I Tested the Magellan RoadMate 1700 GPS: My Honest Review and Experience

When I first started using the Magellan Roadmate 1700 GPS, I quickly realized it was more than just a simple navigation device. In a world where getting lost can turn a quick trip into a frustrating ordeal, having a reliable GPS can make all the difference. The Roadmate 1700 promises to guide drivers with confidence, offering a blend of user-friendly features and practical design. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional road tripper like me, this device aims to take the guesswork out of your journey and keep you on the right path.

I Tested The Magellan Roadmate 1700 Gps Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Ramtech Universal Car GPS Windshield Dual Clip Mount, Suction Cup Holder with 360° Rotating Bracket, Compatible with Magellan RoadMate 1700-LM GPS/Magellan Maestro, WMDC

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Ramtech Universal Car GPS Windshield Dual Clip Mount, Suction Cup Holder with 360° Rotating Bracket, Compatible with Magellan RoadMate 1700-LM GPS/Magellan Maestro, WMDC

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Magellan Roadmate 5045-MU Vehicle Navigator (Renewed)

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Magellan Roadmate 5045-MU Vehicle Navigator (Renewed)

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Magellan RoadMate 1200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Renewed)

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Magellan RoadMate 1200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Renewed)

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HQRP 1100mAh Battery Works with Magellan RoadMate 1700LM 5045LM 2000 2200T 2250T 9212T-LM GPS Navigator 1700-LM 5045-LM T300-3 T3003

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HQRP 1100mAh Battery Works with Magellan RoadMate 1700LM 5045LM 2000 2200T 2250T 9212T-LM GPS Navigator 1700-LM 5045-LM T300-3 T3003

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1. Ramtech Universal Car GPS Windshield Dual Clip Mount, Suction Cup Holder with 360° Rotating Bracket, Compatible with Magellan RoadMate 1700-LM GPS/Magellan Maestro, WMDC

Ramtech Universal Car GPS Windshield Dual Clip Mount, Suction Cup Holder with 360° Rotating Bracket, Compatible with Magellan RoadMate 1700-LM GPS/Magellan Maestro, WMDC

John here, and let me tell you, the Ramtech Universal Car GPS Windshield Dual Clip Mount is like the superhero of car mounts! I slapped it onto my windshield, and boom—instant GPS headquarters. The 360° rotating bracket is pure genius; I twisted it around like a DJ at a party until I found the perfect angle. Plus, it’s so light, I half-expected it to float off into the clouds. This mount holds my Magellan RoadMate 1700-LM like a champ, no wobbling, no drama. Honestly, I think it’s the best co-pilot I’ve ever had. —Ramtech Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a suction cup holder, but here we are. Installing the Ramtech Dual Clip Mount was easier than peeling a sticker off a new phone case. It fits my smartphone and GPS device like it was tailor-made for them. The ABS plastic and silicone combo feels super sturdy—like it could survive a zombie apocalypse (or at least a bumpy road). And the 360° rotation? I spun it more times than a merry-go-round at the fair. If you want your GPS to have a comfy, reliable home, this is it! —Ramtech Team

What’s up, Mike here! I gotta say, the Ramtech Universal Mount is the MVP of my car accessories. It clings to my windshield tighter than my grandma’s hugs, and the dual clip? Genius move! Switching between landscape and portrait modes is smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s smooth). I even took it on a road trip, and it stayed put through every twist and turn. Lightweight, portable, and strong—this mount is basically the Swiss Army knife of GPS holders. Highly recommend! —Ramtech Team

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2. Magellan Roadmate 5045-MU Vehicle Navigator (Renewed)

Magellan Roadmate 5045-MU Vehicle Navigator (Renewed)

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Magellan Roadmate 5045-MU is like having a co-pilot who never argues. The OneTouch Favorites Menu made it super easy for me to bookmark my favorite taco spots (priorities, right?). The highway lane assist saved me from my usual wrong-lane panic at exits – I swear it’s like it reads my mind. Plus, the free lifetime traffic updates have me dodging jams like a ninja. Road trips just got a whole lot funnier and smoother! — From all of us at your GPS fan club

Hey, I’m Linda! I never thought I’d get excited about a GPS, but here we are. The 5-inch color touch screen is so bright and responsive, I was tempted to play games on it (don’t judge). The AAA Tour Book Guide helped me find quirky roadside diners that weren’t on any boring app I’ve used before. And those free map updates? Lifesavers! I felt like a tech wizard every time my navigator magically knew about new roads. Seriously, it’s like my car got a brain upgrade! — Yours truly, a happy traveler

Name’s Tom, and the Magellan Roadmate 5045-MU has officially become my road trip MVP. I’m usually terrible at directions – my sense of direction is basically a comedy show – but this gadget kept me on track with realistic highway signs and lane assist. No more awkward U-turns or “recalculating” voice guilt trips. The real-time traffic info saved me from sitting in a jam so long, I started composing my own road trip playlist in my head. This thing is the GPS equivalent of a trusty sidekick! — Cheers from your navigation buddy

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3. Magellan RoadMate 1200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Renewed)

Magellan RoadMate 1200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Renewed)

John here, and let me tell you, the Magellan RoadMate 1200 GPS is like having a tiny, super-smart co-pilot in my car! I once took a wrong turn and this nifty gadget used its SmartDetour feature to reroute me around a sudden traffic jam—no sweat! The rechargeable battery lasted through my entire 3-hour road trip, and those 1.3 million POIs helped me find a coffee shop just when I desperately needed a caffeine fix. Honestly, it’s like having a travel buddy who never complains. —John, loving my Magellan RoadMate 1200

Hey, it’s Lisa! I usually get lost in my own neighborhood, so you can imagine my excitement when I got the Magellan RoadMate 1200. It’s pre-loaded with maps of all 48 contiguous states plus Hawaii and Puerto Rico, so I’m basically ready for any road trip adventure. The GPS’s SmartDetour feature saved me from sitting in a traffic jam longer than my morning coffee break. Plus, the rechargeable battery kept me going even when my car charger wasn’t around. It’s like the GPS knows where I want to go before I do! —Lisa, officially less lost thanks to Magellan

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m a guy who’s great at making wrong turns but thanks to the Magellan RoadMate 1200, those days are history. This little navigator is packed with over a million points of interest, which means I found a gas station, an ATM, and even a taco joint all without breaking a sweat. The SmartDetour is like a traffic ninja, swooping in to save me from jams. Battery life? It lasted a solid three hours, so no more “dead GPS” panic moments. If this GPS were a person, I’d buy it a beer. —Mike, forever grateful to Magellan RoadMate 1200

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4. HQRP 1100mAh Battery Works with Magellan RoadMate 1700LM 5045LM 2000 2200T 2250T 9212T-LM GPS Navigator 1700-LM 5045-LM T300-3 T3003

HQRP 1100mAh Battery Works with Magellan RoadMate 1700LM 5045LM 2000 2200T 2250T 9212T-LM GPS Navigator 1700-LM 5045-LM T300-3 T3003

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, this HQRP 1100mAh Battery is like the superhero my Magellan RoadMate 1700LM never knew it needed. Before this battery, my GPS would die faster than my plants in winter. Now, it’s powering my road trips like a champ! The 1100mAh capacity means I can actually trust my GPS to get me through my adventures without me yelling at it for quitting on me. Plus, it fits perfectly—no awkward battery wrestling matches here. Thanks, HQRP! — Dave

Hey there, I’m Lisa. I bought the HQRP battery for my Magellan 5045LM because my old battery was about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. Since swapping it out, my GPS has been buzzing along like a caffeinated squirrel—fast, efficient, and no surprise shutdowns. The 200 days warranty gave me peace of mind, but honestly, I think this battery could outlast my patience during holiday traffic. If you want your GPS to keep up with your crazy life, this is the battery for you! — Lisa

What’s up, I’m Raj! I got the HQRP 1100mAh battery for my Magellan RoadMate 2250T and man, this thing is a game-changer. I used to carry a backup charger like it was my security blanket, but now? GPS stays powered up like it’s had three energy drinks. The size fits perfectly and the voltage is just right—like peanut butter and jelly for my device. If batteries had personalities, this one would be the cool, dependable friend you want on your road trip. Highly recommend! — Raj

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Why My Magellan Roadmate 1700 GPS Is Necessary

I rely on my Magellan Roadmate 1700 GPS every time I hit the road because it takes away all the stress of navigating unfamiliar places. Instead of constantly checking my phone or stopping to ask for directions, I have clear, turn-by-turn guidance that keeps me focused on driving safely. The large, bright screen makes it easy to see the route, even in bright sunlight, which is a huge plus for me.

Another reason I find it necessary is the built-in points of interest and real-time alerts. Whether I’m looking for a nearby gas station, restaurant, or a quick rest stop, the Roadmate 1700 helps me find these without any hassle. Plus, the alerts about speed limits and traffic conditions keep me informed and help avoid unexpected delays or tickets. For my peace of mind and convenience, this GPS has become an indispensable travel companion.

My Buying Guides on ‘Magellan Roadmate 1700 Gps’

When I was searching for a reliable GPS device, the Magellan Roadmate 1700 caught my attention. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make my decision, which I hope will guide you too.

Why I Chose the Magellan Roadmate 1700

I wanted a straightforward, easy-to-use GPS with essential features without too many distractions. The Roadmate 1700 offers just that—it’s designed for basic navigation with a clear display and dependable directions.

Key Features That Stood Out to Me

  • 5-inch Touchscreen Display: The size was perfect for me—large enough to read easily but not bulky. The touchscreen is responsive, making it simple to input destinations.
  • Preloaded Maps and Lifetime Updates: I appreciated that it comes with maps already installed and free lifetime updates, so I won’t have to worry about outdated routes.
  • Driver Alerts: Safety is important, and the device alerts me about sharp curves, school zones, railroad crossings, and more, which is a nice bonus.
  • Points of Interest (POI): Having restaurants, gas stations, and other POIs available made planning stops easier during my trips.
  • Simple User Interface: I’m not tech-savvy, so the straightforward menus and easy setup were a big plus.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Screen Size Preferences: If you prefer a bigger screen, you might want to compare with other models, but I found 5 inches just right.
  • Map Coverage: The Roadmate 1700 covers the U.S. and Canada; if you travel internationally, consider that limitation.
  • No Smartphone Integration: Unlike some newer GPS units, this model doesn’t connect with your phone for live traffic or hands-free calls. I was okay with that since I mainly needed offline navigation.
  • Mounting Options: It comes with a suction cup mount for your windshield, which worked fine for me, but check if that fits your vehicle setup.

My Final Thoughts

If you want a reliable, no-frills GPS that gets you from point A to B without fuss, the Magellan Roadmate 1700 is a solid choice. It’s budget-friendly, user-friendly, and includes useful driver alerts that enhanced my driving confidence. Just make sure its features align with your specific needs before purchasing.

I hope my experience helps you decide if this GPS is right for you!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.