Garmin nüvi 3597LMTHD 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps and HD Traffic

Garmin nüvi 3597LMTHD 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps and HD Traffic From Garmin List Price: $329.99 Price: $309.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com 60 new or used available from $245.00 Average customer review:  (321 customer reviews)

Product Description

Crisp, High Resolution Display

nüvi 3597LMTHD has a 5.0" high resolution display with “pinch and zoom” capability, so you can quickly get a closer look at any onscreen information. Dual-orientation capabilities allow you to use nüvi 3597LMTHD either horizontally or vertically.

Detailed Maps with Free Updates

nüvi 3597LMTHD arrives loaded with detailed maps of North America. With free lifetime¹ map updates, your routes are sure to reflect the most up-to-date maps, POIs (points of interest) and navigation information. New maps are available for download up to 4 times per year, for the life of your device, with no fees.
With so much data, nüvi 3597LMTHD makes it easy to find addresses and millions of POIs such as businesses, stores, restaurants and other destinations. nüvi 3597LMTHD arrives preloaded with POIs, so there’s no need for you to enter that address information. Just select one — or many — and navigate there, quickly and easily. You also have the ability to add custom POIs to your nüvi 3597LMTHD.

The Best of Our Traffic Solutions

HD Digital Traffic is our best traffic solution. HD Digital Traffic receives updates up to every 30 seconds, making it up to 10 times faster than other traffic systems. That means, driving 60 mph, your nüvi 3597LMTHD is able to receive traffic messages up to every half-mile. On the road, a few seconds’ notice can save minutes or even hours of delay.
HD Digital Traffic has a greater coverage area to include interstates, highways and secondary roads — in fact, up to 3 times more side road coverage. HD Digital Traffic has the capacity to receive significantly more traffic messages. That valuable information can help you decide whether to stay the course or find another route. HD Digital Traffic is dedicated traffic information and it’s free — no distracting advertising and no subscription fees, ever.
On the nüvi 3597LMTHD, traffic alerts appear to the side of your map, so your driving map remains onscreen. Traffic messages are spoken, too. Garmin Traffic is voice activated, so it responds to spoken requests. Garmin Traffic can give details about the situation, such as how many minutes of delay to expect and if there are any possible detours. It can even confirm whether or not you are on the fastest route.
Lifetime traffic² entitles your nüvi 3597LMTHD to receive free traffic information for its entire useful life.

The Power of Your Voice

nüvi 3597LMTHD has the luxury of voice-activated navigation. Speak, and your device intelligently responds; your hands can remain safely on the wheel. Of course, you can also navigate using the touchscreen interface.

Garmin Real Directions™ with Garmin Real Voice™

nüvi 3597LMTHD redefines “spoken turn-by-turn directions” with Garmin Real Directions, easy-to-understand driving directions that guide like a friend, using recognizable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights. No more stress from trying to read street names. Garmin Real Voice is refined speech technology that sounds more like a natural, friendly voice. Garmin Real Directions and Garmin Real Voice are features that are only available in our line of GPS navigators.

Bluetooth® Compatible

Sync a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as your smartphone, to nüvi 3597LMTHD for hands-free calling through its integrated microphone and speaker. Safely stow your phone in a glove compartment, pocket or purse and still make and take calls without moving your hands from the steering wheel or your eyes from the road.

Smartphone Link Compatible

Smartphone Link is a free mobile app that connects your nüvi 3597LMTHD with your Android™ smartphone. When paired, your nüvi 3597LMTHD can use your phone’s existing data plan³ to share information — such as where you parked, POIs and your destination.
Smartphone Link also gives you access to Garmin Live Services⁴, useful real-time information such as weather and traffic conditions. Garmin Live Services are available free and by subscription.

Comprehensive Driving Guidance You See and Hear

Active Lane Guidance with voice prompts prepares you to drive through an exit or interchange with confidence. As you approach, an animated model uses brightly colored arrows to indicate the proper lane needed for your route; a friendly voice offers additional help. Bird’s Eye junction view offers a detailed view of interchanges, looking down as if from overhead. photoReal junction view realistically displays junctions and interchanges along your route, including the surrounding landscape. Brightly colored arrows indicate the proper lane to drive. nüvi 3597LMTHD also depicts real road signs as they appear along your route.

Sophisticated Styling

With its elegant styling and ultra-slim profile, nüvi 3597LMTHD reflects a refined aesthetic that suits the interior of any vehicle. A powered magnetic mount securely holds and charges your nüvi 3597LMTHD as you drive.

More Information at a Glance

nüvi 3597LMTHD keeps your driving map onscreen at all times and additional information appears alongside. For details, simply ask or touch the screen. As you drive your route, Up Ahead constantly informs you of nearby services, including restaurants, fuel stations, hospitals and stores.
nüvi 3597LMTHD displays speed limit, current speed and accurate time of arrival. With a quick glance, you can read the name of your current street. nüvi 3597LMTHD also shows school zone warnings and depicts 3-D buildings and terrain so you know what to expect as you drive through the landscape.

One-stop Device Management

Use Garmin Express to keep your nüvi up-to-date. Garmin Express makes it easy to update maps and software, transfer favorites to and from devices, and install free custom vehicles and voices.

What's in the Box:

• nüvi 3597LM
• Preloaded City Navigator® NT for North America
• Lifetime maps¹ and HD digital traffic² (indicated by “LMTHD” after model number on the box)
• Lifetime traffic receiver/vehicle power cable (vehicle power cable is also traffic receiver)
• Vehicle suction cup mount
• USB cable
• Quick start manual

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¹If you purchase a nüMaps Lifetime subscription (sold separately or bundled together with certain GPS models), you will receive up to 4 map data updates per year, when and as such updates are made available on Garmin’s website, for 1 compatible Garmin product until your product’s useful life expires or Garmin no longer receives map data from its third party supplier, whichever is shorter. A product’s “useful life” means the period during which the product (a) has sufficient memory capacity and other required technical capabilities to utilize current map data and (b) is capable of operating as intended without major repairs. A product will be deemed to be out of service and its useful life to be ended if no updates have been downloaded for such product for a period of 24 months or more. Unless otherwise stated, the updates you receive under the subscription will be updates to the same geographic map data originally included with your Garmin product when originally purchased. In some instances, your Garmin product might not have sufficient memory remaining for you to load an update to the map data, in which case you will need to either (a) select reduced map data coverage for your updates, or (b) purchase separately a microSD™/SD™ card (if and as applicable to your Garmin product) and load all or a portion of the map data coverage for your updates to the card and insert the card into the microSD/SD card slot contained in your Garmin product. If neither of the measures in (a) or (b) can be used to address your product’s lack of sufficient remaining memory, then Garmin may conclude that the “useful life” of your product has expired. Garmin may terminate your nüMaps Lifetime subscription at any time if you violate any of the terms of this agreement or your subscription. Your nüMaps Lifetime subscription may not be transferred to another Garmin product.

²FREE lifetime traffic updates may not be transferred to another person or another Garmin product. Lifetime traffic extends for the useful life of your Garmin traffic receiver (as long as you own a compatible Garmin GPS) or as long as Garmin receives traffic data from its traffic supplier, whichever is shorter. A traffic receiver’s “useful life” means the period during which the receiver (a) has the required technical capabilities to utilize current traffic data service and (b) is capable of operating as intended without major repairs. Traffic content not available for all areas. See traffic coverage areas.

³User’s data plan charges, if any, will apply. Contact your mobile service provider for more information about your service plan’s data and roaming rates.

⁴Subscription may be required.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #298 in GPS or Navigation System
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Garmin
• Model: 010-01118-00
• Released on: 2013-05-03
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 5.40" h x .50" w x 3.10" l, .43 pounds
• Native resolution: 800 x 480
• Display size: 5

Features

• 5.0" high resolution display, with "pinch and zoom" capability
• Detailed maps of North America with free lifetime updates
• Free lifetime HD Digital Traffic -the fastest, best traffic solution from Garmin (the vehicle power cable is also the traffic receiver)
• Smartphone Link compatibility allows nuvi to use your Android phone's existing data plan to share information and to access Garmin Live Services, useful real-time information such as traffic and weather
• 3-D Buildings & Terrain depict landmarks and the natural landscape in North America

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
319 of 339 people found the following review helpful.
Garmin giveth, Garmin taketh away
By J. Stuart
So I've had the 3597 for almost four days, but I've used many a Garmin before, going back to the GPS V. (I've also owned the 3490, 3790 and 1695) As usual, Garmin decides to update the new model year with some new features (Active Lane Guidance and Real Directions are the main ones) but then remove others (user updatable speed limits and dashboards come to mind). I really like this new model, but would only ask for a couple of features to return to make it outstanding. All of my cons could be considered nit-picky, but they're still cons in my book. All told, I would still recommend the 3597.

SW Version 2.60

Thoughts that come to mind:

Pros
+ The 5-inch display is very crisp and clear, but can be reflective depending on how you position it in your car. Love the big screen!
+ More street names are shown on the map than previous models, roads not on your route are more frequently labled at all zoom levels
+ Voice activation works well for me, even with windows down
+ HD traffic (included) works well for me in San Diego; however see below for comment around traffic with Smartphone App
+ Advanced lane guidance. While not included for all junctions, it's useful to know exactly which lane you should be in as you approach tricky junctions/intersections
+ Current street shown
+ Volume with speaker mount is very good. With windows down I only have to boost the volume to 60 or 65 to hear directions.
+ Magnetic mount - bring the unit close to the mount and it just snaps into place by itself, much improved.

Cons
- Lack of dashboards, or specifically of more data fields. I really miss having more than two data fields. One being current speed (cannot be changed) and one other. I miss being able to view time to destination, arrival time, and distance to destination all on the screen at the same time, like any of the previous models. Hopefully this will be changed in a SW update...? By the way, you can include trip data in the "sidebar", but those are limited to Direction, Max Speed, Moving Avg, Overall Avg, Stopped Time, Moving Time, Total Time, Elevation. Why just those "trip" fields?
- I had previously purchased the traffic through the Smartphone App for Android and it's hit or miss. I can have cell reception on my phone, but the GPS won't be able to receive data. By keeping the traffic on the sidebar, it can confirm that it will go minutes without being able to update the traffic info. If it connects at startup but then isn't able to connect, all traffic data goes away until it can successfully connect again. I'm hopeful this can also be updated via SW update.
- I miss the three onscreen shortcuts found in the 3490 - it takes an extra button press to do a "where to" search, or get traffic info. A minor annoyance, but still a feature subtracted from the previous model.
- No user updatable speed limits - a feature removed from previous models. While I understand they're only included as a guide, it would be nice to change them if they are incorrect.

* Real directions. I'm indifferent to this new feature. "Turn left at the traffic light" versus "Turn left on University Ave" doesn't really make much difference to me. Though I did run across the downfall of implementing this feature... "Turn left after La Salsa" only helps when La Salsa is still in business. Unfortunately it was not, but I knew where to turn anyway.

* I tend not to use the bluetooth functionality for phone calls, so I can't answer to the quality on this model.
227 of 245 people found the following review helpful.
The Retina-Like GPS. Superb, Lightweight, Just Great!!!
By Michael
I have been using GPS units for years and just upgraded to the new Garmin flagship GPS, the Nuvi 3597. What a joy this unit is. It is like an iPhone 5... svelte, lightweight and simply gorgeous. It (like the iPhone) can be slippery and slip out of a case or your hands.

I like this new hardware design. It has a MUCH better on/off switch. It's actually a button on the back that is so much easier to use than the old small button at the top of the unit. That had always been a frustration for me. Not this one. So much easier to find and use.

The windshield mount is magnetic. What a great idea. The unit just gets pulled into the right position and you are good to go. Much easier and simpler than the 3590 I replaced. And the mount is powered so no cords to plug in. Just take the unit and move it within range and it locks into place. Wonderful design.

The user interface is also much cleaner and simpler. The new voice prompts sound like a good (female) friend giving you directions. "Turn right at the traffic light." "Turn left at the end of the street." The voice itself is much nicer sounding and the street pronunciations are much, much better. Garmin calls this "Real Directions, with Real Voice." The screen itself is less cluttered and less colorful which makes for an easier experience. The speed limit sign is now towards the bottom left corner. And the actual speed you are driving is close by. If you go over the limit the box gets a red border. At night it is a bit more difficult to see when it turns red.

The screen is simply great. I liken it to retina display (as in Apple fame). What a nice crisp screen. Very nice.

Lane assist is still there and as before very useful. My only mild complaint is that the proper lane is now a white arrow and the other lanes are grayed out. It is a bit more difficult to see with the background, especially when in night mode. The voice prompt now says stay in the second lane from the right, etc. Nice touch. And in some cases there is a rolling roadway showing your proper lane in a nice highlight that moves as you are moving and goes poof when you are done with that maneuver. And photoReal junction views are still wonderful with real road signs. This continues to expand on this great feature.

One new addition is the name of the road you are on at the bottom center of the screen. That is a great new feature. The next turn info at the top of the screen has better info and does a much better job at letting you know what is coming up in a crisp interface.

The prior interface had the option for you to set up three shortcuts on the screen, something I liked using.... mute, detour, traffic were my picks. And I found them helpful. No more shortcuts always on the screen, but now though you can add a number of them and access them with a touch and then choose which one you want. Upcoming gas, food or other options is a great option. This involves a two-step process as opposed to the one step one before. But you have more choices. I would have still liked to have a few always on the screen, especially the mute button. To mute now would require three touches.

New now is the ability to link to your iPhone (and Android) through the Smartphone Link app. You can access weather, road cameras, parking, etc. This is I believe the first unit to have the ability to link to your iPhone. Nice feature. You can purchase upgrades, like advanced weather with radar for about $5.

I have not been able to access much traffic info (lifetime digital traffic and map updates are included) since I have been at the outer edges of reception. Since it uses the same cable as the 3590 for HD traffic I imagine it would be similar. In the past I haven't had many complaints about traffic, other than the coverage. Hopefully coverage is getting better as the months go by.

Any issues??? Well, I mentioned the hard to see lane assist arrows... white with grayed out lanes, and more difficult to see at night in night mode. The red border when going over the speed limit, more difficult to see at night is another issue. I have found it takes a bit longer than I would have expected to get to the next screen once you hit the `Where to' portion of the screen. More lag time than I would have thought. I will have to test it out some more and see if it's just at start up. Speaking of start up, this unit got connected to satellites very fast.

All in all, this is really a great step up. I highly recommend it. I wasn't sure it would have been a major upgrade from the 3590, but I am pleasantly surprised that it is and more. Your smartphone map app or GPS app can't compete with this beauty.

You will enjoy using this new flagship unit from Garmin.
152 of 170 people found the following review helpful.
Same old Garmin. They add some new features but take some away
By J. Mursuli
GPS Experience: We have driven 46 out of the 48 lower states in RV's and lately Motorhomes. We don't use maps and always travel with with a PND. I have owned and tested every top-of-the-line Garmin since their first few models. We currently own a 3490LMT, and a 3590LMT.

On to the 3597;

PRO'S:
- Display - Great looking screen and colors. In Apple's term it's like looking at a Retina Display vs NON-Retina on previous models
- Display(cont...) - The 5-inch glass capacitive display supports multi-touch, so you can pinch and zoom map graphics and other data. It features a sharp 800-by-480-pixel resolution and is bright and colorful. Unfortunately, the glass shows plenty of reflections
- Feel - The unit is made of aluminum and feels absolutely solid. This is the highest quality GPS unit that Garmin has produced.
- Magnetic mount - great idea. There is no bracket that holds the unit to the mount, its held to the window mount by a very strong magnet that clicks into place most of the time. Sometimes you have to wiggle it into place.
- Map display - beautiful colors; shows the current street and the upcoming street as well as two customizable fields.
- Street names - More street names are shown on the map than previous models, roads not on your route are more frequently labeled at all zoom levels
- Real directions - The Garmin will try to speak extra instructions for turns, for example. "Stay in the left two lanes" or "turn left at the traffic light".
- Voice Command - Here are some of the voice activated commands; view map, find place, find category, find intersection, recently found, find address, find city, saved places, stop route.
- HD traffic (basic included free) has NOT worked correctly in a week that I have owned the unit here in Chicago. I have been in traffic which was NOT reported and sometimes it reports traffic that is NOT there; yes its updated every 30 seconds; however if you don't get a signal you don't get any warnings. There is no signal while driving some of the Chicago suburbs. This is also real problem for us since we travel often and you only get HD traffic at most major cities but not while driving between major cities. I thought that with the smartlink Android app I would be able to connect the garmin with my smartphone via Bluetooth but I find out that this is only available by paying for the $30 per year option. Sorry but I don't like paying for traffic when it's sporadic at best. So far in a week of testing the traffic has never been accurate. I don't understand why if all the PND makers are losing customers daily to smartphone users they can't provide "advance" traffic for FREE.
- HD traffic(cont...) - you can view a large display on the right that indicates an upcoming delay(gone are the color traffic dots), how far along in the trip the traffic is located, how long the delay is, and how much time a suggested reroute would save.
- POI files can be added - You can still add your own POI files(CSV), automobiles icons, and guidance voices.
- Routes - route are somewhat accurate and logical MOST of the times. ADVICE: Make sure you use the GPS in your home town everyday so you know how the Garmin will guide you in a familiar place before your use it in another town.
- Arrival time; I drive a 1 hour route 3 times a week and the Garmin gives me an arrival time that is 20 minutes later than another brand GPS that I compared it to. As I travel on the route the time is always being adjusted. Of course if they keep adjusting the time during the trip you should get there at the stated time.
- 3-D Buildings & Terrain depict landmarks and the natural landscape in North America. Great view while driving in a downtown area or a hilly road.
- GPS signal reception - good most of the time but does not work well in the downtown area while driving through the concrete jungle.
- Bluetooth; Can use as a speakerphone; can read text messages(on most phones); can connect to Smartlink app to transfer POI's
- Search option - When searching for a POI the 3597 now shows the built-in POI's as well as the POI's installed by the user. Great addition,

CON's:
- CON:POI database is missing many establishments that have been around for many years. PRO: You can use Goggle, Yelp and others to search for POI's and send them to your GPS using the smartlink app.
- Smartphone link services - The Free stuff is too basic so you have to pay for the premium services like the weather, advanced traffic, and traffic cameras
- Expensive; not worth the upgrade if you own a 3490 or 3590.
- Mini USB port on the back - Most modern devices use micro USB. Garmin's previous models had micro.
- Route calculations and recalculations are slow. It takes approximately 10 seconds or more to recalculate. Sometimes it tells me to turn on a street that I have already passed up. I'm sure Garmin will fix this on a future firmware update but for now it's frustrating waiting for a new route.
- HD traffic is sporadic. On several occasions it tells you that there's traffic when in reality it was clear.
- Speed limit icon; took away the ability to change the posted road speed limits
- Screen customizations; took away the ability to add more icons to the main screen
- Modes- took away pedestrian mode. Once upon a time they had car, bus, and pedestrian modes.
- Hands Free - the built-in mic is still not the best when talking hands-free. People say that i sound like I'm in a cave.
See all 321 customer reviews...