CNET Editor's rating: 8.3 out of 10
Reviewed by
Bonnie Cha
Review date: 11/20/06
The good: The Garmin Nuvi 660 offers an accurate GPS receiver, text-to-speech functionality, and traffic capabilities. The versatile system also features a gorgeous display, integrated Bluetooth, travel tools, and multimedia functions.
The bad: The device is expensive, and there are no external volume controls. The system also doesn't support multidestination route creation.
The bottom line: If you can afford the hefty price tag, the Garmin Nuvi 660 is a solid-performing and versatile GPS device that offers all the navigation basics, tools for the world traveler, Bluetooth, and more.
The Garmin Nuvi series has proven to be a great success for the veteran navigation manufacturer. The Garmin Nuvi 350 impressed us not only with its solid performance but also with its travel-friendly features, and it consistently ranks up there as one of our readers' favorite GPS devices. Armed with navigation tools, travel guides, and multimedia capabilities, it is the ultimate travel companion. Now, the company's latest model in the series, the Gamin Nuvi 660, adds even more improvements, such as integrated Bluetooth and a larger screen, all while delivering solid performance. Now, here's the bad news. It costs a whopping $1,076.91, and you have to fork over even more cash if you want the expanded travel tools. If you don't need all that functionality, the Nuvi 350 is a solid alternative, or take a look at the HP iPaq rx5900 series.
Design
At 4.9x2.9by0.9 inches and 6.2 ounces, the Garmin Nuvi 660 is slightly bigger and heavier than its predecessor but it's still an ultraportable and sleek device that you can use in and out of the car. Plus, the extra size is for a good reason. The Nuvi 660 now boasts a larger, 4.3-inch display compared to the Nuvi 350's 3.5-inch screen. The touch screen has an impressive 480x272 pixel resolution that made maps look extrasharp and colorful. It's also still readable in direct sunlight.
You can access all the Nuvi 660's tools and enter information via the touch screen. The interface is clean, and the menus are clearly identified and intuitive, so there isn't a steep learning curve to operate the device. In fact, it's so easy to use that we didn't even have to crack open the user's manual once. In addition, the icons and onscreen keyboard are large, so we didn't have any problems with pressing the wrong buttons.
With everything handled via the touch screen, the Nuvi 660 can have a minimalist design, which we like. There's a sole power on/off button on the top of the unit, while there's an SD expansion slot, a mini USB port, and a headphone jack on the right spine. Finally, there is a flip-up patch antenna on the back that stores flush with the unit's surface in its closed state, so it doesn't add any extra bulk. Our only wish would be for external volume controls, but if you give the power button a quick press, it brings up a Quick Settings page where you can adjust the sound and screen brightness.
Garmin packages the Nuvi 660 with a vehicle mount (windshield and dash), an AC adapter, a car charger with an integrated FM traffic receiver, a USB cable, a carrying case, and reference material.
Features
The Garmin Nuvi 660 keeps many of the same features that we loved in its predecessor and adds some new tricks as well. First, the system now has integrated Bluetooth, so you can use it hands-free to make and accept phone calls. Once connected, just press the phone icon that appears on the Main Menu page, and you can start placing calls with the onscreen dialer or your phone book. If a number is listed for a point of interest, the Nuvi 660 can dial out to that business with a press of a button--perfect if you need to make a last-minute reservation at a restaurant or hotel. Voice-guided directions are automatically muted during incoming calls. There are also options to send text messages, synchronize your phone's address book and call log, and dial by voice, but these features aren't supported with all mobiles. You can find a list of compatible phones and services on Garmin's Web site, though we were able to successfully pair it with the Cingular 8525, which wasn't included on the list.
As far as navigation, the Garmin Nuvi 660 is equipped with a WAAS-enabled (Wide Area Augmentation System for better position accuracy) GPS receiver and comes preloaded with maps of North America. You get all the standard GPS features found in the latest systems, including turn-by-turn text- and voice-guided directions, automatic rerouting, and text-to-speech functionality, which allows the unit to speak actual street names. The system can generate directions by fastest time, shortest distance, or off road, if you're the adventurous type. The Nuvi 660 isn't just limited to use in the car, either; there are settings for pedestrian, bicycle, truck, and bus modes. Unfortunately, however, the system does not support multistop route calculation.
The Nuvi 660 has a detour function for avoiding certain portions of your prescribed route, but the system also now comes with an FM traffic receiver that's integrated into the cigarette lighter adapter, so you don't have to pay extra for an optional accessory. Traffic information is provided by Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network and can alert you to any upcoming congestion or road construction. With the purchase of the Garmin Nuvi 660, you get a complimentary three-month subscription to the service. After that, you'll have to pay $60 for three more months. Also, be sure to check that your city is covered by the network.
Maps are available in 2D and 3D view with day and night colors, and you can change your view so that either north or the direction in which you're driving is always at the top of your screen. Plus and minus icons on the map screen allow you to zoom in and out, and there's also a trip information page that displays your speed, direction, trip time, and so forth. Finally, the Nuvi 660 has a comprehensive POI database with all the major categories and more specific ones; you can even search for restaurants by type of cuisine.
Among of the greatest perks and differentiators about the Garmin Nuvi 660 are its travel features. Like the Nuvi 350, it has an onboard Travel Kit that includes an MP3 player, an Audible book player, a JPEG picture viewer with a slide-show function, a world clock, currency and measurement converters, and a calculator. You can expand the device's capabilities with one of Garmin's three optional software packages (available on SD cards): Language Guide ($74.99), Travel Guide (price varies depending on what region you want), and SaversGuide ($49.99). The former includes a multilingual word and phrase bank with support for nine languages and dialects and five bilingual dictionaries. Thanks to the Nuvi's text-to-speech functionality, you can also get a spoken pronunciation of each entry in the word bank. The Travel Guide provides reviews and recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and more, while the SaversGuide offers discounts at participating merchants.
Performance
We took the Garmin Nuvi 660 out for a test-drive in San Francisco, and it performed wonderfully. The unit impressed us by acquiring a satellite fix in less than a minute, and subsequent starts were much faster. The system precisely tracked our location as we drove around the city running routine errands. We also entered a specific destination, and the Nuvi 660 quickly returned with a route. The directions were accurate, and automatic route recalculation was also prompt after we got off track.
As we noted earlier, we were able to pair the unit with the Cingular 8525, and we had no problems making calls. The multimedia experience was as to be expected on a portable navigation device: it wasn't great, but it was fine for when you're in an absolute pinch. Music sounded OK through the system's speakers, though it was a bit muffled and soft; we plugged in a pair of Shure E3s, which improved the sound quality.
3 out of 10 - Poor Thoughtful Review of an Unthoughtful Product
This is a detailed review of the Garmin Nuvi 660, which I'm returning after 2 weeks of light use ...
This is a detailed review of the Garmin Nuvi 660, which I'm returning after 2 weeks of light use for the following reasons, in rank order, with most flaws exposing a shocking lack of thoughtfulness in Garmin hardware and process flow design. I hope it saves people time if they value their time and money.
1) Inferior routing algorithm that makes the types of errors that none of my other 3 on-board car gps systems make. Silly things like getting off the highway 3 exits early to take local roads filled with stoplights. And yes, I'm sure the route preference setting is on "quick" not "short". 2) On the map, it doesn't show the direction of the next turn. This omission is a deal-killer, too. I cannot believe Garmin does not have this because it's so basic a need. You HAVE to know which way to turn next, especially if the mapview is compressed along the vertical axis and you can't see which way the route meanders. 3) The mp3 capability is a complete waste of hard disk space because the sound coming out of it totally, totally stinks. It's beyond bad. It's good enough for the nav voice guide, but horrible for music. Do NOT consider this a selling point at all because you will never use it, except for the expensive audiobook capability, perhaps. 4) The system does not automatically shut off when you turn the ignition off. The Garmin stays on!!! Maybe this is to encourage you to remove the device and put it in the glove compartment for security reasons, but I park only in secured garages, so this is a pain. 5) Even when you remove the unit and it turns off, if the power cord is still in the car's power outlet (unattached to the actual gps unit), the green light on the cord shows that power is still being fed through the cord -- EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF!! This is a fatal error because if I park at the airport for a week, I'm going to be a bit annoyed when I find after a midnight arrival that the battery has been drained. 6) When a user enters addresses, most good systems will show a first default screen listing the last cities entered so that you can select them. In this NUVI 660, you have to spell out the city name each time. Annoying and shows a lack of thoughtfulness in the workflow design. 7) On mapview, it tells you the estimated arrival time, but I care more about distance to destination. Why not show both or if Garmin wants, it should let me choose which one I want. Or it should tell you BOTH. What makes this more maddening is that the mapview screen doesn't tell you what time it is, so then, you have to look at the estimated time of arrival and look at your watch or console clock and subtract the time to get estimated minutes to arrival. This is moronic.
In summary, for around $850 of hard-earned cash, this thing is barely acceptable in my opinion. People who rave about this system have obviously never used the Acura, Lexus, or BMW console navigation systems, which all have their own quirks, but are much better than this 3rd party outboard unit. I would have expected better, given that Garmin's sole focus is nav systems.
Updated I found out that of the two power outlets on my dashboard, one is powered by the same line that feeds the dashboard instrumentation and the other is fed directly by the battery. The Garmin was in the outlet fed directly by the battery, so naturally, it didn't turn off when the car ignition was off. If I insert it into the other outlet, then the Garmin does turn off. So my points 4 and 5 are invalid. Sorry about that!
9 out of 10 - Spectacular The "Apple iPod" of GPS units...No Regrets
HINT: Thieves LOVE this. Be sure to remove it from your window (inluding the suction mount) and take it with ...
HINT: Thieves LOVE this. Be sure to remove it from your window (inluding the suction mount) and take it with you or hide it in your vehicle when parked. I've had TWO Garmin Nuvi units stolen from my car this year.
Based on what is out there, this is the ROLLS ROYCE of portable GPS units, with a price tag to match. That being said, don't pay more than $750 for it new, anywhere. Many places on the web, including eBay, sell this item new for that price often with free shipping.
I've owned the Garmin Nuvi 350, and had it stolen twice. It was my favorite gadget of all time, hands down. When Garmin announced the upcoming widescreen Nuvi 660 with integrated Bluetooth, FM transmitter, and included FM traffic reciver, I ordered one. I have not regretted it. The overall appearance, design, form factor, and usability of this device is only rivaled by Apple's iPod, in my opinion.
To be blunt, I prefer the smaller form factor of the Nuvi 350 and 360 units. The 660 is a widescreen unit and is slightly thicker as well, which goes against the industry-leadnig portability established by its predecessors. However, the screen seems to have been revamped and is VERY bright and easy to see. As a matter of fact, it handles direct sunlight without washing out any of the display. At night, I keep it at only 20% brightness. This makes it less visible in my peripheral vision as I am driving, as well as saving the short battery life. So far the unit averages about three hours of battery life after a full charge, with the WAAS/Egnos feature turned off and the display dimmed somewhat to conserve on power.
The user interface is the best out there: simple, robust, and responsive. The mapping is excellent, and the Google Map-style drawings are both beautiful and functional. It powers up and very quickly picks up the GPS satellites. You can load your custom points of interest as well. One of the neatest features I have seen is that it will display your Bluetooth-enabled phone's contacts right on the Nuvi display screen as if you were looking at your own phone.
As far as durability and quality, there are no concerns. Garmin makes excellent, well-tested products and the Nuvi is no exception. I've dropped my device several times already without any damage to it.
BOTTOM LINE: Very highly recommended.
HINT: If you want to avoid highways, you can go into the Navigation options under "avoidances" and tell the unit to avoid major highways. I do wish that Garmin would make this option easier to set instead of having it embedded in three levels of menus, but at least it has it.
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by james_t_boyd (see profile) -
October 14, 2006
6 out of 10 - Good I Returned Mine. This Is Why...
I was given a TomTom One for Christmas and I thought I loved it. Navigation was clear and direct. However, ...
I was given a TomTom One for Christmas and I thought I loved it. Navigation was clear and direct. However, I quickly discovered that it lacked a database for common stores such as Wal-mart or Best Buy. I could find the shopping center they were in but of course that would be useless if you're visiting a new area you're unfamiliar with and just wanted to find the nearest Wal-Mart. So, I decided to "upgrade" to the "latest" and "greatest" which is what the Nuvi 660 was supposed to be.
I went into its POI menu and found that restaurants, shops, gas stations, and even golf courses, were all organized into very well designed menus and submenus; something the TomTom was lacking. Everything looked great until I discovered that any store built as recently as 3 years ago wasn't to be found. This, mind you, is after a very recent update. You can load custom POI's in but it's a VERY cumbersome process that only very computer savy folks could do. Consumers beware: There is no way to update your POI database. You must wait for the updates that come out only once a year or every two years for $150+.
In addition, you have very few options for navigation preferences. The TomTom seemed much more intelligent in chosing routes. For instance, I live in Hayward, CA. My parents live in Sacramento. When I go up to visit, the Garmin wants me to take I-680 because it's slightly faster by maybe 15 minutes overall. I hate going through 680 because of traffic and so I take 80 all the way. When I'm driving though, and pass the turnoff to go to 680, the Garmin recalculates and tries to take me off onto sideroads for the next 9 exits so I can backtrack and get back to 680. With the TomTom, it simply recalculates and has me continue on 80 because that's the next logical route.
In short, the TomTom wasn't the complete package and neither was the Garmin. They both have major drawbacks, and when you're spending more than $500 (or $899 in the case of the Garmin) you should expect it to be full featured. Especially when these are the only products your company makes. So, as for me, I took mine back. I expect these companies to make a more well thought out product before I spend the loads of money their asking.
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by Mahler12x (see profile) -
January 15, 2007
1 out of 10 - Abysmal NOT worth the money!!!!
I wanted to make this GPS work so bad. I have been using Garmin for a long time now and ...
I wanted to make this GPS work so bad. I have been using Garmin for a long time now and was between the 2820 and the Uvi 660. Due to the size and the built ins I went for the Nuvi 660. Sams Club was having a sale on them and I could not resist.
So I bring home my new 660 and charge it up. I then try to turn it on and it locks up. So I call Garmin, which has the best customer service, and they told me to take it back and get an exchange. This stuff happens so I went back and got a new one.
This one started up thank goodness but I was unable to find a FM channel to use so I can have handsfree over the radio. Even then I was OK, the 2820 can't go through the radio either so there is no reason to get that one instead. I use my cell phone a lot so I was looking forward to the handsfree feature. The problem is that the speaker is a little weak and I had complaints from people I was talking to about noise and them hearing themselves talk. Then I found out that you can't use a bluetooth earpiece with this system but you can on the 2820.
Since I drive a lot I use my GPS more than most people. When you frive that often you find that there are certain roads or areas that you NEVER want to drive on and avoid forever. The 2820 and the 2720 allow you to make cutom avoidances so the GPS always makes your route around that area. For example, I live in Houston, and if I wanted to go to North Houston the GPA will take me through the center of Downtown Houston to get there. If you do that you will wan to drive your vehicle off a bridge after sitting through that nightmare of a route. I would rather take one of the loops that goes around instead. With my 2720 it would avoid that area and just route me around it without me having to detour every time.
The other thing is the lack of remote. The remotes come in so handy when driving. If you haven't used a remote you don't know what you are missing. Volume control is easier and bluetooth functions are easier.
Another feature lacking is the categories under "favorites" This way you can have diferent categories for finding fanorites easier, like: restaurants, work, personal, vacation, etc
For this price of unit it should have better if not as good of options as the same priced 2820. I do like the battery powered function and how small the unit is but those pluses don't make up for all the minuses!!!!
I returned mine yesterday and now have a 2820 on order. The 660 is sexy but it is more of an entry level unit at a upper end price level.
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by dentalrep (see profile) -
November 18, 2006
9 out of 10 - Spectacular My friends are all trading in their own GPS units for this one after seeing mine in action.
After having tried the Magellan 3050T, I returned it for this model. My primary reason for returning the Magellan was ...
After having tried the Magellan 3050T, I returned it for this model. My primary reason for returning the Magellan was because of a design flaw with the buttons (as I documented in another review), however once I discovered the importance of `size', I wouldn't purchase another GPS larger than the Nuvi 660. After having experienced the joys of riding with me and seeing how small this unit is in the dash or window compared to their bulkier models, several of my friends have resorted to selling their own units to purchase either a 660 or the even smaller 350 or 360 models. I think the greatest rating of all a product could receive is when all your friends start trading in their own models for yours after seeing it in action. I would have preferred the size of the 360, but I have large fingers and was worried about trying to press the tinier interface screen buttons on the smaller model.
The 660 is extremely easy to use, has a perfect screen, and catches the satellites in seconds after turn on. The voice commands are a bit robotic, but it uses text to speech conversion (announces street names on guidance instead of feet/miles), so I doubt at this point there is anything better on the market. I tried a GPS that did not use the text to speech conversion, and was occasionally missing turns when two turn offs were so close together that the GPS announcement was worthless. This isn't an issue with the 660 because the street names are announced.
I haven't had a great deal of luck with the FM transmitter, but I believe this is because I have a rear mount antenna on my car. I've read other reviews that the FM transmitter wasn't worth using, and yet other reviews that claim perfect reception. I think it is an issue of antenna proximity and the availability of clear frequencies.
The 660 comes with both a 110 adapter and a 12V vehicle adapter, however the 12V vehicle power adapter does not plug directly into the unit, but rather the suction cup vehicle mount. The mount has a small power interface connector that links to the 660 when the unit is placed into the mount. This might be ideal for certain situations, such as when the power and mount are permanently affixed in the vehicle, but I find it to be a bit of a nuisance because I have to stick the GPS in the mount even when I am just trying to charge it on the passenger seat. It's a very small issue. I wouldn't image leaving the mount in view even if the 660 was not in the car, because thieves could assume a gps unit is hidden in the glove compartment or under the seat when noticing the mount, and might break your window to find out.
Battery life could be a little better, but 3 hours is fair considering it charges quickly, and comes with a 110 adapter for use at home. One thing I really like about the unit is that the GPS automatically turns off when the antenna is folded back, so you can play with the unit (add addresses, browse maps, etc) while at home. I've tried other models that wouldn't quit prompting for gps coverage, which made them useless for indoor use. The Points of Interest menu is very comprehensive, and includes phone numbers with addresses. While traveling, twice now I have chosen to search "closest", and "Pizza", to grab a phone number to the closest pizza delivery guys from my hotel room, which makes the 660 a bit of a virtual yellow pages as well. I think Garmin hit it on the mark by calling this a travel assistant, because it is small enough to take with you while walking or riding public transportation, and this model fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. I've been able to use it to find bus routes and predict the closest stops in unfamiliar areas to tourist spots while on vacation.
You can purchase this unit for $750.00 or less as of 17Oct06 at several online vendors. You pay for quality, but this one has it.
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by the2600 (see profile) -
October 17, 2006
3 out of 10 - Poor How it stacks up against Tom Tom
I work as a Sales Engineer and having a fast reliable GPS is critical. I shelled out $900.00 at ...
I work as a Sales Engineer and having a fast reliable GPS is critical. I shelled out $900.00 at radio shack for my 660 and I am very dissapointed. So much so that I felt it neccessary to write this. I bought a TOM TOM 910 before this one and had problems with both(see that review). The Garmine Nuvi 660 has a great screen, easy to set Favorites, great Point Of Interest database and good routing.. Everywhere else it fails to deliver. The useability compared to a TomTom is abyssmal. It's very difficut to control the volume, the FM radio transmitter is very weak and can't fully lock to the car stereo with majot static., in this case a 2007 Chevy Impala or a 2004 Landrover discovery. When in route to a destination the screen is so slow and only refreshes every two seconds or so and when driving this is bad news. You can easily pass your turn without seeing your current position updated on the screen and the View of the route is much better on the Tom Tom.
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by ms777sd (see profile) -
April 21, 2007
2 out of 10 - Terrible Navigation features very basic
For $850-900 Garmin has left too many navigation features out. For this price you can't even save a route ...
For $850-900 Garmin has left too many navigation features out. For this price you can't even save a route on the unit, you can only enter a single destination, you can't plan routes, no ability to roadblock out roads or bad neighborhoods, etc. Garmin has dumbed the nuvi line too much. I agree with some of the other posts that only those that haven't used better units are impressed. Thats what Garmin is banking on.
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by marktz (see profile) -
November 19, 2006
7 out of 10 - Very good No QWERTY key board choice on any Nuvi model!
This is a really nice unit but how can anyone in this "modern" age not provide an interface that is ...
This is a really nice unit but how can anyone in this "modern" age not provide an interface that is inline with what is the standard for data entry - a QWERTY keyboard. Tomtom does in all its models. It offers you a choice of A-Z, QWERTY or AZERTY in the preferences menu. I am sure there is not one employee of GARMIN that has an A-Z keyboard, at their computer or on their smartphone, so how could they make such a grave error in judgement. If your out in the field holding the nuvi in your hands thumbing is the most common method for entry like on your Blackberry, Treo or smartphone. Using an A-Z keyboard is a tedious non-intuitive task. It is as though Garmin had no idea who the end user was going to be. The solution to this problem is to have the software team code in these other keyboard choices in the preferences section and provide it in a downloadable software patch. As this is only a virtual keypad on the screen anything can be accomplished with software. Seemless evolution of a product is vital to its utility and success.
Updated Garmin Tech Support says Garmin are now reviewing the inclusion of the QWERTY keybord into the Nuvi. Email them at this address techsupp@garmin.com. They thought most data entry was in the hunt and peck style and didn't really didn't realize that their primary user base already QWERTY literate.
11 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 out of 10 - Average Returned Nuvi 660 - this is why...
Cannot adjust sound volume high enough (Nuvi 350 was fine), very slow start-up (well on your way before GPS functional), ...
Cannot adjust sound volume high enough (Nuvi 350 was fine), very slow start-up (well on your way before GPS functional), out-dated maps/database, directing you on roads that have been changed for 2-3 yrs, to businesses gone 2+ yrs, and cannot find new businesses already present 2-3 yrs; often directs you to turn or go inaccurate places (ie, into a guard rail, where there was an entrance ramp 2-3 yrs ago; enter a roadway that you are already on and has been finished for 2-3 yrs; or to exit when you are not suppose to) whether on "faster time" or "shorter distance", is frustrating and time wasting. Doesn't adequately indicate which direction you will be turning (so you can get in correct lane). Online reporting of errors is time-consuming, cumbersome (apparently designed for Garmin's ease of use) which deters accurate updating/reporting of errors. (Perhaps, a dedicated 800# just for this with specially trained "updaters" before large monitors to quickly identify and verify problem area/data with ability to receive email digital photos from cell phones/cameras, illustrating "at-location" map/database errors. It is CRUCIAL, potentially life-saving, to have up-to-date mapping/data! Nuvi 660 needs more timely info, rather than at 12-18mo stretches, another 6+ mos to disseminate to end-users. Could be continuously updated, for ready accessability online. I waivered about taking it back; Garmin needs to pay close attention to consumer feedback/imput, to improve the Nuvi 660. Good features, but in light of high cost and time wasting, not quite worth it.
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by reviewer321 (see profile) -
March 6, 2007
10 out of 10 - Perfect This thing is GREAT!!!
I purchased mine the day that they were released and have had a great time learning how to use it,...
I purchased mine the day that they were released and have had a great time learning how to use it,the GPS tracking is spot on and shows the map well,the FM transmitter works great with my car stereo and the voice comes through loud and clear,it is easy to program and when it recalculates routes it is done very fast. There are so many different things that it does well it would take pages to cover it all and all I can say is that I was going to first get the C550 but am glad I waited for this to come out.As for price well if you look on the web you can find it at a good price like I did for $764.00 and free shipping not the $999.00 like most places want for it.
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by moe3754 (see profile) -
October 9, 2006
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