Customer Reviews for Garmin Drive 53 5" Portable GPS , Black (GRM0285800)
122 reviews
Most helpful positive review
Posted Jan 23, 2026
Great!
I use this on my motorcycle - the only thing I haven’t figured out is how to use it while wearing gloves. My old GPS worked with gloves which was convenient.
VS
Most helpful critical review
Posted Jan 12, 2026
Not totally happy.
Worked great the first time I used it. Now I have trouble getting it charged. Pointless to have something that does not work.
Patty14
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Feb 14, 2026
Having problems
This garmin keeps going out on me. I charged it first and it only lasted about 10 minutes I brought it in and charged it again and it only lasted about 12-15 minutes before it
went out. Shows green battery is charged. The second time I was able to get it back on so I did have directs to get home
went out. Shows green battery is charged. The second time I was able to get it back on so I did have directs to get home
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
mg1949
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 30, 2026
Good value
user friendly, should come with usb car charger instead of lighter plug
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
Jzarech
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 23, 2026
Great!
I use this on my motorcycle - the only thing I haven’t figured out is how to use it while wearing gloves. My old GPS worked with gloves which was convenient.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
Jim105
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 21, 2026
Very good GPS
Needed to replace my old Garmin. This one is much the same, but newer features. The learning curve is easy.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
Careless directions
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 18, 2026
Very disappointed
I have the Drive 51 and replaced it with the Drive 53 that boasts about traffic is included. The cable for it is Not included. Directions for traffic in the manual are vague as well as any YouTube reports in the 53. The update was run first thing before use.
The directions to Port Huron was fine until we got off the freeway to turn towards the Comfort Inn. Just off the...
The directions to Port Huron was fine until we got off the freeway to turn towards the Comfort Inn. Just off the...
Read full review
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
journeyingone
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 17, 2026
You get what you pay for.
Out in the country, the 53EX tells you to move right or left of an oil well that is not visible from a paved Farm-to-Market highway. It will not show the time of day once you enter a route. It does darken the screen when it thinks it is dark outside.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
I - 295 Driver
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 14, 2026
Roads Missing
I recently bought this because I found out I couldn't get updated maps for my TomTom. I went out this morning and tried it out and it was also missing a recently finished highway. I-295,the western bypass around Fayetteville, NC was recently finished and it does not show up on the Garmin. I did update the map just after buying it. Also, it would be nice to have a clock ...
Read full review
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
attli
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 13, 2026
works
Similar to my old Garmin GPS. Still getting used to using it. The data transferred from my old GPS to this new one easily via Garmin Express.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
Sadly
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 12, 2026
Not totally happy.
Worked great the first time I used it. Now I have trouble getting it charged. Pointless to have something that does not work.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
paulfr
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 11, 2026
manual input works !
still investigating how to use. looking to find voice commands to set up a trip? it may not support voice commands to the device. manual entry works and isn't confusing
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
dgbcpt
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 8, 2026
Great Improvements
I was gifted the Garmin Drive 53 (GD53) from "Santa" as my Garmin Drive 50 (GD50) was getting tired. . .accurate, but tired. The GD53 has a brighter more resolute screen and the input with my fat fingers works extremely better than on the GD50. I doubt I'll use all the features available, but the display and layout of the different features is much more appealing to t...
Read full review
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
LyleG
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 6, 2026
Nice product
I bought this when my Nuvi50LM died. It's a nice unit and I have it configured the way I want now. The menus on the Drive 53 is different than the Nvi50LM and it took some experimenting to get it the way I had on the old unit. It's a nice unit with a slightly better screen. I wanted it as I travel frequently in areas where cell phone service is spotty. This new unit ...
Read full review
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
Chuck420
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Jan 5, 2026
Nice Up Grade
I Bought this to update from my nuvi 2539 as the windshield no longer functioned. I am pleased with the features and how this unit works now that I have figured out navigating the menu choices
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
cea1267
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Dec 31, 2025
Drive 53
Bought this smaller Garmin to fit into a DYI console. It has a bright picture and the belss and whistles needed.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
G D B
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Dec 28, 2025
Great brightness and great features
So far we love it. One wish would be able to reverse the route.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Dec 28, 2025
Great
Easy to set up. Nice screen size
Was able to up load saved locations from old Garmin easily
Was able to up load saved locations from old Garmin easily
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
Fordlover
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Dec 10, 2025
Easy navigation system
I brought this Garmin navigation system, because I was using an older navigation system and it started working intermittently and it was not getting updates. I was undecided on purchasing this smaller unit, but it fits my vehicle perfectly and is easy to use.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
deermdow
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Nov 25, 2025
great performance
This replaced my 50 (it was tired and screen was shot).
This one is faster/clearer/a wee bit smaller and lighter and faster - I love it
This one is faster/clearer/a wee bit smaller and lighter and faster - I love it
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
SMOOTHIE
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Nov 22, 2025
Premature, no chance to review yet.
Sorry, I have not had a chance to review yet; therefore, I cannot give a fair review. However, my Nuvi was great, and I am sure the the Drive 53 will be great also. I have had good luck with Garmin products. I also have a Garmin gold watch.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report
Genieman
Reviewed at:
Garmin
Posted Nov 14, 2025
Super Great Features
I bought this more than a month ago and I am super happy with it.
0up votes 0
0down votes 0
Report