It’s been a while since we looked at GPS device trends, so I thought I’d take a minute today and look at the units that made Amazon’s Top Ten Bestseller list for automotive units. The last time we did a Top 10 was nearly a year ago, and while the No. 1 unit is still the same, pretty much everything else moved up or dropped off the list entirely!
- Garmin Nüvi 52LM (5 in) – This unit has been listed as the No. 1 bestseller on Amazon for vehicle GPS devices for quite a while. Despite its age, this device is a solid basic unit. It received 4.3 stars. The list price for the Nüvi 52LM is $149.99 and can be purchased on Amazon for $99.99
- Garmin Nuvi 42LM (4.3 in) – This unit is pretty basic but still has good features including Lane Assist, Junction View, Route Avoidance, Where Am I and Lifetime maps. It received 4.2 stars and is rated as No. 1 bestseller in Trucking GPS units on Amazon (which is a little surprising, as this unit doesn’t seem to be specific to trucking). The list price for the Nuvi 42LM is $129.99 and can be purchased on Amazon for $81.96
- Garmin Nüvi 2597LMT (5 in) – This model jumped up from No. 7 last year. The unit features Garmin Real Directions and Real Voice guide which uses buildings and landmarks during voice guided navigation, PhotoReal and Bird’s Eye junction views, Up Ahead displays to show nearby info as you drive plus lifetime map and traffic updates. It also features Smartphone Link, which allows you to link the device with your smartphone via a free app to find POIs, share information about your destination and remind you where you parked. On Amazon, it received 4.2 stars and the list price for the Nüvi 2597LMT is $199.99. It can be purchased on Amazon for $149.99
- Garmin Nüvi 2555LMT (5 in) – This unit is in the exact same place as it was last year. As far as features goes, in addition to lifetime map updates this unit also comes with lifetime traffic updates. Other features include a speed limit indicator, PhotoReal junction views during lane assist and park position recall. On Amazon, it received 4.2 stars. The list price for the Nüvi 2555LMT is $179.99 and can be purchased on Amazon for $124.19.
- TomTom START 50M (5 in) – This is one of the older, entry-level devices in TomTom’s START line and features lifetime map updates, advanced lane guidance and fuel prices for easier driving. The device received 3.8 out of 5 stars. The list price for the TomTom START 50M is $129.95 and it can be purchased on Amazon for $82.18.
- Garmin Nüvi 2557LMT (5 in) – The 2557LMT is also in the exact same place as it was last year. It features Garmin Real Directions and Real Voice guide which uses buildings and landmarks during voice guided navigation, PhotoReal and Bird’s Eye junction views, Up Ahead displays to show nearby info as you drive plus lifetime map and traffic updates. On Amazon, it received 4.2 stars. The list price for the Nüvi 2557LMT is $179.99 and can be purchased on Amazon for $139.99
- Garmin Nüvi 2797LMT (7 in) – This device jumped up from the No. 8 slot. It features Garmin Real Directions, Garmin Real Voice guide, Photoreal and Bird’s Eye junction views, Up Ahead, Smartphone Link, lifetime map and traffic updates and is Bluetooth compatible. On Amazon, it received 4.3 stars. The list price for the Nüvi 2797LMT is $269.99 and can be purchased on Amazon for $253.01
- TomTom VIA 1505M World Traveler Edition (5 in) – This premium TomTom GPS device comes preloaded with maps of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. It features Advanced Lane Guidance, IQ Routes to guarantee the fastest route, free lifetime map updates, preloaded POIs and a split screen for easy viewing. On Amazon, it received 4 stars. The list price for the TomTom VIA 1505M World Traveler Edition is $199.99 and can be purchased on Amazon for $151.29
- Garmin Nuvi 55LM (5 in) – This Garmin unit comes with all of the expected features including Lane Assist with Junction View, Garmin Real Voice, Up Ahead, School Zone Warnings, Speed Limit Warnings and Lifetime maps. On Amazon it received 4.3 stars. The unit also comes in a 6 inch model. The list price for the Garmin Nuvi 55LM is $159.99 and can be purchased on Amazon for $99.99
- Refurbished Garmin Nuvi 42LM (4.3 in) – This unit is exactly the same as the No.3 unit listed above, except this unit is preowned and has been refurbished by Garmin. Refurbished units are tested by Garmin and include all original components and a 1 year warranty. The device should work exactly the same as a new unit. The 42LM has Lane Assist, Junction View, Route Avoidance, Where Am I and Lifetime maps. It received 4.2 stars and is rated as No. 1 bestseller in Trucking GPS units on Amazon (which is a little surprising, as this unit doesn’t seem to be specific to trucking). The refurbished Nuvi 42LM can be purchased on Amazon for $75.99
