Garmin nuvi 1100

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide.

The Garmin nuvi 1100 is an entry-level model we first learned about in May 2010. Primarily available from Walmart.com, the 1100 is basically a nuvi 1200 minus text-to-speech, so you’ll just hear “turn right in 1/4 mile” instead of “turn right on Oak Street in 1/4 mile.”

Like the 1200, the nuvi 1100 has a 3.5” touch screen and maps of the U.S. with the exception of Alaska. All of the units in the 1xxx series come with customizable data fields and the ability to utilize the pedestrian and mass transit features of Garmin’s CityXplorer maps.

Related units

• Step up to the nuvi 1100LM to get lifetime map updates
• To see how the nuvi 1100 compares to other models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart

NOTE: Much of the following is based on my hands on review of the Garmin nuvi 1200.

The video below is of the nuvi 1200, but all the features mentioned are also found on the nuvi 1100:

Here is a brief rundown of new features found on the 1xxx series, but not on previous models.

POI feedback

This feature, added with a recent firmware upgrade, allows you to give feedback on points of interest (POIs). They can be rated and you can also report an error, removing them from your searches.

CityXplorer maps

The nuvi 1100 can utilize the pedestrian / mass transit navigation features of these maps, as shown below. CityXplorer maps are priced at $9.99 to $14.99 per city; you can read more about them in my CityXplorer review.

More Garmin nuvi 1100 features

The following features were first introduced on other recent nuvi models. (Portions of the following text are from previous reviews.)

Custom data fields

The nuvi 1xxx models allow you to customize the lower left data field on the map screen, a feature we first saw on the nuvi 7×5 series. Press this field to bring up the options listed below. When not navigating, the options are:

• Direction of travel (default)
• Elevation
• Time of day

When navigating, the options are as follows:

• Estimated time of arrival (default)
• Estimated time to destination
• Distance to destination
• Direction of travel
• Elevation
• Time of day

ecoRoute

This feature adds a “less fuel” option to your routing choices and gives you fuel and mileage reports, estimated fuel cost for trips, and even a “driving challenge” to improve your fuel efficiency.

Here is a PDF version of the ecoRoute manual. ecoRoute is available for the nuvi 2×5, 7×5, and 1xxx series.

Trip log display

Trip log display, or as I prefer to call it ;-), tracklog display, shows where you’ve been and can be downloaded to your computer. Tracklogs can be cleared and the feature disabled for those of you with something to hide! The tracklog is the thin blue line trailing behind the car / current position icon, as shown in the screen shot below.

Recent cities and streets

This feature was first seen on the nuvi 700 series. Tap the folder icon, as shown below, and a list of recent entries comes up. Much better than having to re-enter your hometown all the time!

Where am I?

This emergency location feature provides your exact latitude and longitude, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations.

Garmin nuvi 1100 pros

• Bright display
• Quick access to previously entered cities and street names
• Customizable fields on map screen
• Automatically powers on and off
• ecoRoute
• Compatible with CityXplorer maps’ enhanced pedestrian navigation features

Garmin nuvi 1100 cons

• No text-to-speech
• No speed limit display
• Power lead must be plugged directly into unit (does not power the mount)
• When you search for a POI, the POI balloon obscures a significant portion of the map
• Does not include standard mini-USB cable to connect to PC

Conclusion and recommendations

The Garmin nuvi 1xxx series performed very well during my testing. I noticed no significant lags, routing errors, etc. The few negatives I see with it are addressed above. As with the entire nuvi series, I expect that most buyers will be quite happy with this unit.

More Garmin nuvi 1100 reviews

• Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 1100 reviews have been posted at Amazon

I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…

Other Garmin nuvi 1100 resources

• The Garmin nuvi 1100 owners manual
• Want to see how the nuvi 1100 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 and another nuvi forum at GPS Review
• The official Garmin nuvi 1100 web page
• How to access archived nuvi trip logs
• Five more tips for nuvi newbies

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 1100 at these merchants:

• Check the current Garmin nuvi 1100 price at Amazon
• Get a great deal on the Garmin nuvi 1100 at Walmart.com