xaden

i'm looking into buying a car, and i had a quick question about the navigation system.

i've heard that Honda/Acura navigation systems are the best in the market. what exactly makes it better than the others? the TSX and IS300 are my top choices, so if anyone is familiar with the Lexus navigation system, what are some differences between an Acura navigation and Lexus navigation? Thanks.

biker

The user interface is what most people like about the Honda NAV. The screen on some are bigger, the Nissan one has a "birds-eye" view but for everyday use the Honda one is one of the best.

biker

Calling Dan Martin - no chance of a GOSPEED re-appearance?

Ozzman

Not sure why either, but my buddy who is a Mercedes mechanic told me that Acura's were the best when he first saw my car.

masmole

Yup. Honda/Acura Nav systems are the best in the market simply because of the easy to use interface. It's basically a touchscreen Alpine unit with some integration with the car's other systems. Works incredibly well and no other car nav system can touch it and I'll vouch for that.

It's not that Honda makes them better, they just happened to contract an electronics supplier to fit the bill and they happened to produce one with the most user-friendly interface. Manufacturers like Audi and Mercedes benz have only recently made a move towards DVD-based nav systems and yet still, have a long way to go. When they finally do catch up, it looks like Honda is going to one-up them again by introducing the first real-time-traffic nav system on the new RL.

Frankly, I'm not surprised that Honda and even Nissan and Toyota have better Nav systems than their german or american counterparts. The Japanese after all, already have a pretty good grip on the consumer electronics market do they not?

Dan Martin

So far no harm done. I'll have my people conduct a more thorough investigation if needed.

bigterry

I bought the navigation system on my '04 TSX and it is FAR BEYOND my expectations for usability and effectiveness. The other day I was in a strange town so I asked the NAV to find me a grocery store nearby. It dsplayed me a list, ordered by distance. I found Stop&Shop, picked it, and was wonderfully guided to the store over local roads. W-O-W!!!
Also, on a trip from CT to RI, it picked an unusual, but VERY EFFECTIVE route that avoided freeway construction. Was I impressed? You bet!!! A very effective system.

planman

Can anyone compare the Acura system to Lexus? That's the only one I've spent any time with. It's pretty good, but could be more user friendly (e.g., announces exit ramps as right turns, no "smart-fill" of street names, etc.).

acuracxs

On the Lexus you CANNOT change your destination while car is moving, the Honda/Acura you can. Yes the Lexus salesman says it is a safety feature, I'd say bull. What if you have a passenger entering the destination.