Garmin GPS Reviews

Many people don’t realize that when we’re developing products we put them through extreme test conditions. We drop ‘em, dunk ‘em, freeze ‘em, and heat ‘em, and that’s just a few of the tests engineering puts products through. We’re proud that our devices are rugged and can stand up to the challenges our customers give them — even accidental challenges. Do you have a Garmin story to share? Send it to stories@garmin.com.

Today I did a really stupid thing, but Garmin bailed me out. As I was getting in the car to go to work, I set my GPSMAP 496 down on the roof to get my keys out. Somehow, I got in the car but forgot the GPS. Three miles later, I was cruising down the highway, and decided to switch lanes. As I straightened back out, I heard a rumble-thump sound, saw a tumbling blur in my left side mirror, and got instantly nauseous as I realized what had happened.

I swerved back to the breakdown lane, and managed to back up to the scene of the crime. It was rush hour, and I decided getting across to the median (where the pieces lay), would be dicey. Getting back would be worse, plus I figured someone would see me in the highway and have an accident, so I called the state police. A trooper pulled up and looked at me skeptically when he heard my story: “Don’t you think it’s in pieces?” I said maybe not-it’s pretty rugged, is built for helicopters, and cost over $2000. At this, his expression changed, and off he went, backwards in the breakdown lane. After about a quarter mile, he lit up and zoomed across all three lanes, picked up the pieces, and zoomed back. He was one big smile as he handed it to me: “Chris-you’re in luck!” He had already powered it up and read my name on the screen! It worked!

The bean bag base was pretty busted up, and the clamps were history, but the main case had only scratches, and worked fine! Not bad for a 65 mph crash landing!! Garmin is now my friend for life!

Thanks to Garmin for a success story that saved me a lot of money!

Chris Y.
Newton Center, MA