Garmin Drive™ 53 GPS Navigator

I want to start out this review by talking about traffic capability... this Garmin Drive 53 model may be advertised as not having traffic, but it actually is compatible with Garmin Traffic; it just doesn't come bundled with a traffic cable. I bought a GTM-36 traffic cable secondhand (as the cable alone is no longer available new from Garmin) after reading online that it is compatible with this particular GPS, and sure enough, it works! Onto the rest of my review... I really love this device! The 5" screen is the perfect size for sitting on my Rav4 dashboard; I could not imagine using a larger unit in my car. The screen itself is crisp and looks pretty good imo. The screen is capacitive like contemporary smartphones; I have no issues with navigating this unit's UX. One thing that's small and silly that I really love is how you can customize the arrow/car icon on the map. I like how it has a speedometer and shows the current speed limit, and gives you the option to have it ding when the speed limit lowers. Navigation itself is pretty good and you are able to (but don't have to) select your route before beginning navigation. Map updates are free, and so is Garmin Traffic. One thing I will note is that this device does not have wifi or Bluetooth, which is a perk for me but might be a downside for others. And in order to update maps, you must plug the GPS into a Windows or Mac computer and run Garmin's software, Garmin Express. This device also has a mini-USB (!!!) port, which is kind of crazy and inconvenient in the age of USB-C, but oh well, you can't win them all. Overall, I recommend the Garmin Drive 53 to those who want a simple and compact nav, and I urge anyone who wants "smart" features to consider Garmin's larger automotive GPS offerings.

Lives up to Garmin's reputation for safe reliable product design. Still features the verbal directions, with other improvements over the early versions. Excessive speed warnings, symbols to indicating road hazards ahead such as winding roads, etc. Settings feature is easy to use, with the familiar navigation options to choose from such as avoiding toll roads and bridges. All in all a good way, at a reasonable price, to travel to unfamiliar places with good guidance, with the additional benefit of the option to find national parks, restaurants, gas stations and places of interest. Recommended.

I ordered this because I already have a Garmin in my van. I thought I would be able to use the app for it like I do with the van, but this one does not have Bluetooth. I didn't realize that when I ordered it. I am disappointed in that. The app is great because I can just easily key in the place I want to go and it sends it to the Garmin. This is a 5" screen and it seems so much smaller than my 7". The screen is clear though. The main reason I wanted this instead of using my phone for directions is because it shows how fast I am going and it is easier for me than looking at the speedometer. My subdivision is very strict on the 15 mph speed limit and they do have patrols giving tickets. The speed on the GPS is about a 1 mph off from the radar screens, so it works for me. This is a refurbished Garmin. It looks new. It was easy to setup. I did the update which took about a half hour. It is a touch screen. It works well. I am happy with it and I saved quite a bit by getting the refurbished model.

Like most electronics, GPS units eventually wear out, especially when they're exposed to the harsh environment inside a vehicle. That was the case with my Garmin DriveSmart 55. It began acting erratically and became unusually hot to the touch. I even tried replacing the battery, but that didn't solve the problem, so it was finally time for a replacement. I've always used Garmin GPS units, and I saw no reason to switch brands now. My DriveSmart 55 lasted through several vehicles, which says a lot about its durability. In fact, I own five other Garmin units, and aside from replacing their batteries every few years, they've all been exceptionally reliable. The Garmin DriveSmart 53 seemed like the perfect replacement. As far as I can tell, the only significant difference between it and the 55 is that the 53 doesn't support a backup camera. Since my car already has a factory-installed backup camera, that wasn't a concern for me. Setup was quick and straightforward. Right out of the box, I connected the unit to my computer, updated the software and maps, transferred all of my saved data from the old GPS, and installed it in my car. Everything worked exactly as expected. Based on my long experience with Garmin products, I expect this DriveSmart 53 to provide the same dependable performance and long service life that I've come to appreciate from the brand.

This thing was an exercise in frustration. I bought it because I needed simple capture of time/distance/average speed, which Garmin documentation says it does. It “tracks” those data points, but not in a USABLE manner, because the function to simply and accurately control start/stop tracking doesn’t exist. Without a set, entered route, the “go” button to start tracking is not available. The device just starts tracking as soon as it powers on. And, without a set, entered route, the “stop” button is greyed out, so it requires hunting through other menus to find the alternative “stop” option to get it to stop tracking. THEN, even after "stop" and clearing the current data, the overall time immediately starts running again, as long as the device has power. Ugh. I also tried it for trip routing, thinking that if I could get at least some value out of it, I would keep it. NOPE. It chooses the most obvious/fastest route. Supposedly that route can be edited, but when I tried to do that (because I avoid all major highways when traveling) the “shaping point” feature returned an error of “can’t calculate route” and several times the road I wanted to travel (paved, official state and county highways) didn’t even appear on the map as an option. This was after installing the “latest” updates directly from Garmin. AND – this device has very little stored energy. It must be plugged in to a power source to work when traveling. I’m on a motorcycle, so that’s another major fail. I suppose if you travel on freeways all the time between major points, it could be okay. For secondary roads or any kind off accurate data capture, it’s not. Completely unusable for me. Returning.

So, first, I'm not a Garmin fanboy. On the other hand, I am. I own like 5 now with this one for my car. I've tried knock off brands and they're not the same, not even close. Don't waste your money. Just get the Garmin. This one, just like all, needed a couple of updates. My Mac took the updates and I had it done in a half hour. Very good tracking, bright screen, easy to see. Maps included some newer streets, which was needed. I wasn't sure if I was going to be ok with the small screen, and it actually does well in my Crosstrek. For the money, it can't be beat. Very intuitive, but I know Garmin already so this is a breeze. I'm very pleased.

Yes! Works as well as G00gle Maps! Need to update maps on computer. But, GREAT alternative to using my cell in car.

Just a great GPS that does what it claims. It is everything a normal person needs to get anywhere. I am not a techy person so when I say it is easy to program I really mean it. It asks all the questions and you just check the multiple choice answer. I did it in less than 5 minutes.

Touch screen is sensitive and device is easy to use

Bom equipamento. Comprei como backup para viagem internacional, em caso de dificuldade com 5G no celular.

Ce produit est certainement excellent, sauf qu'il ne correspond absolument pas à une clientèle française, qui attend de tout GPS une cartographie de la France, alors que votre produit ne contient qu'une cartographie américaine, sans aucune spécification claire de cette particularité. Quoiqu'il en soit, je vous remercie du remboursement de ma commande : vous êtes une entreprise sérieuse : ma clientèle vous est acquise !

Be very careful and check your purchase within return time as the unit we received was for USA only. It cost a further £80.00 to buy a Europe SD card. Then the sat nav worked correctly in UK! We have had Garmin equipment previously and as with this one we were very pleased with its operation. I don’t know who was at fault here but it left a bad taste!!! Check quickly on receipt!

Once I downloaded the latest maps it took me a couple of minutes to figure it out but once I did - I am impressed, very impressed with the accuracy of the directions and the clearness of the monitor. Picks up the GPS signals very quickly when turned on.