Acura versus Garmin

I have no experiance with what you have...but you can still use both of them...I do!

Volvo made a deal with Garmin a few years back which added a Nuvi 760 for their navigation system, I think a smart idea! You can take your Nuvi with you, driving or walking, I love it! Of course, I have other Garmins besides this one. For cruises and trips to Europe, I have the 775T, I wouldn't go there without it!

So keep it, use it, and if you find you are not using it, give it away, but, I don't think that will ever happen!

Just one man's opinion...

I have traveled in several vehicles with built in navigation systems, including the MDX. At this point I would never consider getting rid of my Garmin. Here are my reasons.....

The optional NAV systems in many vehicles is part of a $2000 package. It usually doubles as a backup camera, which is very nice, but there are other backup cameras which can be installed for under $200.

The Garmin lets me plan a long trip in the comfort of my home. I can plan the route I want to take using Mapsource, and then transfer the route into my Garmin. I have planned some very good routes around major cities which the MDX system ( and Garmin for that matter) would have taken me through if it wasn't for the routing ability.

I can determine how far I can drive in an eight hour day (using Maps & Streets), and then use that information to reserve hotel rooms in that location. Then I can enter the hotel locations into the Garmin as waypoints. Once again while sitting at my desk.

I can take the Garmin into a hotel room and enter the places I would like to visit from the tourist brochures. I can quickly determine how far away these places are, and how long it would take to travel to them.

I can use the Garmin when walking, and I can take it with me when traveling with friends in their vehicle.

When traveling and I am getting hungry or low on fuel, the Garmin can tell me which gas stations I will be passing on my route and how far away they are.

I can put my custom POI's in the Garmin like Tim Horton coffee shops and Canadian Tire stores. Now I can find these popular locations anywhere. Poi Factory is just loaded with useful lists that can be entered.

Installing updated maps on the Garmin is very economical and simple compared to the vehicle NAV systems which often use expensive DVD's for updates.

I could probably keep going, but I'm sure some others will submit other reasons.

i have built in navigation in our 2010 prius. I still keep my garmin 3790t on the dash as the maps are more current. Keep the garmin and use them both.

I don't think anyone's figured out how to add POIs for red light cameras and speed cameras to the Honda/Accura built-in navigation systems.

This is the primary reason to drive around every day with a GPS - to get reminders about the speed cameras. It is too easy to accidentally drive too fast.

Is there a way to add any custom POIs to the factory Accura NAV system? (2009 model)

The NAV is DVD based. The unit is under the drivers seat.

In either case, they're both the same - NO.

I just bought a CPO 2010 MDX (base model). I really went back and forth about the Nav system and after talking with several people decided to just upgrade my GPS. I bought the newest Garmin which allows you to talk to it. Very fun although it is a bit of a hit-or-miss. However, in looking at the Acura nav system, I just kept thinking that it was already outdated and very clunky. Moreover, the salesperson who was demonstrating the Acura Nav system couldn't even get it to work properly. I could tell that I was going to get very frustrated using it. The 2010 base model (and of course the 2011 and 2012) comes with a back up camera in the mirror. This was an important safety feature for me, so I am very glad I got it. I'm happy that I decided to skip the built in nav system and saved myself a lot of $$, even with the (probably) overpriced new Garmin 3790. I also got one of those Garmin non-skid mounts so I didn't have to deal with the windshield cup, which I always disliked.

I got MDX with built in NAV, but still keeping my GARMIN

My 660 is far more accurate than the 2011 Ford Escape Nav system.. And supports Custom Poi's...

I've had 2 or 3 Map Updates on the Garmin, none on the Ford (They claim it is current).

But I have found use for the Escape Nav System!!

I set Escape NAV for greater range than the Garmin 660, but set Trips on the 660 Only.... This way, the two always track... (Ford used to take "strange" routes...) and Ford shows me greater range..

We just came back from vacation to NC, and that worked wonderful!

reason to buy a Ford!

Actually, the Escape AWD worked beautifully...
Used it to pull large rocks from one part of our property in the Smokey Mountains to another (rope wrapped around trailer hitch tied to wooden pallet)... and tree and mulch truck.....

and got 21 MPG in the mountains at the same time!!

At least I found a way for the Ford Nav system to become useful!!

I'd suggest the "Dual" GPS settings for anybody with a NAV system in a vehicle and a GPS...

I've got a factory installed Nav system and it's ok...but the Gramin is still my best friend. Actually, I have not used the built in system in over a month, I just simply like the Garmin better, plus the Garmin will alert me to the red light camera's in Chicago, my built in system will not.

That's always embarrassing when someone doing a demo can't get it to work, kind of removes credibility.

To tell you the truth with the latest firmware and maps I'm feeling better about the 2350LMT (3 firmware/3 maps since july?). But for whatever reason the droid starting being able to get a gps lock again, and it handily beats the nuvi.

Then again, with the 4G LTE connected car, that will trump all. So to each his own, hard to argue $160 2350LMT v. $2000 factory, but on our GM we got the factory navi. And in a bad place in NJ it actually beat the nuvi which lead us to a closed bridge...

The biggets knock against in-car systems is the outrageous price - for both the initial device and the updates. I have a couple of friends who have them in their SUVs and are completely satisfied. Of course, once you fully deck out an Escalade (who buys a Cadillac SUV ), $1800 for a GPS doesn't impact the price much.

My 660 was almost $600 back when it was new, and now there are units with more feature for less than half that. And remember when quarterly upgrades from Garmin were $70?

I think these in-car systems will come down in price as they become a more "standard" feature. Then upgrades will be more reasonable as well.

I wouldn't count on that too much. These systems are built with almost military grade electronics and have been customized to work in that particular brand with the other features integrated into their controls. You may see a reduction in upgrade prices and there will be some reduction in price, but I seriously doubt they ever will be 50% less.

Your comments are very insightful.