Navigation System Reviews?
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The NAV system itself (hardware) is great. The software leave a few things to be desired. The disc they are shipping with it is from 2005. Not hardly what you would expect in 2007 (with the 2008 model year just around the corner). GM is offering us 2 disc updates, the first of which is supposed to be available in July. This is hopefully going to include roads that are not on the present disc. The new disc is also supposed to make some type of adjustments to the contrast control. My only other gripe with the NAV system is that the developers "assumed" that we users would not want certain functionality that is standard on every other GPS system. The one that comes to mind is that we can't set any variables for the average speeds we drive on different highways and roads. The effect of this is that it calculates your estimated time of arrival incorrectly. This was a very poor decision on their part. Overall, I would highly recommend getting the NAV system. It integrates beautifully with the radio and OnStar functions.
I love my Nav system - although i was a little suprised also that the installation disc was from 2005. (BTW - how do you get an update of those - anyone?)
I wouldn't worry about losing the 6 disc changer - with the input jack - you could have the entire contents of you ipod at your fingertips. I believe you can also burn mp3's straight to disc and the player will play those also.
I would also opt for the XM. The variety is great and i love not having commercials. I'm hoping the Sirius and XM mereger goes through because i do love my Howard Stern!
Also, if you get the Nav w/ DVD its nice to park your car in a shady spot for lunch and watch a movie on the dashboard.
I wouldn't worry about losing the 6 disc changer - with the input jack - you could have the entire contents of you ipod at your fingertips. I believe you can also burn mp3's straight to disc and the player will play those also.
I would also opt for the XM. The variety is great and i love not having commercials. I'm hoping the Sirius and XM mereger goes through because i do love my Howard Stern!
Also, if you get the Nav w/ DVD its nice to park your car in a shady spot for lunch and watch a movie on the dashboard.
So XM stations don't have commercials? Do Sirius stations have commercials?pepsikid said:
XM covers MLB. Sirius covers NFL.
I wish Outlook/Acadia/Enclave had the XM NavTraffic overlay for the Nav.
http://www.xmradio.com/navtraffic/get_nav.xmc
I just had a Pioneer AVIC-D3 system installed in my 2008 Outlook. System offers Full Navigation, AM/FM/XM and Ipod control all in one unit. It does feature steering wheel control cables also. You can have a rear camera and bluetooth adaptor installed as well (I do not have these features).
Total cost installed was $1700.00. Cool feature it has is full ipod control right on the screen.
Just another option if you didnt' opt for the factory installed system.
Mark T
Chicago
Total cost installed was $1700.00. Cool feature it has is full ipod control right on the screen.
Just another option if you didnt' opt for the factory installed system.
Mark T
Chicago
Joined
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44 Posts
Lots of XM channels have LOTS of commercials. I have had it for about 3 years and I'm not sure I would renew... JMO
You can purchase the latest Outlook OEM/Factory Navigation/Stereo unit complete with the OEM GPS Antenna and the latest GM Nav Map Disc and full installation instructions (everything that you need) for about $700-$800 on eBay or from other online Car Audio dealers! Even with installation fees and possible programming this will be much less than the OEM-installed cost and you will have the identical system! Here is a link to one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=320177555655&rd=1
You will however need to order the $980 "Advanced Audio Package" for simple Plug & Play results, as the OEM NAV/Stereo unit uses the Amplifier and other connections that are included with the Advanced Audio Pkg. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but in my search for info on this topic this is what I have found. You might also need the dealer to "program" the unit. Most dealers will do this for free or a nominal fee...do a search. You could always sell the OEM A-A Pkg. 6-Disc in-dash CD/MP3/AM/FM stereo on eBay to recoup some of the cost.
Most aftermarket Audio/Video/Nav source units are Double-DIN size and will drop into the Factory location with little to zero modifications! You have a lot more choices with an aftermarket unit...you can add Hands-Free Bluetooth, HD Radio Tuners, XM/Sirius Tuners, Direct On-Screen iPod Control, USB Device compatibility...the list goes on and on. Even with installation fees, an aftermarket unit with superior features should be quite a bit less than the OEM cost of $3,025 (You must have both the OEM DVD/Navigation Advanced Audio Package $685 + DVD NAV System $2,340!!!)
There are also several aftermarket interfaces/adapters that allow you to use your factory Audio/Nav Steering Wheels buttons to control the functions on the aftermarket Nav/Stereo unit! These will also allow you to add other aftermarket A/V equipment such as Amplifiers, Subwoofers, Equalizers, 5.1 Surround Sound Processors, etc. Check out products by PAC/Pacific Accessory Corporation at www.pac-audio.com , Peripheral Electronics http://www.peripheralelectronics.com , SoundGate http://www.soundgate.com , PIE/Precision Interface Electronics www.pie.net , the JL Audio Cleansweep www.jlaudio.com , the Rockford-Fosgate 360.2 www.rockfordfosgate.com , MTX re-Q5, etc. Here's a link to most that are available:
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Group/ProductMenu.aspx?g=304550&tp=119
Hope this helps!
Billy B.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=320177555655&rd=1
You will however need to order the $980 "Advanced Audio Package" for simple Plug & Play results, as the OEM NAV/Stereo unit uses the Amplifier and other connections that are included with the Advanced Audio Pkg. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but in my search for info on this topic this is what I have found. You might also need the dealer to "program" the unit. Most dealers will do this for free or a nominal fee...do a search. You could always sell the OEM A-A Pkg. 6-Disc in-dash CD/MP3/AM/FM stereo on eBay to recoup some of the cost.
Most aftermarket Audio/Video/Nav source units are Double-DIN size and will drop into the Factory location with little to zero modifications! You have a lot more choices with an aftermarket unit...you can add Hands-Free Bluetooth, HD Radio Tuners, XM/Sirius Tuners, Direct On-Screen iPod Control, USB Device compatibility...the list goes on and on. Even with installation fees, an aftermarket unit with superior features should be quite a bit less than the OEM cost of $3,025 (You must have both the OEM DVD/Navigation Advanced Audio Package $685 + DVD NAV System $2,340!!!)
There are also several aftermarket interfaces/adapters that allow you to use your factory Audio/Nav Steering Wheels buttons to control the functions on the aftermarket Nav/Stereo unit! These will also allow you to add other aftermarket A/V equipment such as Amplifiers, Subwoofers, Equalizers, 5.1 Surround Sound Processors, etc. Check out products by PAC/Pacific Accessory Corporation at www.pac-audio.com , Peripheral Electronics http://www.peripheralelectronics.com , SoundGate http://www.soundgate.com , PIE/Precision Interface Electronics www.pie.net , the JL Audio Cleansweep www.jlaudio.com , the Rockford-Fosgate 360.2 www.rockfordfosgate.com , MTX re-Q5, etc. Here's a link to most that are available:
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Group/ProductMenu.aspx?g=304550&tp=119
Hope this helps!
Billy B.
Billy,
You sound quite knowledgeable in this area. I have the Basic audio option I did not get the advanced. What limitations does this put on me (if any)? I am looking for strictly after market not the OEM. But if I changed my mind and did want the OEM why is the advanced audio needed?
You sound quite knowledgeable in this area. I have the Basic audio option I did not get the advanced. What limitations does this put on me (if any)? I am looking for strictly after market not the OEM. But if I changed my mind and did want the OEM why is the advanced audio needed?
JF7FSU,
If you are going to install an aftermarket Stereo/Nav system, there are no limitations that I know of if you just have the Basic audio option. The only thing you will need to have is an special OEM Interface so that the OnStar and Chimes/Warnings still come through the aftermarket stereo system's speakers, etc. Peripheral Electronics makes an Interface for this purpose and also has additional adapters that allow you to control your aftermarket stereo with the Steering Wheel Controls (SWC) and Rear Audio Controls. Below is a link to the main Adapter/Interface that allows you to install an Aftermarket Stereo/NAV unit in GM Vehicles. Please confirm with the company that this is the correct product. There are also other Interfaces/Adapters available by the companies I linked to in my previous post that may achieve the same results.
http://www.peripheralelectronics.co...ategory=Radio Replacement&strSearch=GMAHLAN11
If you want to install the OEM Stereo/NAV unit after the fact (Not ordered or installed by GM or the Dealer) I believe the Advanced Audio Package is needed because the NAV system routes the Voice Commands, Onstar, and warning Chimes through the Stereo Amplifier and the connections that only come with the Adv. Audio Pkg. The above Interface/Adapter may allow you to install the OEM Stereo/NAV unit without the Adv. Audio Pkg. depending on which aftermarket unit you decide on. With all of the Factory Interfaces and Adapters available from these companies, almost anything is possible! You will just have to do a bit of research with the makers/suppliers of the Interface devices...they are usually very helpful. Good luck!
rcrules,
A friend of a friend from a Car Audio shop that I deal with did this installation, and I can't remember if I even noticed what colors the lights were as I saw it during the daytime. I do know that you must check with the supplier of the unit you plan to purchase as the lighting colors do vary by part #. Obviously, this unit is made for the Outlook, Acadia, and Enclave (maybe others as well) and each has a different lighting scheme. Again, check with the seller of the unit to confirm the color or call the Saturn dealer parts department and ask them which part number you should order for your Outlook.
I have just ordered my 08 XR AWD Outlook so I'm going to be waiting a while until I receive it!
Hope this helps.
Billy B.
If you are going to install an aftermarket Stereo/Nav system, there are no limitations that I know of if you just have the Basic audio option. The only thing you will need to have is an special OEM Interface so that the OnStar and Chimes/Warnings still come through the aftermarket stereo system's speakers, etc. Peripheral Electronics makes an Interface for this purpose and also has additional adapters that allow you to control your aftermarket stereo with the Steering Wheel Controls (SWC) and Rear Audio Controls. Below is a link to the main Adapter/Interface that allows you to install an Aftermarket Stereo/NAV unit in GM Vehicles. Please confirm with the company that this is the correct product. There are also other Interfaces/Adapters available by the companies I linked to in my previous post that may achieve the same results.
http://www.peripheralelectronics.co...ategory=Radio Replacement&strSearch=GMAHLAN11
If you want to install the OEM Stereo/NAV unit after the fact (Not ordered or installed by GM or the Dealer) I believe the Advanced Audio Package is needed because the NAV system routes the Voice Commands, Onstar, and warning Chimes through the Stereo Amplifier and the connections that only come with the Adv. Audio Pkg. The above Interface/Adapter may allow you to install the OEM Stereo/NAV unit without the Adv. Audio Pkg. depending on which aftermarket unit you decide on. With all of the Factory Interfaces and Adapters available from these companies, almost anything is possible! You will just have to do a bit of research with the makers/suppliers of the Interface devices...they are usually very helpful. Good luck!
rcrules,
A friend of a friend from a Car Audio shop that I deal with did this installation, and I can't remember if I even noticed what colors the lights were as I saw it during the daytime. I do know that you must check with the supplier of the unit you plan to purchase as the lighting colors do vary by part #. Obviously, this unit is made for the Outlook, Acadia, and Enclave (maybe others as well) and each has a different lighting scheme. Again, check with the seller of the unit to confirm the color or call the Saturn dealer parts department and ask them which part number you should order for your Outlook.
I have just ordered my 08 XR AWD Outlook so I'm going to be waiting a while until I receive it!
Hope this helps.
Billy B.
Thanks for the info Billy. I would imagine that if I get an aftermarket unit I need to do some upgrades to the basic audio system like a small sub and change out some speakers. Since you seem like a pro at this, can you recommend to me what you would do to your system to upgrade around a new NAV/DVD system?
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