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Garmin Nuvi 40 Reviewed

I've had Garmin, Tom Tom, Sony and Magellan GPS's over the past ten years. I have come back to Garmin for my last two because they've got by far the top interface.

The maps that came with this GPS are up to date. A restaurant that opened in the last six months is in the list.I've found the 4.3 inch screen size being the optimal size. These have a pleasant size keyboard and amazing graphics. It feels 'right' on a car dashboard.

The two features I absolutely require are the speed limit to the screen and the lane guidance. This GPS has both. It's my first Garmin out of three that goes into a split screen mode and shows the interstate signage as you encounter an exit you will be taking on your route. Great feature!The audio is crisp and clear. It's plenty of volume capacity.When needed, this unit will recalculate the directions quickly. I should also mention that it is very quick to acquire the satellites.

One thing that this GPS does not have is traffic. My last four GPS's have had traffic and I've found it to be of limited usefulness. More than 50% from the time, the traffic has cleared out and you continue to be being alerted. The alternate routes across the traffic jams are usually somewhat dubious.

SPEED LIMIT: I'm constantly asking myself or passenger "What the speed limit here" but using the Garmin it has the speed Limit sign displayed which I have been watching it and it will change to the new speed limit within a few feet from the road sign. I also like that it shows your actual speed you are traveling also, your speed will turn to red if you are traveling above the speed limit. I WISH it could allow you to program in a 5 to 10 MPH buffer before it turned red.

MOUNTING: I mounted my GPS at the very top of the windshield, to right of the rear view mirror. Like that it blends in with mirror and black trim on top of windshield and isn't very visible from the outside so not invite theft. I tucked the power cord under the front edge from headliner so it's not seen at all. I ran a extra 12 volt power supply with a cigarette lighter socket up and behind the sunvisor, so it is not seen 95% of the time, but allows easy access if I need to get rid of the GPS.

MAPS: Nuvi 40 has the At no cost lifetime maps update. This is a MUST have or else your maps will get outdated with any new roads being built. You're allowed 4 updates per year. On my wife older Nuvi 235W I paid over $100 EXTRA last year for lifetime maps.

Finally, what an excellent price!!! A year ago, you would have paid double the cost for a GPS with all of the features you get with the Garmin 40. It's an excellent buy! Read more in my Garmin Nuvi Review article. .