Navigation Pro's and Con's

[RandyC]

I was debating the same thing. I have been using portable GPS units for years. I bought a new CR-V with NAV a couple months ago and decided that the built in NAV is worth it for me, so I am now shopping for a Ridgeline with NAV.

It is a good system. I have used many portables and this one works well. The voice tells you the streets.

Integrated with the stereo so you can have it so the volume mutes when the GPS is telling you something.

The NAV means I can use back up cameras with it on one large screen.

It includes voice navigation so I can tell it commands like "Fan Speed 4" or "Go Home" or "Get me coffee." Well, that last one does not work. But voice commands are cool.

The screen also has good information for time, stereo functions.

NAV means it is easy to spot icons for gas, food, stores.

Can be upgraded via a DVD from the dealer.

Does not block part of the windshield and use a dangling cord to plug in. Does not fall off the windshield.

The only downsides to me were initial costs, lack of bluetooth functionality, and of course you can't move it from car to car. I am also struggling a little, but I am sure it is me, with how to set it up to show me the things closest to me. And I would like a feature I don't think anyone has. Show me next gas stations, but in the direction I am going only. Not behind me.

[zroger73]

Personally, I'm willing to pay extra for the factory integration. I do not like aftermarket stuff in or on a vehicle. Temporary plugs, wires, and connections along with Velco, adhesives, and screw holes are repulsive to me. Give me factory fit-and-finish over cheaper add-ons any day!

Having said that, I think the typical $1,500 to $2,500 price range for factory nav systems is also repulsive. Why must they be hard drive-based or DVD-based when removable flash memory would be better suited. Hard drives are nice, but they are mechanical in nature and do not live as long in a harsh automotive environment. DVD-based systems have capacity limits. For example, Honda has already hit the limit of information they can fit on a DVD. They had to purge the male voice to make room for additional points-of-interest in the latest update.

[shovelhd]

Purging the male voice was not exclusive to Honda/Alpine. Garmin did the same thing to my KNA-G510.

I'd like to think this is an aftermarket unit with factory fit and finish.

[ericrwalker]

I agree with everything you said...but there are some exceptions. I do like my tonneau cover.

I also do not like tacky wheels that divert attention away from the car, and $200 cars with $2000 wheels.

With that being said...back on topic, I have own a tomtom, garmin, MS streets & trips with GPS and 2 factory honda GPS systems. I still have tomtom on my cellphone for use when I am traveling in a rental, but I sure miss my Honda Navi when I am out.

Originally Posted by zroger73

Personally, I'm willing to pay extra for the factory integration. I do not like aftermarket stuff in or on a vehicle. Temporary plugs, wires, and connections along with Velco, adhesives, and screw holes are repulsive to me. Give me factory fit-and-finish over cheaper add-ons any day!

Having said that, I think the typical $1,500 to $2,500 price range for factory nav systems is also repulsive. Why must they be hard drive-based or DVD-based when removable flash memory would be better suited. Hard drives are nice, but they are mechanical in nature and do not live as long in a harsh automotive environment. DVD-based systems have capacity limits. For example, Honda has already hit the limit of information they can fit on a DVD. They had to purge the male voice to make room for additional points-of-interest in the latest update.

[brich]

I got the OEM navi and have not regret it one bit. The biggest plus to me is the in dash integration. I don't have to have visibility impaired with an portable on my dash or window. Also there is nothing portable that compares as far as screen size...

As far as it being worth $2000... If you pay sticker with no discount than the unit is $2000. If you pay less than sticker than you can say the OEM navi is free. It all depends on the conveniences of your reasoning.

I am 1000% satisfied with my OEM navi. 1000% glad I opted for it. I am also 1000% sure I would get it again. Everybody I know who has portables have all commented when getting into my truck how nice the screen is and how easy it is to see and use. They also like how it fits without the suctioncup on the window with the wires or having to take it down and hide it when leaving the vehicle.

I don't have to justify my purchase as to me it was a great option and well worth it. My opinion here, for what it's worth...

[TarheelGrad1998]

You guys are starting to make me think again...

So it's hard to tell from the pictures...how does it close? It looks like it slides down and under the CD player?

[spun07RTX]

factory nav pro:

aux mp3 audio input

[Pug]

Originally Posted by shovelhd

K, like I said on another thread, you can't compare a nav system available in 2005 with one available in 2008. They are light-years apart in functionality.
I really like my in-dash aftermarket nav system...

Originally Posted by ericrwalker

maybe you won't use it a lot...but if you "can" afford it, go for it. it's more than a navi screen, full XM radio display, calculator, calendar, and a lot more.

I wish it has the climate controls and trip computer in it like my Accord had.

Hopefully, Honda will see their error in omitting these features in our RL's, and will include them in future "incarnations" of the NAV. Maybe by 2010?

I can't see them continuing to use such an outdated technology, expecting the same "oooh's" and "awww's" it elicited in a 2006 vehicle.
Going to a different memory format will surely exclude our older trucks from being easily upgraded, and would further degrade their trade-in values, but what else is new?

One "pro" that I believe wasn't mentioned, but had an effect on my personal decision to get the OEM NAV:

Might not be too $$$-savvy, but... I was able to include the cost of it with the "low-interest" financing of the truck.

[Teledatageek]

As a Ridgeline lurker that is currently driving an Acura RDX tech I have the same questions....

I like the Honda OEM Navigation (have a 2003 MDX with it as well). However.... $2K seems like a lot these days. I have complete voice control with my RDX and do I use it, no way (cool, yes - practical - no). The only thing I use voice for is the bluetooth for the cell which of course is not part of the RL offerings.

So.... I went to my friendly auto/stereo store to see what they had. They recommended an Eclipse 6620 which is a dual DIN unit that offers GPS (via DVD); Bluetooth (via Parrot add on); Backup camera, as well as DVD video playback. All installed with OEM steering wheel controls for @$1,800.00. I don't think their XM integration is as good as the Honda OEM as they seem alligned more with Sirius (I could switch I guess.). They quoted me optional in-headrest monitors for another $1K but I think I've decided I would rather interact with my kids in the car as opposed to more video. BTW - They said Pioneer, while good was simply not reliable and they felt that Alpines offerings were too pricey - but they do carry both if you want them.

I think I would simply go with a Garmin or the like and get MP3 + bluetooth but I really want a backup camera (lots of little kids around). And I do like the built in look and as I already us a Proclip to get my cell phone front and center, it would add to the clutter.

So this is definitely a dilemma for me as well unless the dealer heavily discounts the NAV + Backup camera option, it just doesn't seem worth it as I still have to add Bluetooth (granted that is likely just a couple of hundred bucks).

Any thoughts/commetns would be appreciated!

[shovelhd]

If you want in-dash DVD, XM, Garmin navigation with XM Nav Traffic, then look at Kenwood. Other options are Bluetooth, NTSC TV, Sirius, CD changer, and some other stuff.