Garmin GPS Built Into Cars

 

Does anyone have any experience maintaining a GPS unit that is built into a vehicle? How does it differ from the process I now use to update the maps, software, etc. on my standalone unit? Do they come with lifetime map updates and such?

To give a little background, I recently test-drove a couple of new vehicles with built-in NAV systems that looked like they were Garmin-based. I am used to plugging my standalone nuvi into a USB port on my computer and running either Garmin Express or POI Loader, but I imagine this process would be far more challenging when the device is bolted to the car. grin

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all true

socrfan wrote:

I just received my "update" for my Legacy. It was $118. It's a joke. I looked up some locations. They list stores that went out of business years ago. The buildings are empty. In fact I'm not seeing much of anything new after 21 months of ownership. Restaurants that changed hands have both brands shown at the exact same address. I got so tired of waiting for them to update the maps I went out and bought a Garmin GPS. Both the graphics and features of the Garmin make my expensive built in system look like a 5 year old and a box of crayons. I sent them an email and I'm awaiting their response.

... but the convenience of the built-in always being at the ready in case you need it quick for a detour is why I opted for it in the first place in my Jeep Wrangler. I do prefer my Garmin 2689 but don't always set it up when I get in the Jeep.

--
. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

Convenience versus Utility

The "factory" GPS may be more convenient, but my opinion of the unit that came with our 2015 Ford Flex is that Ford should have paid ME to put up with it. As it happens, we got the built-in only because it came as part of a package my wife wanted for other reasons - a package that was not available without the GPS.

In August I took a trip from Southern California to Portland, Oregon, and back by a different route, using my five year-old TomTom alongside the built-in as a comparison. IMO, there was no comparison - the utility of the built-in was severely lacking when running alongside the older third-party unit (which has life-time maps, BTW).

To compound the deficiencies of the built-in unit, I cannot add my own POI files to it. sad

- Tom -

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XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

Not surprised.

I am not surprised by your review -et-. I think the smart phone apps have come a long way in catching up with the stand alone GPS, but in general, the built-ins are still WAY overpriced and lacking.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

The Nissan SD updates are a waste

I have way better info and lifetime on the Flip Tray 7XX Garmin, compared to Wife Juke built in

I agree

alandb wrote:

I am not surprised by your review -et-. I think the smart phone apps have come a long way in catching up with the stand alone GPS, but in general, the built-ins are still WAY overpriced and lacking.

I agree. For me the smartphones have yet to reach the level of the GPS units, but they are getting very close - at least in most of the areas that matter to me. However, I was really, really unhappy when my wife insisted on a "package' that was available only with the factory GPS.

I might have been crying about the price, but I would have been much less upset if it performed anywhere near as well as my TomTom that I got years ago. Knowing that map updates are another "profit center" just pours salt into the wound.

- Tom -

--
XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

Adding

-et- wrote:

To compound the deficiencies of the built-in unit, I cannot add my own POI files to it. sad - Tom -

You may have to do some searching on the internet.
On my VW Garmin based GPS it took me some searching to be able to add my own way-points to be able to set up a route. Unfortunately it is not an easy process.
For the VW GPS it involves putting all your desired way-points into one file. Then logging on to a GERMAN Language VW website and convert that file to a "file.DB3" format. Then on a SD card create a specially named folder and copy the DB3 file into it. Then stick the SD card into the GPS and figure out how to go about loading it. Not for the faint of heart.
I have NOT been able to use the RLC or Speed cam files using the built in GPS.

At least the Map updates are done via an old fashioned CD on my VW GPS and I bought it online for under $ 50.00. Search Google for that.
There are factory installed POI's and I assume they get updated with a map update. Having said that I assume they are like the GARMIN POI's, a lot of them out of date by the time you get them.

--
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

TomTom in Subaru

Just about everybody on this thread seems united on their condemnation of built in systems, including me. Until recently I have been using a stand alone Garmin unit which has improved over the years so that I have free updates and free traffic. Now I have the Subaru/TomTom/NavTeq product and apart from its obvious convenience it has a number of negatives starting with the microSD card which is one size too small for human fingers. Map updates are apparently coming but I see none available currently. Traffic is provided by, would you believe, SiriusXM for 5$/month assuming I also pay them $15 for their SiriusXM audio service! Subaru makes no mention in their manuals (that I can find) of this fact nor was it brought up in the sales process, only by reading the brochure do I find this buried in the fine print. Its not a disaster but clearly this is an area where the car manufacturers have a way to differentiate themselves by providing a better solution.

So Google here I come smile

No Joy So Far

Melaqueman wrote:
-et- wrote:

To compound the deficiencies of the built-in unit, I cannot add my own POI files to it. sad - Tom -

You may have to do some searching on the internet.
On my VW Garmin based GPS it took me some searching to be able to add my own way-points to be able to set up a route. Unfortunately it is not an easy process.
. . .
There are factory installed POI's and I assume they get updated with a map update. Having said that I assume they are like the GARMIN POI's, a lot of them out of date by the time you get them.

I have done quite a bit of searching on the web and have not been able to find a way (simple OR complex) to load my own POI info onto the Ford GPS.

The unit does have its own POI files, but there are additional files that I would like to be able to install - some of which are files from here.

- Tom -

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XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

They do "GPS for Dummies"

Built in, limited options for "Updates" and price controls for max profits, Nissan, $149.99 on Special once in awhile for $99.99. Pure junk unless you wait 2 or 3 years till the new files get a chance to build up. I'll stick with the Garmin 7XX's, wife's using hers in Georgia with her rental now, Rentals charge a bunch extra for the crappy built in GPS.

Adding Voices to Honda Garmin system

Just to revive an old thread - I recently purchased a 2017 Honda Ridgeline which has the 8-inch built-in Audio-Nav unit. (Same as Honda Pilot, Odyssey, etc.) Nav unit is Garmin based. (On another note: I get one free map update per year for five years although they appear to be at least one year behind "normal" Garmin map version. Oh well.)

Compared to my other Garmin units the Nav is a "watered down" version but usable. One deficiency is the number of Voices available. Not many. My favorite has been Aussie Karen for years and she is not a choice. My PSA is to inform others with same system that it is possible to add more Garmin voices to your Honda Nav. When doing a map update (which is via USB drive) - and this can be done anytime even if you are up-to-date. (The map update process can be found in the Nav manual or online - http://hondanavi.navigation.com/home/en_US/HondaNA/USD?Progr...)

Just create a Voice folder (name exactly) and transfer any voices you want to use into it from your Garmin gps after copying them to your PC/Mac on the USB drive. Put the new Voice folder at the root level of the USB drive. Proceed with the normal update process in your vehicle. After completed you should see the new voices in the Settings menu of the Nav system.
I have not had any success adding my own POI files or Vehicles, but I will keep trying. FWIW and your results may vary.

Never used

I bought a 2016 GMC Sierra last year that had the built-in Nav system and except for loading in some POIs as an experiment, I have never used it.

I already had a 3597 and the graphics are much superior to the in-dash unit. Lifetime maps and excellent Traffic through the Garmin Smartphone Link app made it a no-brainer to use the Garmin. Also, the built-in GPS does not support custom POI icons - at least I could find no info on how to do it.

I agree with previous posters that Built-in NAV systems are way too expensive and updates are usually already out of date and too costly.

BTW - jim1348 did a copy and paste from one of my posts from last year listing all the manufacturers that used Garmin. It may be out of date.

--
Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA

No way, no how

given the current state of built in technology would I ever pay for an in dash unit. I tried using a few in friend's vehicles...much more cumbersome than the 3597 or TT 1605 we currently use...plus the cost of updates...uhhhh, no thanks.

--
"You can't get there from here"

Have you tried my post

Spyder63 wrote:

Just to revive an old thread - I recently purchased a 2017 Honda Ridgeline which has the 8-inch built-in Audio-Nav unit. (Same as Honda Pilot, Odyssey, etc.) Nav unit is Garmin based. (On another note: I get one free map update per year for five years although they appear to be at least one year behind "normal" Garmin map version. Oh well.)

Compared to my other Garmin units the Nav is a "watered down" version but usable. One deficiency is the number of Voices available. Not many. My favorite has been Aussie Karen for years and she is not a choice. My PSA is to inform others with same system that it is possible to add more Garmin voices to your Honda Nav. When doing a map update (which is via USB drive) - and this can be done anytime even if you are up-to-date. (The map update process can be found in the Nav manual or online - http://hondanavi.navigation.com/home/en_US/HondaNA/USD?Progr...)

Just create a Voice folder (name exactly) and transfer any voices you want to use into it from your Garmin gps after copying them to your PC/Mac on the USB drive. Put the new Voice folder at the root level of the USB drive. Proceed with the normal update process in your vehicle. After completed you should see the new voices in the Settings menu of the Nav system.
I have not had any success adding my own POI files or Vehicles, but I will keep trying. FWIW and your results may vary.

Will the directions for adding POIs to the 2014 Accord work on your unit? If so here is my post for adding POIs

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/42862

--
Mary, Nuvi 2450, Garmin Viago, Honda Navigation, Nuvi 750 (gave to son)

I'll stick with my portable

I'll stick with my portable unit!

--
an94

Factory map update

My Lexus required a trip to stealership for map update that will cost a little under $400 each time. And the map is 2 years outdated compare to Garmin.
My other Toyota using a DVD map base and each update will cost $160.

I'm using Garmin & Waze for my main navigation.

Thanks

@ mgarledge -

I will give that a go and report back. I do have TurboCCCs tools.

Update: Nope! Don't have the same menu item choices. No import.

While there may be a way via the hidden Diagnostic Menu I need to do more research. I just had a failed audio/nav head unit replaced this week so I am a little "gun shy" about trying anything drastic.

Back again

Just returned home after a 5 day drive from Mexico, including 3 days through the USA.

Found the VW Garmin based GPS useless as boobs on a bull !!!
Stuck with my Garmin 2797. Currently updating the maps to 2018.1 on it. Still carry my now ancient 850 as back-up and will update to 2018.1 next.

Also have to get busy with postings, lost all my icons on POI-factory.

--
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

Anyone know about the new vehicles?

If I may revive an old thread I started, does anybody know anything about GPS in 2018 vehicles?

I test drove a 2018 Honda Odyssey today, which now uses a NAV system made by Garmin. I was happy to see that it had a familiar look and feel similar to my nuvi, but it doesn't look like I can update the maps in quite the same way as I do with my nuvi. The process appears to be documented here:

https://vimeo.com/194667219/acd57a2767

And unfortunately, it appears that Honda will charge to update the maps after 5 years. sad

That said... does anyone know if the process for uploading/updating custom POIs (like red light cameras, speed cameras, and other POIs downloaded from POI Factory) is the same? The salesperson at the dealership I visited claimed that it was not possible to upload speed cameras because -- as he claimed -- it falls under the auspices of "radar detection." I don't buy that story based on the fact that proximity alerts are based on proximity and not the ability to detect radar, but I can't find anything to confirm nor deny the salesperson's story.

Related Thread

Just found this related thread. Not sure it truly answers my question, but...

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45680

Radar ???

beagle.fan wrote:

The salesperson at the dealership I visited claimed that it was not possible to upload speed cameras because -- as he claimed -- it falls under the auspices of "radar detection."

Do you honestly believe what a salesman tells you ? I took my car in to the dealer and asked the Service Advisor where the oil filter is, on top or below? He told me it is accessible from the top. No blinking way !!! It is is below! Service advisors I believe should have been mechanics before.

If your vehicle is like my VW Passat it is impossible to install
RLC and Speed cams, though I have learned how to put my OWN waypoints in.

BTW: My car GPS is also Garmin based but nowhere as easy to use!

--
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

VW Golf R 2013

Uses an SD card and goes for $99 every two years or so

--
non-native nutmegger

FWIW...

Melaqueman wrote:

I took my car in to the dealer and asked the Service Advisor where the oil filter is, on top or below? He told me it is accessible from the top. No blinking way !!!

The oil filter on my 2013 BMW X3 is on top. I just changed it yesterday. Different car from a Passat, obviously, but oil filters are not always at the bottom. If that was what you were saying.

--
NUVI 350

Location

MikeSid wrote:

The oil filter on my 2013 BMW X3 is on top. I just changed it yesterday. Different car from a Passat, obviously, but oil filters are not always at the bottom. If that was what you were saying.

Different cars, different locations. My Jetta was on top, the Passat is below!

--
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

.

beagle.fan wrote:

The salesperson at the dealership I visited claimed that it was not possible to upload speed cameras because -- as he claimed -- it falls under the auspices of "radar detection." I don't buy that story based on the fact that proximity alerts are based on proximity and not the ability to detect radar, but I can't find anything to confirm nor deny the salesperson's story.

The salesperson may have been giving you material for the POI Joke thread. wink

My post for 2014 Honda Accord

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/42862

See if this helps. I was also told there was no way to download POIs. This works great on a 2014. Hope it will work on yours.

Everything has to be followed correctly or it doesn't work.

I have the Cameras on my Honda Accord 2014.
Mary

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Mary, Nuvi 2450, Garmin Viago, Honda Navigation, Nuvi 750 (gave to son)

Android Auto

With android auto, Google maps, other smartphone apps (Waze, etc) and unlimited data from most carriers, it'll be the death of on board nav systems. Can't wait!

--
Nuno

Death ?

NunoSimoes wrote:

With android auto, Google maps, other smartphone apps (Waze, etc) and unlimited data from most carriers, it'll be the death of on board nav systems. Can't wait!

Sure, sure. I'll be d a m n e d if I'll pay for an expensive data plan to use my cell phone as a GPS. Only reason I have a cell phone is for the odd call and for emergencies. You'll never see me walking down the street yacking away. Another reason is in my jurisdiction it is ILLEGAL to use a handheld communication device in your car unless it is with hands free operation.

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Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

.

Google maps isn't smart enough to usurp PND's yet.

Case in point, my partner had Google maps take them to an orchard with nothing but trees, because it didn't know 832 Saucier Rd., Kelowna, BC wasn't a valid address.

The Garmin returned the query it only had a valid address on 832 Saucier Ave.

They drove a 1/2 an hour extra to the job site once they realized it. grin

Dedicated is better. Period.

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

A map error is a map error.

A map error is a map error. A map error has nothing to do with whether a dedicated satnav or smartphone app is better for navigation.

True

Some just have far more than others... wink

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

No problem with my 2797 & 855

Juggernaut wrote:

Case in point, my partner had Google maps take them to an orchard with nothing but trees, because it didn't know 832 Saucier Rd., Kelowna, BC wasn't a valid address.

The Garmin returned the query it only had a valid address on 832 Saucier Ave.

They drove a 1/2 an hour extra to the job site once they realized it. grin

Dedicated is better. Period.

Both my Garmins, 2797 and 855 found this address in seconds

--
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

If

Melaqueman wrote:

Both my Garmins, 2797 and 855 found this address in seconds

If your saying that the Garmin's found Saucier Ave in seconds you may have missed the point. I think Juggernaut is saying that his Nuvi only returned the address they wanted (832 Saucier Ave) where in Google Maps they selected 832 Saucier Rd. by mistake and got directed to an apple orchard no where near where they wanted to go.

I'm not sure whether that example proves that a dedicated device is better than Google maps however. If I enter 832 Saucier Rd, Kelowna, BC into Google maps I get a choice of selecting RD or AVE. If I enter 832 Saucier into my DriveLuxe 50 I only get the option of Saucier AVE. If for some reason I really wanted to go to 832 Saucier RD I couldn't do it with the data in the Garmin unit as that location doesn't exist. If however I enter a STREET NAME of Saucier Rd and not just Saucier (In BC enter Where To > Address > 832 > Saucier Rd > Done) I will get a return of 1800, 1500 and 2000 Saucier Rd. That would seem to indicate that Google has more detailed street address data than the HERE maps used by the Garmin devices.

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

Salesperson

Melaqueman wrote:

Do you honestly believe what a salesman tells you ?

In this case, NO... but I also think it is plausible that Honda might "disable" some of the functionality I know exists in portable units in order to try to make extra $$$$.

Bought A New Vehicle

Well... it happened. Didn't want the built-in GPS, but the vehicle I purchased (Toyota) included a NAV system. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to figure out how to install proximity alerts, the voice recognition system is less-than-reliable, and there is apparently no way for my passenger to override our destination manually while moving -- it is purportedly a "safety feature."

The built-in NAV system is nice, but suffice it to say that I have gone back to taking my nuvi with me. sad

You can get maps direct from "Here"

If your vehicle is manufactured by one of the 28 brands listed at the "Here" site, you can get the latest map from them (sometimes "On Sale").

http://mapupdate.navigation.com/landing/en-US/

Or, you can browse Ebay for used maps that usually are a little out of date.

The lack of convenience to easily add POIs, Routes and Way Points is a bummer. Add the fact that there is usually no help in the owner's manual on how to use those features. Sometime you can find help by simply searching on Google (or Bing, if you prefer). That's how I found info on adding POIs to my GMC Sierra. I did a search at Google using GM instead of GMC and found info at a "Cadillac Users" forum run by GM. The steps were not quite correct for my truck, but it was very close. I posted the steps here for my GMC, which are probably the same for most GM products and may work for other Garmin equipped brands as well. Remember that adding more/updated POIs will overwrite ALL existing POIs in the GPS unit, so you have to install them all (again).

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/46027

--
Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA

29 "Brands" plus 1 aftermarket suppliers using "Here" maps

This is a list from the "Here" maps page:

Acura
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
JVC
Land Rover
Lincoln
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mitsubisi Motors
Nisson
Oldsmobile
Pioneer
Pontiac
Ram
Saab
Saturn
Sabaru
Volkswagen
Volvo

--
Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA

I'll

I'll give your process another try but when I orginally attempted to add POIs to my 2016 Chevy Equinox it did not work. Inserting the USB Flash Drive in the USB port of the Nox caused the system to respond with a message something like "no music files found".

UPDATE - just attempted to load a few POIs again and got the same message. It looks like on the Chev MyLink system it is only looking for music files from the USB port.

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

Directory structure

t923347 wrote:

I'll give your process another try but when I orginally attempted to add POIs to my 2016 Chevy Equinox it did not work. Inserting the USB Flash Drive in the USB port of the Nox caused the system to respond with a message something like "no music files found".

UPDATE - just attempted to load a few POIs again and got the same message. It looks like on the Chev MyLink system it is only looking for music files from the USB port.

t923347

Did you load them using the file directory structure described after formatting the stick in FAT32 format?

Was the unit in GPS mode?

Also, you may want to try another USB port.

--
Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA

AFAIK

AFAIK I did everything as per your instructions:

- 4GB USB Flash Drive formatted Fat32

- Folder called myPOIs created on the Flash Drive

- Four csv files from POI-Factory copied to the myPOIs folder

- Vehicle started, and Nav map screen displayed on the myLink system screen.

- inserted USB Flash Drive in to the ONLY usb port in the vehicle

- USB flash drive is immediately found, myLink system switches to USB mode and within seconds the "no music files found" message appears on the screen with the only option of pressing OK which takes me back to the Nav map screen.

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

One Other thing

Were the files .csv files?

I just verified that it still works. I inserted the memory stick and in a few seconds I was asked if I wanted to load new POIs. I had created a myPOIs directory on a blank Memory Stick, copied the B0A_ATM.csv file and it worked. Engine was not running, key was in Ignition position. Maybe the engine has to be running in your scenario.

Don't know what to tell you, except to join the GM Equinox forum at the GM website and pose the question on how to load POIs.

BYT, my GMC has 4 USB ports (2 front & 2 rear)

--
Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA

Safety feature

It is relatively easy to program a cellphone to be disabled while it is in motion. That has not been done, because it cannot be determined if the cellphone in question is being used by the driver, because the cellphone is portable. The NAV is installed in the dash.

It seems to me that vehicle manufacturers could place a NAV destination mini-screen in the dash to the passenger's right side. They might as well add an alternate cabin temperature control over there as well.

--
Gotta travel on ... with my nuvi 2450LM.

Yup

I'm with you.

--
Gotta travel on ... with my nuvi 2450LM.

As I

metricman wrote:

Were the files .csv files?

I just verified that it still works. I inserted the memory stick and in a few seconds I was asked if I wanted to load new POIs. I had created a myPOIs directory on a blank Memory Stick, copied the B0A_ATM.csv file and it worked. Engine was not running, key was in Ignition position. Maybe the engine has to be running in your scenario.

Don't know what to tell you, except to join the GM Equinox forum at the GM website and pose the question on how to load POIs.

BYT, my GMC has 4 USB ports (2 front & 2 rear)

As I said in my post I used csv files from this site and the vehicle was running. I already belong to the GM Equinox forum and I'll post the question there at some point. More USB ports would be nice but I'd only use more than one on rare occasions. I have a 4 port USB hub that fits into the only USB connection nicely and works pretty well for those few times I need more than one.

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

Built in

Any Garmin stand alone GPS I own or have ever owned will within a short time know where it is after connecting with the satellites.
No need for me to tell it where it is.

The built in Garmin based Nav unit in my car is an idiot since if I haven't used it in 2 weeks as an example it needs me to enter " STATE " meaning country. At no time have I ventured to another continent or country in those 2 weeks !

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Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

Here's a link for Honda Navigation Updates shows 2015-2018

Honda Navigation Updates

Prease to read more here:

https://honda.garmin.com/honda/index.html

Hope this helps someone...

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

It just amazes me

It amazes me that car manufacturers are still trying to sell their customers on the idea that "their (five year old) built in navigation system" is better than a much cheaper Garmin GPS because the car maker's system is:

Easier to use
Has greater 'accuracy'
Offers a "better customer experience"
etc, etc.

Anyone who has ever owned a stand-alone GPS (Garmin or any other brand) knows this is simply not true, and I personally am insulted by the car makers and their sales people who try to tell me otherwise.

Built-In Units

I totally agree.

The complete UN-friendliness of the built-in units is disappointing.

Not to mention that they want $150 to update the maps.

I have a Honda Accord "Touring" model with built in Nav, but guess what I have sitting on the dash that I use MUCH more than the built-in unit that costs $2500.......?

Ya.... a Garmin 3590. Soooo much better than the built-in.

Android Auto and CarPlay negate OEM nav

LeapFroggie wrote:

It amazes me that car manufacturers are still trying to sell their customers on the idea that "their (five year old) built in navigation system" is better than a much cheaper Garmin GPS because the car maker's system.

I still use a standalone GPSr because I don't want my phone tied up with nav, and I travel in places where the phone won't get enough data for nav updates. Satellites are always available outside.

I have Apple CarPlay now and while I use the Apple Maps for backup and comparison with the Garmin I still prefer having my Garmin.

The big upside for auto makers is that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay take the work out of updating phone, messaging, music, and nav from their responsibilities. They have never been able to do it well or at a reasonable cost. Updates were either nonexistent or expensive; and they were always inferior to my Garmin 3597.

--
Brent - DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S

Special Order!

LeapFroggie wrote:

It amazes me that car manufacturers are still trying to sell their customers on the idea that "their (five year old) built in navigation system" is better than a much cheaper Garmin GPS because the car maker's system is:

Easier to use
Has greater 'accuracy'
Offers a "better customer experience"
etc, etc.

What is more frustrating is trying to find a vehicle that does NOT have an In-Car-Nav system sad Most manufacturers seem to have bundled their (useless) $1000 Nav system with more desirable options. Getting Bluetooth and a good sound system WITHOUT a Nav system should not be a "special order".

Some other things to consider

In the 1950s, after 50K miles, it was time for an engine overhaul. Rarely did one see a car or pickup get over 100K miles before it was scrapped and dealers would not take it as a trade-in. In the 60s it started to change and now it is not unusual to see vehicles get 100K or 200K miles with no major repairs. And they rarely rust out these days. In general, dealers will trade-in cars with up to 150K mi.

How much memory is available for map updates in the "Built-in" Nav Systems? We don't know how big a map it will take. Maps just keep getting bigger and bigger and 10 or 15 yrs. down the road that Nav System may no longer be able to be updated. We will not be able to insert a SD memory card (no slot on my pickup that I know of). Maybe you'll be able to use a USB memory stick, that is if your vehicle has a USB port. I guess somebody will eventually start poking around in the systems to see what's there. Problem there is that if you screw up and "Brick" the Nav System, you will probably be out $1000 or more. Whereas, if you "Brick" your stand alone unit, it can be replaced for as little as $100. (or your stand alone unit may be resurrected by advice from the helpful members here grin )

There's not much help easily available for in dash GPSs, that I know of, except from the Vehicle Make user forums. Getting accurate info on how to install custom POIs is almost "Unobtainable"!

Maybe things will improve, but the Auto Execs will solve most problems with an "Upgrade" unit. Problem solved, except your wallet just got very thin.

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Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA
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