2008 OEM nav system versus aftermarket nav system ? - Diesel Forum

MackE7 · 10-21-2007, 02:08 PM

How do the aftermarket (Pioneer, Kenwood, etc) navigation systems compare to the 2008 Ford OEM nav system ? Is the Ford nav system really good ?

BigPDiesel · 10-21-2007, 07:04 PM

I have no experience with the OEM Nav unit in the Ford's, but my father has an OEM Nav in his corvette and no one can figure out a way to bypass it so he can use it going down the road. If he changes routes or wants to look up something. With the aftermarkets, you can bypass...

But again, I don't know about Ford's radio, you might be able too...

horses2 · 10-21-2007, 10:31 PM

All nav units are basically the same. They all have a speed input to disable most features so you dont drive into a schoolbus while searching for the closest bar. Thank idiot drivers and tort lawyers for that one too.
But I digress.
The folks looking at your fathers vette are not using a wiring diagram. The GM units look for a speed input over 5mph to freeze out most features. Find the speed input and youcan bypass. Same with Ford & aftermarket units. If one has a good wiring diagram, the world is yours.

DragRag · 10-22-2007, 12:34 AM

I have a pioneer AVIC, mine is modded and i can watch movies while I drive now. Just kidding, my front passenger can also along with the rear passengers. The faxtory unit is way to much cash for what you get. The pioneer is better priced, and more features like bluetooth. After market is the only way to go, pioneer always leaks the mods, so they are available so it will do it all, good luck.

BigPDiesel · 10-23-2007, 11:03 AM

I will look for a wiring diagram for pops, he would be so happy if I could figure it out. Thanks for telling us what to look for!

Fresh155 · 10-24-2007, 12:06 PM

I would definitely go with aftermarket and the best one is the AVIC-Z2 from pioneer or the AVIC-D3. These 2 units are much better than the ford stock unit.

Puzzled · 10-26-2007, 09:51 PM

I run a Pioneer AVIC and while it is a decent unit I think I'd go with a stand alone setup next time. The Pioneer is extremly limited as far as entering POI's and it's drive size. Again it is an OK unit just not all that IMO. I would be interested in seeing how the OEM system works.

jonmercer05 · 10-30-2007, 10:52 PM

I just installed the Kenwood 7100 NAV and it is awesome. I use the ipod interface constantly it is the most handy feature. But i have no experience with the factory unit.

guardrail22 · 10-31-2007, 11:05 PM

how do you make the aftermarket stuff work with the steering wheel controls and Sirrius?

anyone ever figure how to hack the factory unit?

GAZ4x4 · 11-02-2007, 05:01 AM

You can get adapters to allow you to use the steering wheel controls with other stereos, here's one for the Pioneers and Sonys:
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...7SWIPS&tp=3405

I'm not sure about the factory Sirius units.

offshore1 · 11-03-2007, 09:36 AM

The factory Ford unit IS a Pioneer unit. I had a Pioneer AVIC D2 in my '05. The '08 sounds as good, has more features and is ok.

The drawbacks to the Ford unit are: Price, the info on the nav disc is for the entire country, so there is not as much detailed info on them (like phone # look up), the Pioneer unit also had more in depth set up features.

All in all, the Ford unit is really good - I wouldn't remove it to install an aftermarket unit, but I wouldn't check that option if I was building a truck. My truck had it, and I like it.