have it. It’s found on the nuvi 1xxx series, but you have to buy CityXplorer maps to enable it. Google Maps Navigation for Android appears to have a public transit option as well.
ah I see, thanks Rich. How much is CityExplorer subscription per year?
They aren’t subscription-based. They run $10 to $15 per city. More info…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/06/garmin-cityxplorer-review.html
and
http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/us/maps/cityxplorer
I was needing to load a route into the garmin. It says that the 700 and 800 series can receive computer uploads of good maps with route points. Has anyone used this feature? Is it possible to have multiple routes?
I prefer to use Garmin MapSource / City Navigator to do this, but it can also be done with Mapquest online: http://help.mapquest.com/jive/entry.jspa?externalID=562&categoryID=11
So, Mr Owings, you recommend that I use the 700 or 800 series with another type of map service? I have map points loaded in a spreadsheet that google maps plot on a map, I need to be able to use these points for a delivery route. The mapsource/city navigator will accept a spreadsheet?
You can use the spreadsheet to generate custom POIs. This is an old post, but it should help get you started…
http://gpstracklog.com/2006/03/custom_pois.html
In entry #10 you (Rich Owings)mention to go with the 755 vs. the 855. You mention something about ads and that you recommend going with the 755. What ads are you referring to and why specifically do you prefer the 755 vs. the 855?
The lifetime traffic on the 755T is ad supported. They are small and don’t bother nme, but they do annoy some people. Otherwise, I gave the pros and cons of each unit there, in #10.
Any comments on the 855/885 models and the need to remove the battery to completely shut the unit off? I like you like the idea of the voice command, but don’t like the idea of having to remove the battery after using it or face it being dead after 3 or 4 hours. With so many subtle little differences between all of the Garmin models, what really is the best unit overall?
The best unit overall depends entirely upon your needs. The 8×5 series has an instant on feature. If turned off, the battery can drain all the way down, but it should take 4-5 days, not just a few hours. Hope this helps.
What is the difference between nuvi 885T and 885?
Is it worth spending more money on the 885T, what will I get with this model
That makes it more money.
I did notice that you mentioned MSN will be discontinued after a certain date.
I would also like to know how the speakers work.
I really don’t care about looking at the screen; I would rather hear the prompts clearly.
I had a 765T and it worked will, but I was very disappointed in the speakers. It wasn’t load enough and I couldn’t understand what was being said when driving.
Are the duel front speakers on the 885T or the 885 any better then the other models?
I would like some feed back on this.
Thank you
James
There is no standalone 885, only the 885T. I don’t recall the speakers being any louder than on other nuvis.
You say there is no standalone. Can you explain what you mean by that?
i have seen two different types, the 885 and the 885t.
Thank you for the info on the speakers, have you noticed and differences in the clarity From the 765t or the 885.
This is a major concern to me. I’m always on the road; i like to listen to my music. But i have missed a couple of exits because the speakers weren’t load enough to hear.
i don’t play my music that load that it would interfere with the gps.
Can you recommend a good quality gps that has a higher volume control and you can hear clearly.
thank you
James
Amazon lists it as the 885/885T, but it is only one unit. Are you seeing the 885 listed somewhere without traffic/MSN Direct?
I don’t recall any significant differences between the 7×5 and 8×5 series in terms of audio volume or quality.
If you have an auxiliary input or Bluetooth stereo, you could pipe audio to your car speakers. Maybe this will help… http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=13697
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.
YOUR SO RIGHT I WAS SEEING THE 885 AND THE 885T AS TWO DIFFERENT UNITS.
I THINK I’M GOING TO BUY THE 855, I ALREADY HAVE BLUE TOOTH IN MY CAR AND MSN WILL BE DISCONTINUED.
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP.
JAMES
P.S If anyone thinks I shouldn’t buy the 855. Please let me know.
Like I said before I returned the 765t, for two reasons,
1) It wasn’t loud enough to hear when I was driving.
2) It heated up fast. Man did that thing get hot.
You’re welcome!
Hey, I’m not sure you can connect the 885T Bluetooth to your car’s stereo. The 765T’s A2DP Bluetooth should allow it. If you’re interested in that feature, you might want to download the manuals and read those sections.
thanks for the info on the bluetooth.
i’m glad to say i have bluetooth built into my car and the speaker system.
like i said i use my car for work and i’m just trying to find a good GPS.
YOU HAVE BEEN A GREAT HELP.
i’m not going to make a dicesion on whitch on to buy yet.
i’m still toying with the 855 and the 755t.
if you or anyone you know has any more input on either one of these two system i would love to hear them.
thanks once again
James
I just recently purchased a 1690…and discovered there is no “area avoids” feature. Bummer! I know the 855 does area avoids; does it also do a track log? Do you know if there is a “back door” way to do a track log on the 1690?
Yes, the 855 does have a tracklog feature, as does the 1690. But you can’t add the area avoidances feature to the 1690, if that’s what you’re asking.
Hello Rich,
I just bought one of these units and I was wondering if you’d be able to shed a little light on how the external traffic receivers (GTM20 in this case) behave. I didn’t see a traffic specific posting, so I’m posting it here…
I’m seeing new units (claiming lifetime traffic) in the $80+ neighborhood. Used/Refurb items on eBay are maybe in the $30s but most in this range claim no subscription.
A Garmin.com GTM20 FAQ states: “Clear Channel provides a lifetime subscription for $60.00 once the free trial subscription that comes with the GTM 20 has expired. Navteq provides a lifetime sponsor based traffic subscription for devices that come with a Navteq traffic subscription.2 A non-sponsor based lifetime Navteq subscription can also be purchased for $49.99.”
This implies that a receiver without a ‘premium’ subscription may still access the ’sponsored’ traffic data. To your knowledge, is this the case?
I would be completely happy with ’sponsored’ traffic from a used receiver…
Thanks for all the GPS help!
Jason
The NAVTEQ lifetime subscription is tied to the traffic cable, not the unit. As long as you have a compatible model (and the 855 is), any working GTM 20 cable should do the job.
Its good to know its tied to the cable. When you say lifetime subscription, is that the ‘premium’ or ’sponsored (ad-based)’ NAVTEQ traffic? The terminology could make or break my plan
I think you’re telling me what I want to hear, but I guess I just want a more solid confirmation.
I’m seeing GTM20s on eBay that have no claim of a traffic subscription. I would assume they’d advertise the ad-based traffic support, but its highly possible the seller has no idea of how it actually works (like me!). If *any* GTM20 in a NAVTEQ supported market can at least get ad-based traffic… I could be a little less discriminating in my purchase.
Thanks again! Jason
The GTM 20 lifetime traffic is ad supported. It does appear that you have the option of paying extra to eliminate the ads.
OK. I think a little more careful reading and a response from a similar question to Garmin support is leading me to believe this may not work. The line in the FAQ quote “…for devices that come with a Navteq traffic subscription” means ‘traffic receivers that come with xxxT model devices’. The Garmin rep also mentioned that they only sell GTM20s with lifetime subs. Other vendors may sell receivers w/o sub. So… the traffic receiver from a xxxT device or a ‘new’ GTM20 (including lifetime traffic) are eligible for the sponsored NAVTEQ traffic. Other receivers aren’t blessed and need an independent $50-60 sub (which wouldn’t be ad-based). Let me know if this sounds correct.
As a side technical question, since the subscription travels with the ‘antenna’, do the ‘blessed’ traffic cables have a serial number that is keyed to be recognized by GPS devices as ‘ad-based NAVTEQ eligible’? I can’t imagine they have some small memory inside the antenna to store the activated state. How would a purchased lifetime sub travel with the cable if that was the case? The engineer side of me likes to know how this stuff works
Thanks!!!
Yeah, I just don’t see how that would work. It might be worth another call, as you may get a different answer from a different tech. Apparently there are NAVTEQ lifetime GTM-20s and Clear Channel GTM-20s too! I saw that this morning at http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=12438. Maybe that is what the tech meant. I still think you’ll be okay if you buy the NAVTEQ lifetime GTM-20, even used.
Thanks for all the help!
I have what’s supposedly a ‘new’ (picture shows old design) unit on the way. No claim of active or inactive subscription… so we’ll see if the gamble pays off
So I know what to look for, do the new lifetime receivers (included with xxxT or standalone GTM20s) include the unlock key on a piece of paper to enter into the GPS? The key is tied to the receiver ID, so this should be possible, right?
I’ll keep you updated. Thanks again!
Nope, the lifetime receivers should work just by plugging them in. It may tale awhile to get reception, so don’t panic if it doesn’t happen right away. Yes, please do report back and let us know how it goes.
I received the item from the eBay seller. I don’t think the ‘new’ claim was 100% true. When I connected the receiver, the ‘System/Traffic’ icon is reporting that the ‘Total Traffic Network’ subscription is expired. I’m assuming the trial period had run out.
No free ad-based Navteq subscription was available for this older unit. A (non-ad based) lifetime Navteq sub did end up working, so I’m getting the traffic data. Not ideal for my cheap approach… but its working now.
That sucks. Well, thanks for letting us know how it turned out. I’ve made a note of this conversation so I can refer others back to it. Hopefully it will benefit someone else further down the road. Garmin certainly makes this all far from clear.
Please tell me more about that backup camera input for the 855.
Garmin’s implementation of the 8xx series backup camera appears to have been problematic. I’d investigate the costs and installation issues thoroughly before deciding to go that route. It requires the purchase of the VIB 11.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=164&pID=9653do this.
The nuvi 5000 may be a better choice. From garmin.com support:
Question: Can I use a backup camera with my nuvi?
Answer:
It is possible to use a backup camera with the nuvi 5000 and the nuvi 8xx series. The nuvi 5000 can be used with a backup camera by purchasing the following A/V Cables.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1375
I’m looking at the 855 and like it so far. With the voice recognition on, will it activate with regular conversation in the car or while I’m listening to a book thru my iPod? Or is that remote I saw on the steering wheel to turn the voice recognition on? Thanks!
Yes, that is what the steering wheel remote does. Alternatively (but more expensive), you could look at the new 3690T, which uses a customizable wakeup phrase to allow voice commands.