Just wondering if there's any kind of consensus as to the best overall double DIN nav system for my new F-150 SCREW?

The Pioneer AVIC D3 seems popular, as does its more expensive cousin, the AVIC Z2. The Z2 is probably out of my price range, so I can't seriously consider it.

I see there are similar systems available from Kenwood, Alpine, Panasonic, and Eclipse.

I guess what I'm wondering is:

1. Is the iPod interface from one brand superior to any of the others?
2. Is the Sirius radio interface better on one than the others?
3. Is the smaller screen size of the Pioneer AVIC D3 going to bother me much? How about the need to change discs when travelling from, say, Tulsa to Detroit?
4. I don't need the portable GPS capability of the Alpine...but maybe there's something I'm missing there?
5. Will I lose the reverse sensing feature of my new truck if I install the nav system?
6. Is the sound from one brand any better than the others?

I haven't found any kind of comprehensive review of the different systems available, but figured someone here might have compared them.

Looking forward to seeing what others might think....

 

I bought the Z2 over the D3 for one reason. The D3 is navigation is DVD based, which means you have to remove it if you want to listen to a cd. The only way the navi route will show is if it was pre-programmed b4 you removed the DVD for the CD. I say save up and and purchase the Z2. The navi on this unit is Hard drive based.

 

Actually, the DVD-based system of the D3's doesn't bother me (except for the fact that there are 2 DVD's, one for each half of the country). I only listen to radio (both terrestrial and Sirius) and my iPod....can't remember the last time I put a CD into my car stereo.

Of course, it's possible the hard drive on the Z2 has more data on it...I've no idea on that.

 

I thought I needed a navigation, but then I decided that the best navigation for me was a map neatly tucked in alongside the drivers door. When I was in elementary school (not that long ago) they taught us how to read a map (state fold-out type). It won't be long before they are teaching kids how to use a garmin gps navigation system instead. Technology is good but it definitely turns everyday things into lost arts.

Personally, I would go with factory if money is tight. If not, go with Z2. It seems to be quite the unit.

 

Factory unit price is $2200 or so if installed at the factory. It jumps to $2500 if you want to add the factory unit to your vehicle after the fact.

I wonder if anyone's installed the Panasonic unit...it looks promising on their web site?

 

I believe there's a gentlemen on here that can hook a guy up with a factory navigation at a much lower cost.

 

the d3 is an excellent unit for the price. the ipod interface is by far one of the best i have seen, very simple to use. yes the dvd nav stinks, but if you only plan on using your ipod or radio, you can't go wrong with the d3. if you have the video ipod, you can play your movies through the d3. i don't have audiophile in my truck, but man did the d3 make those factory speakers sound good! people always ask me what speakers i have, and they don't believe me they are the factory speakers.

let me know if you want to know anything else, i installed the d3 in my 04 3months ago. or you can cruise over to avic411.com and browse through the forums there.

 

I may take you up on your generous offer after I get my unit. I've never even taken the dash on a vehicle apart before, much less done any wiring to it.

As I understand it, not all of the wires are a direct connection with the factory plug adapter kit that comes with the unit if it's purchased online from, say, Crutchfield. I'm referring to the speed sensor wire, reverse wire, and...I seem to recall there's something about another wire that has to be spliced into in order to provide all functions. Then there's the matter of the steering wheel controls....another wiring harness to figure out, I think.

Would anyone know if the reverse sensor on my truck will continue to function after this install?

 

I have the Kenwood KNA-G510 Nav unit, along with the kenwood DDX-6019 double din heat unit. I think its a far better navigation, mainy because its an actual GPS, and not a hard drive, which means its alot more accurate... The nav is a garmin based, and is very accurate, as well as voice oriented! I have had no problems, and i absolutely love mine. Oh and it also has a spot on the side of the unit for an SD card slot to update the hard drive. The updates are free for life on the website.

 

I'm not 100% positive about this but I thnk pioneer makes the factory Navi for Ford

 

Not sure but I think he's still $1500.00 for the unit. Isn't that still more exspensive than the Z2?

 

No...I don't think $1500 is more expensive than the Z2. The Z2's around $1700, I think...and that's not counting the steering wheel control interface that I assume would not be needed with the factory unit.

 

last week circuit city had the z2 for $1499(a steal) it has since gone back up to $1999.

yes pioneer does make the ford factory nav.

a few members here bought the d3 from compulplus.com for 699 and got all the harness's from crutchfield.

 

You can find the Z2 for $14xxish, you just have to look around. And they just found a way to bypass the lock out feature. Avic411.com

 

A guy at a local car audio shop here told me today that the bypass only works on Z2's made before a certain date....it won't work on the ones they're making now. No idea if this is true or not, though....