Garmin DriveSmart 66 6" GPS Navigator

2024-06-18T20:00:00

The voice giving directions is so quiet, it is hard to hear. All the other sounds are plenty loud. If I turn my phone on and connect via bluetooth to my headset and the Garmin, the voice volume in my headset is plenty loud.

tnef

Originally posted at

2024-06-17T20:00:00

I purchased this after my other drive smart 66 became unusable after doing a map update. When I got the new one, I updated the software and maps. The same thing happened. The unit says there are no maps loaded. To fix this problem they give you instructions that a computer genius couldn't follow. I returned the unit for a refund.

Upset99

Originally posted at

2024-06-17T20:00:00

I really like the garmin gps but am disappointed that the power cord still requires the cigarette to supply power. Tried to use the usb directly but did not work. A lot of new cars do not have the cigarette power source

Rocker

Originally posted at

2024-06-16T20:00:00

I purchased this unit and found it had more features than I need. I returned it and purchased the Drive 53.

Shorty98

Originally posted at

2024-06-16T20:00:00

Very pleased with this version of Garmin. Large, clear screen. I like the feature on the right side that shows upcoming towns, with icons showing whether food, gas or lodging is available!

dsh1632

Originally posted at

2024-06-14T20:00:00

My wife bought it for me last year on a trip to Dallas and I have enjoyed it every day I have the opportunity to use it.

Rick70

Originally posted at

2024-06-09T20:00:00

Just speak the name of a place and this GPS finds it. Gone are the days when you have to manually enter the address (what a pain that was!!) I also purchased a back up camera and it sync's perfectly with my new GPS. High resolution screen. I highly recommend.

mike_w

Originally posted at

2024-06-05T20:00:00

Works great and is easy to use. My last Garmin lasted 14 years and this one has many added features.

Smavkout51

Originally posted at

2024-06-04T20:00:00

Just bought it a couple of weeks ago. Still getting used to it. I like some things about it and there are some features on my old NUVI 2595 I like better but I think this will work pretty good.

easiwin

Originally posted at

2024-06-01T20:00:00

Bought for a business trip. It did not disappoint. Refueling and overnight stops were spot-on, traffic delays and alternate routes saved us literally hours, especially in KC where a fatality accident on I35 had traffic stopped for over two hours. Would definitely buy again.

Txkreddog

Originally posted at

2024-05-07T20:00:00

This gos works great and has a clear screen! Overall, very satisfied. Reason for 3 stars is that you cannot enter zip codes in, and some locations will not pull up based on city name alone.

Justlin

Originally posted at

2024-05-03T20:00:00

I haven't used it yet, but I have to write a review so Garmin will stop sending me spam emails about writing a review. (Other companies have an "unsubscribe from review requests" option, Garmin does not think it's needed.)

A_M_P

Originally posted at

2024-05-03T20:00:00

This unit is replacing an older Garmin Nuvi 880 that was experiencing random circuit failure. The Garmin Drive Smart 66 arrived earlier than expected, well packaged, and in perfect condition. The instructions stated it was "ready to use". I connected the GPS to my computer USB port to make sure the unit was fully charged, and I set up the Wi-Fi. Then I saved 10 of my favorite destinations in the unit. I left the unit connected to complete charging for a while. When I came back a couple of hours later, the unit had gone into sleep mode, so I awakened it. I found that the Wi-Fi was no longer set up and all my destinations were gone. I researched the Garmin online website to see why it might have reset itself like that. I read that I may need to update the firmware and maps and try again. So, I did that, and then reloaded and set up the unit a 2nd time and left it for a couple more hours. After returning this time, all the setup information was still there, and it has been operating well since then. I Installed the Garmin DS66 unit in my truck, and functionally it works mostly OK so far. It has very fast screen response, bright, clear display, and receives satellite communications very quickly. It has many great operational and display features that I like a lot, such as notification chimes for school zones, speed zones, red light cameras, tolls, RR crossings, etc.. I have used it on a couple of local trips destinations, finding the route planning and execution functions need some improvement. In one instance where the directions required exiting to a southbound route and then turning right, reaching the destination within ¼ mile, the Garmin DS66 calculations had me exiting to the northbound route, making a U-turn, followed by two miles of back roads and service roads, making five more left turns, crossing railroad tracks twice before reaching the destination. Another trip required traveling eastbound on a route, making a right turn and then a second right turn arriving at the building. The Garmin calculated traveling eastbound, then making a left-hand U-turn to travel westbound, then making an immediate left turn across traffic to a non-existent access to the building parking lot. I did not follow the Garmin DS66 directions on this trip, but If I were forced to follow them, I would have needed to make a second U-turn to go eastbound again and then turn right. While the Garmin DS66 did get me to the destinations, these were examples of the most bizarre route planning instructions I had ever seen in the three Garmin devices that I now have. I would rate the Garmin DS66 at 9 out of 10, while I rate the software at a 6 out of 10.

Mark F.

Originally posted at

2024-04-30T20:00:00

I live in a small college town and have not had the opportunity to use many of the features on this device. However, I will be traveling to Boise, Idaho, the end of May and I will give more feedback after that trip.

Kali

Originally posted at

2024-04-21T20:00:00

i replaced the horrid Volvo satnav in a 2009 Aston Martin Vantage. it fits in the factory enclosure perfectly. Touchscreen, bluetooth, wireless backup camera, WiFi for updates, voice control, can even play music and provide handsfree phone service. Have had lots of Garmin products for marine and car for 30 years now, never been disapointed

hatereviews

Originally posted at

2024-04-20T20:00:00

Very intuitive and easy to use. Has some great features and many improvements over the Nuvi 1690 I used for years.

GPTnCT

Originally posted at

2024-04-16T20:00:00

I thought this about a month ago and I paid a little higher price. I like the features. It just needs a better stand a taller one but the performance yeah it's good drive.

Mr d.

Originally posted at

2024-03-28T20:00:00

It had been about 13 years since my last Garmin, a Nuvi 40. The Nuvi still works and maps could still update, but was running out of available data space so it was a good time to upgrade. I enjoy all the new features, it feels more like a smartphone than the older device. My only issues at the moment are not being able to sync the Garmin audio over to my vehicle stereo but I think that will be resolved. Also the suction window mount is a bit clunky. Nice clear and bright display, better sound out of the box. Lots of smart features I might not use like Alexa voice prompt and hands free calling since I have that already. Anyway, great dedicated GPS and if it lasts half as long as my Nuvi 40 I'll be a happy user?

Joe 2.

Originally posted at

2024-03-27T20:00:00

Have had this unit for about a month, it replaced another Garmin I had for like plus 10 years. This upgrade was long overdue, it is fast, accurate, awesome screen display, easy to navigate with. Thanks

mrdbsr

Originally posted at

2024-03-24T20:00:00

I purchased my DriveSmart 66 when my Driveluxe 51 finally died. I have used Garmin products for over 25 years. I was in sales and drove 40K miles per year and they were lifesavers in my routing. The one thing I do not like is the navigation settings of "Fastest" or "Straight Line." Since retirement, I prefer to drive the US Higway system rather than the Interstate system. There is too much traffic and too many accidents on the interstates. which means delays in getting where I want to go. If there was a way to navigate "not on Interstates," that would be helpful. By using the Garmin Base Camp, I have found a way to make my own routing. The problem it is hard to use and time consuming. But, hey, I can make my own routing. I like the notification features on the DS66. It allows me to see notifications without picking up my phone.

RT46

Originally posted at

2024-03-16T20:00:00

I also have a Garmin 61, thanks to the new design with minimal bezel, the 66 is smaller and also has a larger screen. Downside, I now have to carry two cables, but the power adapter for the car does have two connections so all in all a great product which will be used on my next trip.

par13del

Originally posted at

2024-03-12T20:00:00

I have had one or more Garmin GPS's for over twenty years. I was a salesman driving over 40K miles per year in the southeastern US. I am familiar with Garmin units and how they have changed over the years. I purchased the Drive Smart 66 when my last Garmin unexpectedly died last fall while on a trip. For the most part I am please with the performance. I am not a fan of the South East Interstate System. (too much traffic and accidents, especially around holidays) Retired now, I tend to use the Garmin Base Camp computer app to find US Highways to make my trip routing and load it into my DriveSmart. This works well except you must make sure you turn the auto routing optimizer off. I do wish there was an option other than "Fastest" or "Straight Line" navigation as the "Straight Line" navigation still puts you on interstates. I guess they would be fine if there was a "Custom Avoidance" for "Interstates." I have not tried using the "Auto Route Optimization" feature. If it would work with the Traffic Receiver and put you back on your intended route after the avoidence, That would be great.

rt.hhi

Originally posted at

2024-03-08T19:00:00

I really like the product, it has an amazing display and do exactly what I want it to do.

Benji

Originally posted at

2024-03-02T19:00:00

I bought this garmin to replace my last one. I use this in my summer vehicle. I got it and set it up with my phone and it worked. that was Nov. Here it is march and I get my summer vehicle out of storage and go to use my new garmin and it wont even turn on. I am taking a cross country trip in May and was the whole reason I bought the hew Garmin. Any help would be appreciated.

TimD

Originally posted at

2024-02-25T19:00:00

Love the voice feature. Doesn't give directions for rural roads, only county, state or larger ones. Would like the altimeter that my Nuvi had. Graphics are very sharp!

flyboats

Originally posted at

2024-02-18T19:00:00

I have done only two trips one to the border to Mexico and worked well lm still learning how to operate the device to me change a little the way to operate it but I getting the hang of it.

Manolo 1.

Originally posted at

2024-02-14T19:00:00

I am replacing a Nuvi 2597 with the DriveSmart 66. Haven't yet tried it with geocaching. Have tried the 66 on several short trips and it worked well. So far, I'm pleased with it.

Ken220

Originally posted at

2024-02-12T19:00:00

I just got it 2 weeks ago and there is a bit of a learning curve adjusting from my old Nuvi. I like the bigger screen (6") and it does seem faster to me. It's also much lighter. I do not like that I cannot adjust the main screen to show what I want to see like I could on the old Nuvi. I haven't had a chance yet to try all the extras that come with it such as smart notifications, traffic, route planner or backup camera to see how valuable they are. That is future work.

DCMComo

Originally posted at

2024-02-09T19:00:00

I purchased the Garmin DriveSmart 66 in November and have since driven with it for about 3,000 miles. Here are some observations. The route calculations are quick, about 4-5 seconds, though I have not used the route planning options. The default option is the fastest route, which has generally worked well. The navigator can also reroute you quickly if you take a wrong turn. I did have a couple of issues with inaccurate directions in a high-population-density area that I had to figure out myself. I am not sure why this happened. Other than that, the navigation was pretty good. I like that there is an app that can be downloaded onto a smartphone, but my quibble is that the app always wants to be 'on' even when not in use. This is a drain on the phone battery. The screen is easy to read and slightly larger than the Garmin model that the 66 replaced, and it is easy to read at a glance while driving. The split screen is also nice to keep you on track while driving. I travel often, worldwide, so having a reliable navigation device is very important for me. I would recommend this device to anyone who travels a lot and does not want to rely purely on a phone for navigation, especially in areas of low reception.

cholula

Originally posted at

2024-01-31T19:00:00

Until you put shortest distance back in these gps they are crap. How drives in a straight line. Stupid

Garmnjunk

Originally posted at