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I know that Acura/Alpine comes out with new GPS units for these cars every 3-4 years. Can you tell me when the model in the current 2007 was first introduced?

I know it sounds crazy but the GPS is one of the most important items in the car to me and I would probably weigh it heavily in the time when I buy my next car. For example if this is the second year it has been in the Acura line (whether it was first in the TSX or in the TL) I'd probably wait for the next model GPS before I consider replacing my current car.

There is always room for improvement and I know even if I buy a car with the next generation GPS being offered, that in a few years it will be obsolete. I just don't want to be on the tail end of the lifecycle.

Some of the features I'd like (based on the 2006 TL I test drove) is better voice command, the ability to dump all of my contacts from my PDA (not just one at a time) and faster route calculation. I'm not saying it wasn't head and shoulders over the one in my current car, but it isn't quite on par with some of the japanese models I've been reading about.

 

if you mean the maps, they can be updated every year with a DVD upgrade. As for features, it is rearely upgraded inbetween generations. Like in 07, nav traffic and dolby digital processors were introduced in addition. Acura generally updates it when the next gen comes out so i'd give it about 2009 until te TL

 

Thanks, I was actually referring to the unit within the TL, not the DVD. I could be mistaken, but I believe the unit that is in the TL is the unit that was first released in the TSX and the accord (surprisingly enough) a year earlier. Problem is I don't recall what year it was originally released.

 

I think you can get a clue here. The system is updated or modified with each model remodel. Check out the RL or MDX for most recent upgrades. There does not seem to be a set schedule or any announcements for a true next total revamp as far as I know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_3.2_TL


Some aftermarket units have more features and faster refresh but lag in the built-ins that we enjoy.

 

Look up Acura Service Bulletin 05-018 (Navigation System DVD Information, Oct 5, 2005). It has information about all four generations of Honda navigation system platforms as well as what vehicles they were in. Looks like the '05 RL & MDX were the first Acuras to get the current system.

I'd post a link to the TSB but I can't seem to find one now, although I'm sure I got it from somewhere on this forum...