Description

Garmin International's nüvi 855 is a GPS navigator and personal travel assistant featuring voice-activated navigation and lane assist with junction view. Navigate with confidence while nüvi directs you to the preferred lane while driving. Also, see realistic images of upcoming junctions where available.

Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. Click to enlarge

Junction View gives you a photo-realistic screen that shows you both the road detail as well as the signs as you will see them on the road. Click to enlarge

This advanced model feature voice-activated navigation and lane assist with junction view. Click to enlarge

The nüvi 855 offers full coverage mapping for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The preloaded map data features nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions. The map data is provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping.

Simply speaking, nüvi 855 is one advanced navigator. It features voice-activated navigation, a widescreen display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter and more. Like the rest of the wide nüvi 800-series, just speak a menu option and nüvi obeys your command.

Speak Commands
nüvi 855 not only tells you where to turn but listens to your spoken commands. With nüvi's innovative speech recognition, you safely control nüvi's interface with your voice--allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel. Simply press the button on the remote (which attaches to the steering wheel) to activate speech recognition and begin speaking menu options. nüvi even recognizes shortcut phrases for popular functions. Tell nüvi "Find Address" and speak an address to start navigating.

See More
With nüvi 855's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read--from any direction.

Know the Lane Before It's Too Late
nüvi 855 takes navigation to the next level with lane assist. No more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. It realistically displays road signs and junctions on your route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation.

And with the 3D Lane Assist Junction View, you'll be able to see a photo-realistic screen that shows you both the road detail as well as the signs as you will see them on the road. The signs that aren't needed for navigation are faded compared to the appropriate lane signage.

Navigate With Ease
nüvi 855 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps and millions of points of interest (POIs) such as hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, ATMs and more. Speak a menu option or touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2-D or 3-D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, nüvi 855 accepts custom points of interest, such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.

Where am I?
Keep track of yourself and your car with nüvi 855. Just speak or tap "Where Am I?" to find the closest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations, nearest address and intersection. Also see your exact latitude and longitude coordinates. nüvi 855 even remembers where you parked. It automatically marks your position when you remove it from the windshield mount, so you can navigate with nüvi on foot and find your way back to your vehicle. Perfect for unfamiliar spots and crowded lots such as amusement parks, stadiums and malls.

With the POI loader program users can set up proximity alerts for school zones, safety cameras, create custom POIs and more. Click to enlarge

A handy MP3 player lets you play songs stored on SD memory cards.

Enjoy a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide with Garmin Connect Photos. Click to enlarge

Plan Ahead
nüvi 855 includes advanced navigational features to take the worry out of traveling. With route planning you can save 10 routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns on the 855's wide screen. In addition, nüvi 855 automatically sorts multiple destinations to provide an efficient route for errands, deliveries or sales calls. It also displays speed limits for highways and Interstates. A trip log provides an electronic bread crumb trail of up to 10,000 points, so you can see where you've been on the map.

Take It With You
nüvi 855's high-sensitivity internal (non flip-up) antenna gives it a sleeker, thinner design than the nüvi 600-series, making it easy to slip in your pocket or purse. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or on foot.

Go Beyond Navigation
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 855 includes many "must have" entertainment and travel tools including MP3 player, audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, currency converters, Garmin Games, alarm clock and more. With the included wireless FM transmitter, you can hear audio, including voice prompts, MP3s and audio books, through your vehicle's stereo. It's also compatible with optional FM traffic alerts or optional MSN Direct content. With photo navigation, you can download Google Panoramio pictures via our Garmin Connect Photos website and navigate to them. The 855 features Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and is compatible with our free Garmin Garage where you can download custom vehicles that show your location on the map. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards such as Garmin Travel Guides for detailed data on attractions.

Search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator.

Navigate by Photo with Garmin Connect Photos
Using Garmin's Connect Photos Web site, you can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google's Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide.

Send Addresses Directly from Google Maps or Mapquest
Itching to try out a new restaurant, or setting off on a road trip to locate the best toffee apples on the East Coast? Now, it's easy to search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator.

1. Hook up your Garmin to the computer via its USB port
2. Search for the location you want
3. Click the Send link in the info window for the address. That will bring up a popup "Send to" form
   
4. Pick GPS, then pick Garmin and hit the "Send" button

The address will instantly transfer to your Garmin device, The point will be saved as one of your favorites, and you can navigate to it or view it on a map just like with any other favorite.

The process does require a small plugin, which you can get at Garmin's website. You can send business addresses to your Garmin device from these countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.

Other Features

• Auto time zone--nüvi will automatically adjust your time zone while navigating
• DEM maps--show you shaded terrain contours at various zoom levels
• Trip computer records mileage, max speed, total time and more
• Built-in travel kit includes features such as picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters and calculator
• High-speed PC connectivity using USB 2.0 mass storage
• Configurable vehicle icons--select fun, customized icons from www.garmingarage.com
• Standard headphone and microphone jacks
• microSD card slot for optional mapping and data storage

Customer Reviews

 Garmin nuvi 855 is a DISCONTINUED product... - Sep 03, 2010

...but it wasn't when I ordered it 4 days ago! Still debating to send it back if the price drops alot.

 Faulty Product - Sep 02, 2010

Do NOT purchase this Garmin product. I previously had a Garmin 250W and LOVED it. But the price is so low on this model because it's apparently hit or miss on weather it will actually function. The one I received powers off as soon as the voice tries to speak the first direction. Does NOT function. Will be returned immediately.

 Best GPS on the Market - Aug 25, 2010

With all the negative reviews, I was a bit apprehensive. Glad to report that I couldn't be happier. The volume is fine, snappy response even with map at maximum detail, no lockups, the voice recognition is excellent, the FM transmitter works great and crystal clear (have a rear antenna on my 2003 Cadillac), and no problem updating the system software and downloading the free 2011 map update. I would normally go with a refurbished unit but spent about $10.00 more to purchase at Walmart online for a faster return if needed. This 855 has everything that I wanted and at a great price. Didn't want bluetooth or traffic reports (traffic available if needed). Buy this unit.

For those that have a problem with the volume, there is an easy fix. Simply download the free "TTSVoiceEditor" at [...]

Open the "jack.vpm" or "jill.vpm" file in the "Voice" folder on your computer connected 855 unit. Increase the volume to "99" from the default of "65" and save the file back to the "Voice" directory and you are done. Don't forget to save a copy of the original in case you want to change back or the unlikely event that you make a mistake.

You can also doubleclick on any of the default voice prompts and change them to anything you want. Changed "drive to highlighted route" to "we are off to see the wizard".

Since I love wife jokes, I changed the "recalculating" prompt to "Linda must be driving, recalculating". Change to 2 spaces to get rid of the word entirely. The unit will just start giving you new directions without saying "recalculating".

 regret it! - Aug 25, 2010

The internal speaker in my old Garmin Nuvi 350 was dying and I decided to replace it. I saw this one with a good pricing and many new features! I used it couple of times during a 600 mile drive and everytime I ended up following just road signs! Even though the navigation settings were identical as my previous Garmin GPS, when both were simultaneously used, I realized the new one gave a much longer distance route!!! It has a very slow response time meaning was missing turns! To add to the troubles, it freezes in the middle and I had to pullover twice on the highway to reset it! This should be taken off the market- it is dangerous!

 garmin 855 - Aug 25, 2010

Was suprised at the ease of which this navigator worked. As with every thing new once getting use to how it communicated with you it became a blessing on the last 3000 mile trip I just made.

 the device is great. - Aug 25, 2010

Guys it is a great device, with a wonderful price. If u go to the original company it costs 400$.
do not believe all Negatives you read here: the device has a turn off button, it shows u the names of the streets, the voice is loud enough for u to hear (either the great mp3 player it has or the instructions themselves), very fast in catching satellites. one sentence: a state of a art device.
good luck to every body.

 Amazing unit - Aug 24, 2010

I can't say enough about this GPS. Voice recognition is a very difficult technology, and this unit recognizes many different types of voices with no training. This was thought to be impossible not so many years ago. It works very well and is accurate enough not to be a problem. That alone should make this GPS worth many hundreds of dollars.

I'm familiar enough with the unit now so that I can completely control it, even when my four-year-old is holding it in the back seat. I can hear it clearly and can even direct it to go to a brand new address. The unit is so good you don't even need to look at the screen! Its instructions are clear. I even downloaded software to customize the phrases.... "recalculating" became "oops wrong way, dummy" and so on to make this unit more fun.

My unit does not freeze up, acquires satellites within a minute, and is a deram to use. My wife is not a technology person and even she likes it.

It even shows geography and major cities and roads in Asia, and as I discovered on a recent flight along the eastern seaboard, works from a jet if you hold it up to the window! It was fascinating to see where we were and exactly how fast the jet was going! I was really surprised it could lock onto satellites and update our course going hundreds of miles per hour. Another reason I think this unit is so, so good.

It has millions of points of interest, they also appear to be relatively up to date. Simply amazing that this unit can contain so much data, speak to you, and understand your voice! It seems impossible. Great job, Garmin.

 Horrible GPS Reception - Aug 24, 2010

I purchased this unit mainly for the bells and whistles thrown in, namely the speech recognition feature. While I found this feature rather useful (unlike some of the other reviewers), my unit was unable to perform its primary function - to acquire satellite signal. It was a test of patience to navigate using this unit as it took at least 10min to acquire satellites every single time I turn it on. Even after acquiring the satellites, it would frequently lose satellite reception even in wide open spaces. Needless to say, driving in urban areas is an impossibility.

In addition, my unit was not shrink wrapped or sealed when it arrived even though Amazon claimed that it was a new unit. I'm inclined to believe that I received a refurbished product or a returned piece. So hopefully this serves as a warning for prospective buyers of this product.

I have since returned my unit and purchased a trusty Garmin 255W that offers near instantaneous GPS fix. Although I'll miss out on features such as the powered cradle and speech recognition, I know for sure I will be able to get to my destination.

 Garmin Nuvi 855 - Aug 24, 2010

The Garmin Nuvi 855 is easy to use right out of the box. The unit acquired satellites within 20 seconds of being turned on and has generally responded that quickly every time it is used. I found the voice response feature very useful and easy to use. It was able to recognize several different voices with no errors. I also found the lane indicator on the screen in complex highway interchanges to be very useful. The only negative I have to report is that the unit has frozen up and had to be reset or rebooted twice during the relative short time that I have owned it. While this was easy to do, it is a distraction and irritation!

Overall I love this GPS and would recommend it. Also appreciated Amazon's great price!

 My new Garmin is better than my old (2 yrs.) Magellan - Aug 23, 2010

Getting and giving instructions are so much easier with the Garmin than the Magellan that I had but gave to my husband who isn't so frustrated when trying to obtain directions. I just wanted to throw that Magellan out the window of my car but was concerned I would hit another car or get a ticket just for expelling it.
Maybe it's that the Garmin is so much simpler to use. I don't have to have a BS in Electronics to know how to use it. The Garmin makes it very clear what info to put in and that makes it clearer what the Garmin gives back.

 Wait for the Green Signal - Aug 23, 2010

When I first got the unit of course like most I didn't read the instructions and actually still have not read them so it was a bit frustrating using the voice commands. Then one day the light-bulb in my head had an ah-ha moment. At that moment I realized the Message Balloon that was red and then green actually was telling me when to talk and when not to talk. Once I realized I needed to slow down and wait for the Green the Unit has wrked nicely. I still need to turn the radio down and drive slowly in the Jeep because the Unt does not like background noise but hey to make it hands free it is okay for me. I wish the volume was louder but other than that I would say it was worth what I paid for it.
Happy Travels!
Charlie

 Very capable GPS - Aug 23, 2010

I like this unit. It is easy to use. Modes of operation are intuitive. Maps are visually clear and easy to read. A great price when compared against similar units. I would recommend to others.

 Volume is to low/Frezzing up some time - Aug 22, 2010

Volume is set at 10 and still to low.My street Pilot 2620 has alot better volume.
And it frezzing up two times so far.

 Nuvi 855 Sucks - Aug 21, 2010

I purchased this gadget in preparation to a 1000 mile journey to Ohio and back.
Stunning disappointment from the very first day. This unit froze up on me no less than 4 times in the first day of use. No excuse for that! I sent it back within 4 days of purchase (Amazon immediately sent RMA and UPS call tag).

I believed that I was purchasing a new and current product that would be reasonably up to date out of the box. Not so friends. The copyright dates came up 2007 and 2008. This is over half way through 2010.

It (855)is bulky and has a difficult mount with the cable attachment point.
Accuracy and reliability are the keystones to GPS. Without either I am back to time proven (and time consuming) maps and atlases etc.

The speech recognition worked reasonably well. The FM transmitted audio output is nice but only of you don't want to listen to the radio at all during transit with navigation.
Both are frills that only ad extra dollars to an unreliable unit.
One of the reasons I selected the 855 was for the ability to do "Via routing". Never got a chance to use this as it was always freezing up.
Also I could not find a way to display elevation while en-route. It would only display elevation as a result of coordinates, not while driving.

On the other hand I replaced the Nuvi 855 with a Nuvi 1300 for considerably less money.
I think it was $113.00 According to the charts on Amazon and Garmin site the 1300 isn't suppose to support "via routes". It does. It also permits my viewing of elevations continuously. Maps and Point of interest were pretty well up to date too.
The 1300 is smaller and thinner. Fits pocket much better than 8xx series. Too.
It does not show railroad lines as the 855 did. Hmmmm.

Concussions: The 855 is a waste of time and money that should have been dropped long ago. Garmin seems to be playing a continuous shell game that the consumer almost never wins at.
Tom TOM and Magellan seem to have similar product/customer issues too.
From my research the Garmin products appeared the least of all evils but consumed by Beelzebub with regard to marketing and product reliability.

I now have the Nuvi 1300 and have been using it daily for a just under 4 weeks now, including the trip to Ohio and back.
It has not "frozen up" at all including when it has been unmercifully subjected to inside windshield temps on days as hot as 97 degrees.It probably was 140 plus in the van.
The only confusion the maps have given us is an indication of "property on left " when in fact the target was on the right or visa versa. That has happened several times.
My vote is for the Nuvi 1300 and trash the 855!

 Freeze Frequently - Aug 20, 2010

This is my second Nuvi and I really like my first one wc lasted me a little over 2 years of usage. I left it one day in my car around winter season and my car was parked outside my garage door bc I have two more cars parked in the garage. The fog in the car probably caused the touchscreen not responding. This problem was my fault realizing just about any electronics would most likely to malfunction bc of moisture.

I like the simple navigation interface and the accuracy of my first one. This is the reason why I bought another Nuvi. While it's true that the price and features of this model was hard to resist, I could honestly say that it's not worth it. This model will at least freeze once for every use as per my experience. My first one didn't freeze on me not even once. And when this model freeze, rebooting is very tricky. It's very irritating especially when it happens while I'm driving. I have to find a safe curve to pull over just to reboot it. Even sliding and holding the power button wouldn't do it. I have to take the battery off to turn it off completely. And sometimes it would turn off and reboot when power button is slide and hold on the left side for few seconds.

Don't be fooled with the price and features of this model. It's just not worth the trouble returning it. And if you decide to keep it, be prepared for what I have experience using this model.

 the bests - Aug 19, 2010

the best gps i ever had, i am a courier driver i use it every day,all i have to do is talk to it thats it THE BEST

 Lemon Garmin 855 - Aug 17, 2010

Given most reviews, upon which I based my purchase almost a month ago, hopefully I just received a lemon of a normally good model. Just made our first trip with it today. A mere 110 miles on state highways here in Vermont. First it couldn't find satellites. Then it kept losing the satellites. On a winding state highway along a like-minded narrow river, it had us on a dirt road on the other side of the river for a ways. Through a village, it showed us doing 90 mph when I was doing 30. At every intersection in the village, it very briefly said we were on the intersecting road. If GPS's can get high, this one got into some really bad stuff. The old Mio (intuitive as nuclear physics) which the Garmin was supposed to replace, just purred right along doing what it was supposed to do. So, the new Garmin 855 gets a UPS ride back to its maker via seller Amazon tomorrow. I'll give it two stars anyway, just for the sake of the many positive reviews. If you order it, hopefully you make out better than I did ....or, hopefully you like surprises!

 Nuvi 855 does not disappoint! - Aug 17, 2010

I read a number of reviews before purchasing this Nuvi 855. I was slightly skeptical after reading reviews but this fit the budget and did want I needed. To my amazement, some of the reviews were totally incorrect and misleading! I found no issues with the power button, and the item is GREAT! I would highly recommend this to anyone who needs a cost effective GPS but not every bell and whistle like some have.

I have not use the voice recognition at this point, but did recently give the Nuvi 855 quite a run. We were touring flood ravaged Iowa and had to take a lot of back roads and gravel roads, but I must say it was dead on every time. Even some of the roads listed were actually private drives it was so detailed!

 Garmin nüvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS - Aug 15, 2010

excellent gps, the feature of voice activated is fantastic! fun talking to, giving commands. I think I will buy one for my wife. So she can give commands to instead of to me. Also very accurate--highly recommend

 Voice Recognition is Great, Great Choice for extra Money - Aug 13, 2010

I bought this about a month ago and really like it a lot. The voice recognition feature is fantastic to do hands free navigating. I am still getting used to the unit overall and there are a few quirks that I have to figure out like moving the map around without setting a new point of interest and the menus offering "back" sometimes kicks out my destination. I haven't fully read the manual so partly my fault. I was hoping to link my iPod to the unit, but haven't figured out if I can do that or not yet and the quick start manual isn't helpful there either... Great unit though for only $140.

 Helpful companion when traveling alone. - Aug 12, 2010

Used it on a 5,000 mile trip from Alabama to Colorado via Minnesota. Amazingly quick responses but sometimes it thinks a lane change is a course change and it wants to recalculate the route.

Only disappointment was seaching for Shell gas stations --- there were many more on the route than were identified in the searches. Also, be careful when looking at the search results to focus on the items ahead in the direction you are going because the result will also show what is behind you as well as to the left and right of your route.

I placed it on my cup holder at the low side of the dash center thus keeping it out of sight. Of couse you will want to conceal it while you are away from the vehicle.

Higher volume would have been appreciated.

 Garmin 855 junk - Aug 11, 2010

I have owned a Garmin c55o Street Pilot for several years and loved it. A couple of weeks ago I decided to "upgrade" to a Garmin 855 nuvi rather than buying new maps. I am now returning the Garmin 855 and looking for a new model. "Someone" at Garmin was not paying attention to this product when it was approved for sale. Just like Bill Gates was not paying attention to his core business any longer when Vista was released. The volume does not go loud enough and I am forced to use my car speakers. I used the machine for a couple weeks and was just getting used to it when I went out today and the Garmin 855 would not
turn on..Black Screen for about 1/2 hour. I took it off the window & held it in front of an air conditioner vent for about 15 minutes and got it nice & cool, it then gave me a very dim "GARMIN" sign and nothing more..After about 15 more minutes of turning it on & off & playing with it, I finally got it to turn on & start working. It does indeed have excellent voice recognition as advertised however I am returning it today and buying a different model. I would not recommend the Garmin 855 to anyone.

 Great but freezes - Aug 11, 2010

I've owned a Nuvi 670 for 2 years. 670 doesn't do routing. I looked into the nuvi 800 series and found it did routing AND the new well reviewed (and awesome) voice recognition. Bought the 855 from Amazon to give it a go. Many other reviews I read before purchase mentioned the problem of model 855 freezing. Well, on my trip south, it did just that. When the 855 freezes you need to remove the battery, reboot, reset destination, blah, blah.
Resetting this thing took my attention way too much off my driving, it also seemed to freeze at the most INCONVENIENT time (Murphy's Law).

On my Mac I wanted to use Garmin's trip planning software "Road Trip" to route my 700 mile trip in advance. Road Trip is a not very Mac like challenging piece of software. Loading your routes into your Garmin is also very stupidly designed and dicey at times. It took too much time and effort to discover Road Trip loads your route not into your Garmin's Route folder, as one would expect. It loads into an obscure folder called my data. From which you must initialize it to load into your routes folder. Dumb.

Garmin GPS's in general should have an option to reroute your waypoint with an alternative DIFFERENT route. NO. Detour does not give you an alternative route it just shortcuts you a bit. Anyone who has owned a Garmin and travels a bunch will know what I'm talking about. I hate taking I95 for north south destinations. Your Garmin will fight you all the way to route you via I95.

One last interesting point. Twice, I punched in a search for coffee/donuts only to get Starbucks as the top finds. Only to find Dunkin Donuts was way closer (it didn't even come up). In one search instance I was ONE BLOCK AWAY from Dunkin Donuts! Do you think Starbucks might be paying a Google type search fee to Garmin?
Pretty cheezy, IMHO.
Nuvi 855 was returned to Amazon. Hopefully, without a hitch.

 Feature Rich GPS - but it does freeze up occassionally - Aug 09, 2010

I've owned the Garmin Nuvi 855 for about a month now. I had an extra 12 volt outlet installed under the driver-side dashboard in my car so I could plug in and conceal the factory Garmin power cable that came with the unit. As a result, I use the GPS every day, every time I get in my car.

That said, I find that the unit has all the features I need in a GPS and is much more comprehensive than my previous unit, the Nuvi 260W.

PROS:
1. Voice Control -- Living in the desert, my A/C is on full blast most of the time and even with that loud noise, the Nuvi has no problem understanding what I am saying. It even picks up oddball names of places with little problem. Just be patient -- it gives you vocal prompts when it's time for you to talk to it and if you speak too soon, it won't hear you. You don't have to memorize anything; you can say words that appear on the screen like "view map" or "volume up" or "where to". If you DO memorize the key word "shortcuts" you'll be able to give direct commands without having to navigate through the various screens. For example, "go home" automatically takes you home no matter what screen or menu you are in. "Where am I" automatically gives your coordinates, elevation, nearest street address (or exit # if you are on the highway) & gives you the ability to quickly search for a handful of POI's like the closest hospital or gas station.
2. Lane Assist -- a quick glance at the unit tells you specifically what lane you should be in before making a turn. It thinks ahead to your next move when calculating this. A couple of examples where this is handy -- if you're about to turn left and there are two left turn lanes to chose from, then you need to take an immediate right afterwards, the Nuvi will guide you to the correct left turn lane so that you will not have difficulty making that right turn afterwards. Also, if you live in a city with exit ramps on both the left and right sides of a highway, the Nuvi will tell you specifically which side your exit will be from.
3. The removable battery -- My first Garmin, the Streetpilot C330, had an internal battery that made it about 2 years before no longer holding a charge. Really annoying, because I paid about $400 for it new and 2 yrs later it was worthless. The 855 has a mobile phone style removable bettery that can easily be replaced after a few years of use. Also, a spare battery can be found online for less than $25. It's a helpful feature to be able to swap batteries when using the 855 for an extended period of time w/o access to electricity.
4. The "always on" feature -- Other reviewers note, correctly, that it's impossible to turn this unit completely off. Even when powered down, it's in standby mode. While some note this as a "con" of the unit, I like it. It means that the 855 almost always acquires satelites immediately upon start up. Zero wait time. I have had no problem with battery drain.
5. Speed Limit / Actual Speed indicators -- On major surface streets and highways, you always know what the speed limit is. On previous models I have owned, the unit only displayed your actual speed when NOT in navigation mode. The 855 displays your speed at all times.
6. POI Icons -- POI Icons are displayed while in Navigation mode. This means you can see if there are any restaurants, gas stations, banks etc at the next intersection or highway exit by just glancing at the screen. No other Nuvi I have owned has had this feature and I find it very helpful.
7. Pre determined routes -- If taking a long road trip with a pre-determined route and / or several stops, you can program the GPS in advance to route you a specific way, and to multiple via points. Doing so will over-ride it's "quickest route" or "shortest route" guidance. I've never had another GPS capable of doing this.

CONS:
1. Unit freezes up -- As reported by other users, the unit does occasionally freeze up. This has happened to me twice while navigating. Pop the battery out and back in and, once the unit restarts, it will continue to provide navigation for whatever route you had programmed in before it froze. This is more of an annoyance than anything. As I said, I use unit every day, multiple times per day so, to have happened only twice so far is not a deal-killer. On the other hand, no brand-new product should have that issue at all.

NEUTRAL:
I have no use for the MP3 player or FM transmitter on the unit, so have no opinion on them.


Overall: RECCOMEND

 No excuse for frozen display - Aug 09, 2010

Frozen display is a big nuisance, will cause an accident one day if it hasn't already done so.
Overall the unit performs well, sound quality is good for a small device, display works very well, even in sunlight. Display size is fine. Does have a few simple games that must be down loaded, I didn't do this.
Auto zoom for tricky intersections and freeway ramps is very good feature. Memory card slot is MicroSD very handy, works with my 8GIG chip. There seems to be a little over 1 GIG of on board memory for PICS, music and other data storage. This can be very handy.
FM transmitter is limited in range probably by FCC.
Window antennas work best, front roof antennas not very well, rear antenna not at all.
Battery life is short, I may have a bad battery, didn't get a chance to use the voice.
If one has blue tooth I would suggest purchasing a BT ready unit.
I would recommend this unit only if didn't hang up with a frozen display, possibly I have a flaky unit????
Head phone port is a good idea for those that have aux. inputs to their radios.
Stan