Garmin StreetPilot c550 review

UPDATE: Most of the several generations old StreetPilot series, including this model, has been discontinued. For a more current recommendation, check out our Auto GPS buyers guide or go straight to our Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

The Garmin StreetPilot c550 GPS is the first c-series StreetPilot to incorporate Bluetooth for hands-free cellphone use. An integrated traffic receiver also distinguishes it from other c-series units. A 3-month subscription is included in the U.S. — after that it will cost you $60 for 15 months. European users get a free lifetime subscription.

The c550 comes pre-loaded with full City Navigator NT coverage of North America or Europe. Like all the c500 series models, the c550 has the SiRFstar III chipset, a greatly improved sunlight-readable screen, and an anti-theft feature. Moving down to the c510 / c530, you lose the MP3 player, Bluetooth, the ability to call out street names and the integrated traffic receiver.

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c550

More Garmin StreetPilot c550 reviews

• PC Mag is the first to publish a full Garmin c550 review, giving it a four out of five star rating.
• One of my favorite reviewers, GPS Information.net, has posted their Garmin c550 review.
• GPS Magazine says in their Garmin c550 review that this is the GPS you want!
• Time Magazine’s Garmin c550 review calls it “the must have accessory for summer road trips.”
• CNet has posted their Garmin c550 review, giving it a 7.7 out of a possible 10.
• Check out this great comparison of the Garmin c550 and Tom Tom GO 910.
• GPS Magazine does their own Garmin c550 vs. TomTom GO 910 smackdown, then throws in another GPS – the Magellan Roadmate 6000T, for good measure.
• Consumer Electronics Net has posted their Garmin c550 review.
• Near perfect Garmin c550 reviews are being posted by satisfied customers on Amazon.
• Gizmodo names the StreetPilot c550 as one of their top five road trip gadgets.
• The NY Times compares the Garmin StreetPilot c550 to an in-dash unit and a cell phone based navigation system.
• Laptop magazine gives a 4.5 out of 5 rating in their Garmin StreetPIlot c550 review.
• Backpacker Magazine has posted a video review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550:

• A PDF version of the Garmin StreetPilot c550 owners manual.
• Want to see how the c550 stacks up against other auto GPS receivers? Use this handy Garmin GPS comparison tool.
• There are several Garmin message boards, but this one at GpsPasSion focuses on the StreetPilot cXXX and iX lines.
• LapTop Magazine reviews the traffic performance of the Garmin c550.
• Here is a comparison of the StreetPilot c550 and the TomTom GO 920.
• The official Garmin StreetPilot c550 web page.

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