Garmin DriveSmart 51 / 61 LMT-S

Gets confused with intense road layouts. doesn't recognisestreets thet ate 5 years old.... utter pile of junk and dangerousin an emergency because ut cant even get you to the hospital. Show details

Not easy to use – Everything is complicated to set up on trips. Previous Garmin was simpler. Adding places to a trip is not easy as I just wanted a town, not a particular place. Also, it seems to change information entered, especially house numbers. Not sure I will rely on it and just stick to using google maps on my phone Show details

I can live without it – Found very difficult to input data for trip. Poor input design from the manufacturer. Wouldn't recommend to anyone. Waste of money. Was poor in direction of navigation. Concept of device Is ok Show details

Absolutely the worst – I've has this unit for a few years now and tested it all around Australia, and I have come to hate the thing. It seems hellbent on finding the worst route anywhere. It takes you on C roads when there are B roads, and B roads when there are A roads. It can't find the fastest or the shortest route unless there is only one road between you and the… Read more

destination, and even then you can never be sure. It might take you on a side jaunt somewhere. And when you detour off the set route while driving it gets hopelessly confused, tells you you to go back when it would be better to keep going or tells you keep going when it would be better to go back. Often when you enter a destination it will give you options in the USA or Africa, just annoying. It never seems to update. It still has roads from many years ago that no longer exist, especially the Pacific Motorway up and down the east coast. It thinks every truck stop has fuel when it is only a layby. Sometimes you can't see the purple route because it's off the screen or obscured by blue restaurant signs. The voice command is useless. The worst is that Garmin refuse to take feedback on all the issues, so it never gets any better.

Great GPS especially for overseas – I’ve been using Garmin GPSes since 2008 and have used them here in Perth as well as across the US, Canada and the UK. Each time the unit has unerringly guided me to my destination. With my current DriveSmart 61, I am using it in Los Angeles to guide me around the maze of streets and interstate highways. I especially like the lane guidance feature… Read more

here in LA as some highways are 7 or more lanes wide and you have to be in a specific (sometimes the middle) lane to exit. The unit shows the lane you have to be in and also speaks it i.e. “Be in the left four lanes”. Great when you are driving in peak hour on an 8 lane highway and need to know NOW which lane is your exit. I wouldn’t even attempt to drive in the US without this device navigating for me.

The interface is intuitive, with only two selections from the main screen “Where To” and “Show Map”. The voice is clear and understandable, although pronunciation can occasionally be weird. I tried the voice commands initially but found them too troublesome to use and just use the touch interface. Unlike other reviewers, I find the touch screen quite responsive. I’ve had no issues searching for petrol stations or locations by name, it has found them every time.

I like the free Lifetime Maps and wireless updating, although previously I have used the Garmin Express app without any issues. The only criticism about maps is you have to purchase overseas maps and they are tied to only one GPS, you cannot move them to another GPS, they just don’t appear. I purchased the lower 49 US States map and installed it on a micro SD card for about A$89. You cannot update these purchased maps, they must be re-purchased again if you want to update them. To me this isn’t an issue as I only travel every couple of years and the roads don’t change much where I drive.

The screen can be a little too reflective at times, according to the time of day and this can be distracting when trying to navigate, but I’ve since got used to it. Battery life is fair, only lasting about an hour unplugged and slowly gets worse over time, but as I hardly ever use it out of the car, this is not an issue for me.

Overall, a very useful device, especially overseas where I don’t have data on my phone making Google Maps useless. The Garmin is a life-saver in this instance. Highly recommended

Great reliable unit. But just tell yourself - it is only a GPS – Summary Of the three series: Drive, DriverSmart,and DriverAssist, this one strikes the right balance of feature and cost. The default behaviours are mostly sensible and adequate. The device has updated technologies to match today's life style and offers solid essential features. Pros: Responsive UI Mature approach to core features OTA… Read more

update via WiFi a huge improvement over USB (so you can ditch the Garmin Express software)

Stable software and durable build (e.g. using mini-USB instead of micro USB)

TripAdvisor and Foursquare features are .... well ..... usable

Cons:

Sub-par voice command (talking about voice recognition accuracy only; no where near Google Assistant or Siri) and can be frustrating to use.

Bad screen viewing angle (Cheap TN panel)

Robotic voice and no voice preview on selection

Thick bezel makes the device look outdated

No one-touch mute/unmute button on navi screen (accessible under sub menu) This feature was available on some old models (e.g. nuvi 2455)

Battery life is short (I had to plug in the charger halfway planning for a itinerary)

Personal opinions:

First, before you buy any personal portable GPS navigator, just ask yourself do you REALLY need one these days. In typical situations, smart phones are adequate especially when your care has Android Auto / Apple Car Play. On a hot day or over a long journey, it makes sense to used a standalone GPS device for me to save my phone from dying prematurely. Most mobile phones are not build for prolonged used under high temperature.

Like any personal device, if you switch from one brand to another, it may take a little time to get used to. But for me, when I had the chance to choose between TomTom and Garmin (I also have couple of late version of TomToms) I more often get Garmin.

The bottom line is, for me, this unit works reliably and comes with adequate features. Oh, it does also have Bluetooth hands-free feature, too, which I don't need.

Great Unit – Have been using this unit for just over a year now, Being an older person I found it easy to use & set up, it is clear & easy to read and the maps I have been using in Sth Australia have been good. I hard wired it into my BMW so it comes on as soon as you start the car so no stuffing around, recently it reminded me to update the unit with FREE… Read more

maps, I was a bit worried to try this as I have read other stories where people have up dated their GPS only to lose what they had & had all sorts of problems, I have to admit it took me a couple of attemps to get it right LOL, but once done worked great. I would buy this 5" unit again & recommend it to all. Purchased from Harvey Norman for $208-00. Downside..The battery does not last long once disconnected from vehicle, so would be little use for using it for walks.

Cant find home – I have lived at my current address for 13 years.When I enter my address,it replies that it cant be found.After 13 years and many map updates,It still cant find me. Show details

Terrible user features – Cannot remove direction banner, speed camera alert shrinks before reaching the camera. Cannot turn off school alerts or any of the other alerts, despite there being a setting to do so. FPS rate on camera gives jittery playback. Wish i had reviewed it before i bought it. I live near a school,and so does my girlfriend, so the school alerts go off, non stop even in the driveways. Show details

Garmin Drive 61 at least works - unlike the Navman My690 which didn't – My previous Garmin Nuvi lasted for many years without issues so I'm hoping this model is as good. No problems at all with charging, as opposed to the Navman which kept losing charge and refusing to turn on for no explicable reason (even though it was always connected to the car's charger). It's too soon to give a detailed review of the Garmin Drive but so far so good. Show details

Piece of Junk – Having used a Nuvi 760 for the last 10 years I decided to treat myself with a new GPS and boy did I make a mistake. The 760 had a very user friendly interface and you could make it do nearly anything but make a cup of tea. My new Drive Smart 51 is the most complicated piece of junk. Instead of keeping the interface simple Garmin have gone for a… Read more

new user unfriendly smart phone type system. They have changed the simple words such "Routes" to "Trip planner", "Favourites" has become "Saved". Even though I loaded all my favourites with their own distinctive symbol so I could easily identify them on my maps they show up as a brown flag. The 760 had the facility to change the properties of my Favourites but the new GPS doesn't. When planning a Route, I can only use 29 way points whereas my 760 was 50. One plus is that I can save more favourites (1000) and more than 10 Routes. Garmin should go back to making quality GPS's and not try to emulate a mobile phone. Leave that to Apple and Samsung.

in Hindsight Not my best purchase – First problem I noticed the 12v lighter plug means I can have no other device in use at the same time. So cannot charge my phone if required. I could use the USB plug provided with my two plug port but the cord is too short. The maps have taken me in the wrong direction and also wanted me to make a right turn onto a road with only a left turn.… Read more

The pronunciation of street names and suburbs needs a big improvement. Yesterday it told me I was going the wrong way in a one way street I drive down every week. Also every time I drive I have to agree to drive safely.

Complicated to setup and, apparently, no capacity for the "lifetime free maps updates" – With SatNav plugged into my iMac, takes over an hour to initiate updates via Garmin Express installed on the computer. There are no progress bars or indicators, and it seems updates are not completable, as there is insufficient capacity in the device. The user is merely left wondering and guessing. Programming routes, favourites, etc. is only… Read more

possible when device is connected in vehicle and with ignition key turned ON. Instructions are complicated and needed to be printed out and taken into car - this is my experience.

I have not tried bluetooth pairing with my phone, but without this, the device cannot cope with live changes/traffic jams/car crashes en route. On one long journey from south to north of England, I had to use my phone's GPS and suggestions for alternative routes and abandon the Garmin.

saving my history – I have had previous Navman GPS and have been able to go into my past history of the last few months. This one doesnt seem to have the facility for this. I need this service and use it constantly Show details

Really like it – I have had this GPS for a year now. I changed over from the Tom Tom as it has a larger screen. So I am always comparing it to the Tom Tom. First of the complaints is there is no short cut icon on the side for things like screen dimming, create favorite instantly, turn of sound etc. So when the Garmin is to bright and it still thinks it's… Read more

daytime it is so bright I have to go to settings to try and dim it. If my son is asleep and the voice suddenly goes to loud, I have to go to settings to silence it.

It tells me there are fuel stations in the middle of nowhere. There will hopefully be someone who will design the perfect GPS or one that's totally programmable one day.

Meanwhile it is still a excellent unit. Easy to just touch the screen and drag it around. If Tom Tom ever make a 7 or 8 inch screen and better map updates or for longer then 3 years then I would go back to Tom Tom.

I have hooked it up to a reverse camera with the resolution of a 1990 cell phone.

JD

Never get Lost Again – Best thing I have ever bought for the car. No more getting lost or searching thru maps and taking the wrong road. Easy to set up. With lifetime free maps. Comes with built in dash cam as well. Sooooo easy to use. Paid $170 on Ebay. Brand new unit. included free Garmin high speed multi charger. All with 12 months replacement warranty

Ok, but I had to return it – It’s a good basic GPS, but I had to return as one basic feature missing surprisingly. You can’t turn off voice directions and still hear notifications of going over speed limit or upcoming, strange as I had this on a Tom Tom 10 years ago, even the free Waze has this, It’s all audio on or all off, just not useable for my needs.

So good we bought 2 – Mapping has proven accurate thus far (albeit with limited use). We have both the 6" and 7" models as the windscreen is further away in one car and they replace a Navman S80 that is going to the 3rd vehicle and a Tom Tom GO 720 that got drowned. The navigation menus are somewhat easier to use than either of those, the turn by turn function is… Read more

handy and the large displays make reading at a glance easy.

The mounts look solid (especially compared to the Tom Tom) and seem to hold better even in hot weather.

Reliable Garmin model but read carefully extra features – As all my previous Garmin models this one is the same. Simple presentation and reading on screen, no problems with GPS signal even on rainy days, faster response compared to my old model and maps as good as all Garmin maps. The touch screen is the same old mat low sensitivity screen you have to press it more than even a cheapest mobile phone. Then… Read more

again it is not used as often as mobile (to touch) so it is not a big deal.

This model is definitely better featured than the basic models. It has so many features I was impressed. It can even suggest accommodation with Trivago app and some other cool features. I have inbuilt GPS in my car's head unit so I wasn't that desperate for the new GPS but my car unit maps are updated every once in 3 years plus I am traveling every year to Europe so I needed one to take it with me. These Trivago app and other services are going to be very handy.

While AU and NZ maps are so easy to update (and often) over the computer if you want to use EU maps they are going to cost you almost like a new basic Garmin you can get in Europe. And unlike my old basic Garmin you cannot get someone else EU map on SD card and use it. This model has much more sophisticated copy protection and will not see any but original Garmin map.

Before I decided to get this model I was reading some reviews online and now that I have it I found out many reviews and complains are because people are switching from different brands and because Garmin has different controls they dont now how to find the feature they are complaining about it is missing.

On the other hand I missed some important information I did not read carefully. There are models LM and LMT-S and there is a huge difference here. LM is COMPATIBLE with Garmin reverse camera while LMT-S has a built in receiver for the Garmin camera. After I bought the camera online I realised I need to buy Garmin receiver too which is almost as expensive as the camera itself. If I knew this I would probably go for a LMT-S model for extra few bucks. Also LMT-S model has a better touch screen.

I tested the camera with this model and it is working well. The camera is not the best quality but that is for another review. This LM model is compatible with it and it works as it should.When you hire a car without reverse camera this is very good portable solution too.

Overall I am happy with the product and would recommend it as long as you know what are you getting and what are your needs.

A great GPS for the price – We have a 2008 Lexus RX 350 and the maps can’t be updated at this time. We have had 2 previous Garmin in the past and liked their ease of use and the lifetime maps update. So we wanted something familiar. When you’re in your 40’s (late 40’s) a 7 inch screen is a plus. This is primarily why we bought it. It looks, feels and works like a Garmin. I’m… Read more

not tech savvy and read the reviews that voice activation is a little clunky. We have saved all our searches/addresses and we find using the voice activation great. I have managed to pair my phone and that also works. If you want a tech write up, I’m sorry I’m not your reviewer. But as someone who is a little tech challenged (That’s why we have teenagers!) I have found the Garmin to do what it’s supposed to do. Large screen, easy to use, more features than I’ll ever (or know how to) use.

Overall, pretty good, but POI data inaccurate – Maps are fine, although they cannot be completely up to date every time there’s an update. Easy to install, bought a reversing camera to go with it, which is pretty useful. However the warning message at the bottom of the screen obscures the view of my tow ball which is handy when connecting a trailer. The warning should be at the top of the… Read more

screen out of the way. Much of the POI data is wrong. Schools showing up that were closed down many years ago. Petrol stations listed at private home addresses, in newsagents, rest areas, and places where there are no petrol stations. Railroad crossings show up even though the railway was dismantled and no longer operational. Quality of sound when using Bluetooth phone connection is mediocre.

This is great – Bought this to take on holiday in our hire car and now we have put it in my husbands car and so far it has been amazing, better than the in built navigation system in my car. Very impressed so far and would buy another of this brand if we ever needed one.

Good Value – Recently took my Kia Sportage in for service & asked for my Satnav maps to be updated (I was told that I would get 3 years of free map updates, when I bought the car). I was informed that Kia has changed suppliers of the satnav & that It would cost me just under $300 to have my unit updated! I thought that for under $300 I could get a stand alone… Read more

Satnav with lifetime map updates, so I did my usual research & decided to buy the Garmin Drivesmart 61 LMT-S.

I have had Garmin Satnavs in the past, so knew that the quality & reliability is good & that map updates are easily downloaded & installed. The satellite tracking sensitivity seems good, only loosing tracking in tunnels & underground car parks. I bought a Garmin Dash top friction mount as I hate suction mounts, which consistently fall off the windscreen. The friction mount is very stable & can be simply lifted off the dashboard when not needed. The latest software & maps are easy to download & install from the Garmin website, using my laptop. I really like the voice operation, although the unit is easily confused, if the radio is playing or other people are talking while you try to 'talk' to the satnav. It is much 'safer' to talk to the satnav, than trying to look at & touch the menu buttons on the screen, while driving. Map accuracy is as about average, but they are all out of date when you install them. Guidance suffers from the usual satnav problems, occasionally getting 'lost' or taking circuitous routes. These hiccups are, unfortunately, common to all satnavs & can be very frustrating. When this happens, it is useful to have Google Maps on your mobile phone, as a backup. The reason that I don't use Google Maps as my primary Satnav, is that in my experience it suffers from 'lag' & the guidance can be up to 50 metres behind your actual position. Of course, this means that it is easy to miss turns etc. very dangerous indeed. I would reccommend this unit, if you are looking for a satnav at a reasonable price.

Garmin excellence again – Also fitted to Range Rover. Excellent for long trip planning due to large number of waypoints that can be stored. LR unit only stores 5 waypoints. Maps great but off road coverage is poor to hopeless. Voice command is average. Overall though is great GPS and is my fourth Garmin unit. I think off-road maps can be purchased from Garmin.

Great for the price – Great GPS with lots of extras. Speed check ... free lifetime maps ... easy to understand voices ... The interface is pleasant to look at ... It shows places to eat ... where to buy fuel ... so many extras to mention. The detailed maps are easy to follow. I paid under $200. Great value for money.

Garmin DriveSmart 51 LMT is unreliable garbage – Garmin express program This program is essential for updating software and maps. It is garbage. Its servers are slow and small updates take over 1 hour to download. It fails to recognize the connected gps and fails to know when the gps software is updated. The update software fails and constantly loops (without telling the user there's a problem).… Read more

It will not turn on The screen goes black and won’t turn on. It may be linked to the terrible batteries Garmin use that don’t last 60 seconds without a power source. It’s so unintuitive that it won’t bypass the battery when plugged into the car charger. My $10 electric shaver does this when the battery is low, but this $300 GPS won’t. The GPS fails to turn on even when plugged into the charger for 5 hours straight (I’ve tried it in different cars and the problem persists). I’m travelling on my holidays and this GPS literally refuses to turn on.

I bought this unit brand new 3 years ago and it has never functioned reliably. Do not be fooled by the pretty screen compared to competitors like Navman, because what good is a pretty screen if you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with a GPS that won’t turn on. Do not buy a Garmin product unless it comes with a 5 year warranty.

Awful.

Overrated and overstated with many hidden shortfalls – Bought this to use overseas as it has Voice Command which is a critical feature for driving in Europe. It can also accommodate extra maps by way of a micro SD card, so I bought the Garmin City Navigator Europe NT Full Coverage 010-10680-50 maps for the outrageous price of $139.00 to work with this GPS whilst driving in Europe. To my horror I… Read more

discovered that the Voice Command feature does not work on any maps but with what was originally loaded onto this GPS. For example, when trying to use it for France, it says this feature (Voice Command) is not available in British English. It was the same for the UK and ALL other European countries. Over and above, the maps were horribly outdated. Although Garmin stated the European map I bought was 2018 and current, it could not locate an address in Spain which was in existence for 12 years plus. In fact, it could not locate the entire village. Yet Google Maps found the address in seconds. This GPS does not come with a mains charger - it is an extra and from full charge, you'll be lucky to see 20 minutes until dead flat albeit Garmin claim 30 minutes which in itself is ludicrous. If you want to enter an address while in your hotel room for example, unless you have a wall charger, forget it. The Garmin DriveSmart 51 LMT-S is overrated and overstated and we are clearly being mislead by Garmin. Avoid at all costs - especially if considering this item for overseas travel. Rather hire a car with a GPS.

So Far So Good – Just purchased this unit 1 week ago (June 2018) for a sale price of $227. I love the large 7" screen and the map detail, Have been driving around Perth and the Perth Hills testing it. Its been very accurate and the alerts are very helpful. Voice activation unfortunately is very frustrating, The unit does not understand the Australian accent.… Read more

Either I can't pronounciate properly or this unit just guesses at what you are saying. And the guesses are not anywhere near the words you spoke. It can take up to 10 or more attempts before it gets it right. Hopefully I'll get a chance to do a road trip and test it properly out of the city. I no longer need my HUD as all the info is on the Garmin. Updates and help files have been straightforward so far, It has lifetime maps. So far maps are accurate and reliable, Signal strength is good. Extremely easy to install and the windscreen bracket is great. Easy to remove the unit when not driving. Definitely way better than google maps. Hopefully, I'll be able to add more info at a later date after I've had it for a while and done some country trips to truly test its metal. Can't wait to see if it has good coverage of unsealed roads in the country and outback areas. UPDATE: while on a road trip in 2023 the device started doing stupid things. It took me to a waterfall on a round about trip through these hilly logging tracks. Never got to the falls. I later learnt that it had told me to go the wrong way at a fork in the road. And many other stupid unnecessary trip guidance. It kept shutting down as it was getting hot through the windscreen. Then it just carked it for 24 hours. It eventually came back to life but is unstable and unreliable. It only lasted 5 years. Garmin is supppto be a really good brand with a very good reputation but my Garmin was pretty useless. The voice control was always useless and never improved regardlyof the many updates. My previous nav unit was a no name brand and it was excellent and lasted a very long time. Now looking for a replacement.

Ideal for what I need – Updated to the Garmin Drive smart 61 LMT-6 Got it at a competitive price from Harvey Normans. Good quick response when activated, nice large easily readable screen, clear voice command, easy to install very pleased with the devise. Following needs improvement, the supposed gas stations are invariably non existent, the speed zones are often… Read more

incorrect. Apparently this is common in most name gps`s as they install the same map apps, despite these " issues " I am happy with the overall performance of the device. Word of warning device is NOT compatible with (hard wiring) direct to battery, causes malfunction !!!

Regards Wedge Tail

A really great product – I purchased this unit for my wife's Range Rover after being lead on a 15klm. trip around the outskirts of Bundaberg instead of 4klms through the center of town by the inbuilt unit.This isn't the first time that this has happened. My wife who is technology challenged fitted the unit and programed it, while I was away for a week, it's that easy,… Read more

her own words. She has been for several fact finding trips with this unit, she couldn't be happier it does everything she has asked of it, I am looking forward to using it myself.

6 inch not easy to set up – It is too complex to to load trips, my old 2011 5' is easy Show details