Ford Flex

Ford's Sync isn't a GPS as you think of a GPS. It relies on a data connection through your cell phone to send destinations to their server where a route is planned and then sent back to the car over your phone's data connection.

It won't work with my phone as I don't have a data or messaging plan. I use my phone for - gasp - making and receiving phone calls only.

I use my phone for - gasp - making and receiving phone calls only.
Awe say it aint so

The GPS in the Ford Flex works just like any other GPS.You donot need a cell phone to talk to it.You press the SYNC button and you can use voice commands or you can use the touch screen to program it.

But we seem to be in the minority these days. I don't even have a data plan and errant text messages end up costing me $.20.

Phones have advanced. They're now mini-computers that happen to make phone calls.

A lot more communication happens now via other mediums - text, email, social networks, etc. Phone calls are a small narrow method of communication now, with so many options available (some much more efficient than just making phone calls).

My cousin has a Ford Flex. LOVES the Sync system. Haven't tried it myself, but she says the GPS works great.

I love my Ford Flex GPS system.I thought garmin was good but this thing is awesome ,I speak and it takes me where I want to go .

My coworker has the navigation system.
It's worked pretty good so far, but recently it's not showing him his correct location on the map.
It shows him as being near the road not on the road

For the extra $2400 it better take you where you want to go

My 885t accepts voice commands well too. I'm still wondering what is so great about Ford's sync.

Jim

See if you can get to this site. If so there are about 10 media fact sheets about SYNC.
http://media.ford.com/mini_sites/10031/techfactsheets/

SYNC is Ford's general in-vehicle driver connectivity platform.
Also see-
http://www.at.ford.com/news/cn/Pages/FordMakesNavigationStan...
(you might not be able to get to that link, though)

Check out the CNET review of the Ford MyTouch/Sync in the new 2011 Edge (which should be the same system in the Flex soon). Lots of praise for the system, although complaints that it is sluggish (hmm, just like my Garmin 775!)

In all, I think this does a bit more than my portable GPS can handle . $2k+ is a lot of money, but I think it really takes the car to the next level of interactivity. I always hope to find a new Ford in the rental lots to connect my gadgets .

http://reviews.cnet.com/suv/2011-ford-edge/4505-10868_7-3417...

I have a friend with the Escape and the GPS in it works well. I don't know if I would just not use my GPS when I get it in a car like that myself later, but who really knows.

One thing I do know is that it doesn't use your data plan and the SYNC only will use your cell if you have it paired that way. Nothing to do with data for the GPS in the car.

Thanks for the link. I reviewed the "Sync Overview" and the only thing I saw that it will do that my 885t does not do is provide information on the vehicle condition. I can voice control music (stored on the 885t) with my GPS, voice control navigation, I have call logs and my contact list available for voice or touch control. It seem to me that the difference is better integration into the vehicle and the ability to display vehicle status information on the screen. That is not a lot of difference for $2000+ price difference.

I wonder how much map upgrades cost. On BMWs nav, it is $200 each.

Jim

I wish I had the exact screen size of the Sync screen. I'd like to put a screen protector on it to, hopefully, cut down on the FINGERPRINTS the thing collects!

Take one fror a drive..I did.

I gave my Garmin to my other half and she loves it.

I have it in a 2010 Taurus. I don't have navigation. It is another POS created by Microsoft.

Check this site out:

http://boards.synccommunity.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=ford...

my brother in law has a ford, and the sync isn't a gps. it's also quite bother-some and takes plenty of patience to use.

I concur with Jim, my 885t handles all of my navigating issues, bluetooth issues, music issues. The only issue it does not cover that my previous $2,000:00 unit did, is entering phone numbers to locate addresses. Love my 885t.

It's nice to be able to switch units out.