Honda Odyssey GPS Navigation System

maebee · December 2000

We are picking up our 2001 Odyssey with a NAVI system next week. I assume that it has the latest software version (2.03 ?)installed. How do I check to make sure at the time of delivery?

I understand that there are annual DVD software updates. How much do they cost? Will Honda contact me when they are available or do I have to contact the dealer? Can I contact Alpine for those updates?

We can't wait to use the NAVI system. One of the Honda dealers actually tried to talk us out of it. He indicated that a lot of people buy it as a toy. $2000 is an expensive toy. We actually need it as some of us find it hard to remember directions. I am sure we'll get use out of it.

Thanks

mike734 · December 2000

Push the setup button and then push "other" to see the second page. You will see a version button. Push it and it should say version 2.03. Have fun. We think it was worth it especially when you amortize the expense over the life of the car.

dmathews3 · December 2000

They have the dvd updates at the honda website under the Odyssey at $150 per disk so unless you're rich or they put out a major update I wouldn't waste mt money. This is the first major update since the nav. came out in 98 on the 99 model even though honda said they would update it each fall.

cj575 · December 2000

I believe the Nav option was not offered until model year 2000.

dmathews3 · December 2000

Don't know about that but they had it on the Acura first

ciarapinto · December 2000

I love my new car, and I love the Navi system, I
think it is the greatest thing that they put into a car. I can find any shopping mall with the Navi system, and I don't get lost and waste gas.
My husband likes the Navi system, because he in sales, and it is helpful to him too. It was complicated at first, but the salesman spent an hour on the phone with me today, while I sat in the car and he explained step by step how to use it. I live in Virginia and I bought the car in New York last week while I was Visiting in New York. The dealer had a half a dozen Navi's and others on their lot. The salesman was great, and I can't wait to Disneyworld in March to use my navigation system on a long trip again. The best is I have been reading this site for a long time, and most people are paying more and waiting months for their car. I paid MSRP, and got the wood trim dash for free, because it was already in the car. And, I drove the car out in two hours. If anyone has any ?as about he navigation system or anything elsewhere you can mail me at ciarapinto@hotmail.com. Happy cruising. If you get lost, email me, and I will direct you to the nearest outlet store.

ralph8bread · January 2001

I recently had a problem with my navi screen going out. Dealer could not explain and said it was the first one he's ever heard doing this. If anyone has had it happen I would be interested in hearing from you. Thankfully it is covered in the warranty. The nav system is great and I miss it!

btoll · January 2001

My navigation system seems to always have the car pointed a bit to the right (sometimes more than others). When we are driving straight down a long straight freeway, the nav screen shows the freeway as a line tilted about 10 to 20 degrees to the left. The arrow for the car is pointing
straight with respect to the screen, but the road is shown at an angle so it looks like the car is going down the road at an angle.

I know that there is a rotation adjustment on the correction screen, but it only lasts for a minute or so and then it's back to its normal tricks (and you can only correct it when the car is stopped, grr!).

The nav seems to handle this OK when it can get GPS signals at a decent rate. But there is a freeway I drive frequently which is in a small valley and there are lots of exits. When it is not getting GPS, it assumes that the car is going straight (as defined by it's definition of straigh) which always takes us off to the right. In the best times it assumes we go off at each off ramp and then back on, but most of the time it takes an off-ramp and then just gets completly lost, sometimes to where the freeway doesn't even show on the screen anymore. We're driving peacefully on the freeway the whole time.

Has anyone else seen this? Is there any way of making the nav correct this rotational problem? For a while I just ignored it, but it's really getting anoying. We're taking a long road-trip in a few months and I really want it to be working by then. I'm close to taking it in to a honda place to have it looked at, but I'm afraid I'll be trying to explain how GPS works to "Buba" in the garage and have no luck. I think I have a better chance of getting help from this forum. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Bret

mike734 · January 2001

My unit has done this a few times but like you said, it straightens out when it receives strong sat signals. I have 3 green most of the time but see 3 yellow quite a bit. I would ask the dealer to replace the gyro and/or make sure it is mounted correctly. BTW I am definitely going to buy an HCW before the 3/36 expires. I'm sure with the doors and GPS it will pay for itself with the first repair.

ocuihs · January 2001

Hi,
How do you change the personal PIN when you try to access "Personal Address" for User1 & User2 (each user can programmed to 50 addresses)?
No info from the Navi manual. Thank you.

mike734 · January 2001

The PIN is the same code that you must enter to reset the unit after power is removed. It should have been printed on some sort of card included when you bought the car. To change it you must access the reset page and enter the old code and then enter your new code. I chose 9. That way I only have to push one number that is very close to the Done button.

ocuihs · January 2001

We have '01 EX Navi 2.03. Which states were affected by the update (we're in NJ)? If we were to add some brand new development streets, would the system recognize the additions if we were to go back to those streets later on?

To mike734: Thanks for the personal PIN address info. The Navi manual states: For first time use, don't enter anything then change the PIN afterwards. It's misleading. The dealer programmed it at their PDI without telling us (the same number on the card).

ravenxy · January 2001

Hi, I have a 2001 Ody EX on order. I am considering requesting one with the Navi option. My questions are:

1. How far out from Boston does the Metro Boston detailed coverage extend? As far as Rt. 128? How about Rt. 495?

2. What is covered in non-detailed areas? For instance, are all state numbered routes covered?

3. What happens when you are on a covered route and move to a non-detailed area? Does the system at least give you the correct exit to take onto the non-covered road?

Thanks!

John

ocuihs · January 2001

From the Navi manual:

Non-detailed coverage: Cities and towns in the non-detailed map coverage area are not fully mapped. These are denoted in the City list by a "*" next to the name. Only major federal, state, and county roads leading to and through these cities and towns are mapped. You cannot select a street address or intersection if you select one of these cities or towns as a destination. The system will guide you to the center of that city or town; you may then have to ask directions to your final destination. Because only major roads are mapped in these non-detailed areas, the calculated route may not be the shortest possible. You may be aware of secondary roads that shorten the travel distance and time.

Massachusetts detailed coverage areas: Boston Metropolitan area, Cape Cod, and Springfield Metropolitan area

No coverage states (9): Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota, Vermont

dmathews3 · January 2001

Go to the Honda website and Odyssey and find the update Nav. software from the pulldown menu. When you get there click on the update and then there is a place to click on the details and it lists each state and you can click on the state for a map of the coverage areas. May be a little different as I'm doing this from memory.

ravenxy · January 2001

Thanks for the info. I'd still like to know which towns Navtech considers to be part of the Boston Metropolitan area. The map dmathews3 pointed me to on the Honda web site is not explicit regarding coverage area. I think I will go ahead and talk to my salesman about it.

Thanks again,

John

ocuihs · February 2001

Chances are your salesman won't know until he/she plays with the Navi. What cities/towns are you looking for Rte 128 and Rte 495? Just keyed in both routes for MA, a bunch of cities/towns came up - you're covered.

toys4iq · February 2001

I live in Burlington, MA and have the Navi (2000 version). I am very happy with the coverage within 128. I was a little disappointed with SOME coverage past 495 but I am not out there much so I have not had too much experience. Specifically, the Navi could not get me to a home in Stow, Ma. It got me to the town but the street (which had been there for 30 years) was not on the map. Luckily I had directions and my handy map book as a back up. I also know for a fact that it does have detailed coverage of North Andover. Also, Lowell somewhat as one street near the old Wang tower was not on the map. I don't know why because these houses have clearly been there for MANY years. Also, just a side note the new exit off of Route 93 in Woburn is not on the map. If you want more specific info, please tell me exactly what town you are interested in and I will enter it into my Navi and tell you what I get for coverage. (Name some new or small streets too)

drew_ · February 2001

FYI, if you would like to offer some driver feedback to the company who supplies the map data to the GPS manufacturer (Alpine, in this case), go to http://www.navtech.com , and click on the "Driver Feedback" section. There is also another different "feedback" area on the upper right hand corner of the NavTech page.

Hope this helps!

Drew

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ravenxy · February 2001

Hi, I stopped by my dealer (Honda North) in Danvers, MA to discuss the Navi option and coverage. I found that my home town of Rowley, which is in between 495 and 128 was not covered, but Danvers, which is closer to Boston was. There happened to be a Navi equiped Odyssey on the lot when I was there. The salesman let me get in and play with it. Even though the coverage is not as complete as I would like I still ended up changing my order to include the Navi option. One of the reasons that helped me decide is that there was an unclaimed Green Granite (the color we wanted) with the Navi option due to be built on Feb 28. My name is now on it. I was looking at an April/May delivery otherwise.

This summer we are taking a diving trip to Oshkosh WI (to go to the EAA Airventure Airshow for those aviation minded folks out there). Having the Navi option should be a great benefit for the trip.

Thanks everyone for you input.

John

ocuihs · February 2001

There are two occurences for Rowley, MA -- detailed and non-detailed coverages!!!

The following are street names in detailed coverage area for Rowley, MA:

Bradford, Central, Glen, Haverhill, I-95, Island,
Main, Newburyport, RT-1A, RT-133, US-1, Weathersfield

ocuihs · February 2001

To Toys4iq: There are also two occurences for Stow, MA (version 2.03) -- street names that are in detailed coverage area for Stow, MA:

Action, Assabet, Boxboro, Bradley, Bruen, Canterbury, Crescent, Dawes, Deer Field, Devincent, Elaine, Elm Ridge, Farm, Gardner, Great, Hale, Hallocks, Hastings, Heights, Johnston, King Island, Militia, Pompositticut, Red Acre, Rice Point, Riverview, RT-62, RT-117, Sammel Prescott, Shore, State, Sudbury, Tuttile, Walnut Ridge, Whitte Pond

sellmyodyssey · April 2001

I am trying to sell my 2001 Honda Odyssey EX, and I have found a buyer who wants the Navigation System which I don't have. Does anyone know if it possible to have one put in aftermarket...and if so...is it $2,000 dollars or even more?

LB
blackmail@home.com

abbanat · April 2001

Yes, you can. I know Alpine makes one. You can go to Circuit City or Good Guys and it should cost somewhat less than $2000 IIRC. However, it won't be stock and the screen may not fit in the factory location. I wouldn't go through the trouble just for this one customer. Somebody else will buy it without the nav system.

alexjr1 · April 2001

You should ask your local Honda dealer becuase if you buy it privatly there going most likely to do a bad job. The honda dealer nows the right way of doing it and all the buttons and wires are there already.

jimblock · April 2001

I am fairly certain you can NOT add on the Honda factory Navigation System -- at least not for any reasonable price. The dash, automatic temperature controls and an number of other parts are different and would have to be replaced -- if you found a dealer willing, the cost would likely be much more than the $2000 price.

Alpine does make the Odyssey NAV hardware and sells a stand alone version. It is not the same as the built in one (for example, I don't think they offer a touch screen -- I couldn't find one when I looked), and the list price is more than $2000 NOT including installation.

I agree with abbanat above -- you are much better off finding another buying, or letting this buyer worry about finding a NAV after he buys from you.

alexjr1 · April 2001

I love my navigation system except when I go into Manhatten the system does not now what to think because of all the buildings its great around the metro area other than that its not to great when you get more to the urban area.

I would not reccomend getting any navigation system unless it is factory installed.

jimblock · April 2001

I've driven my 2000 Odyssey NAV in Manhattan and the system worked fine. I'm not sure what problems you had alexjr1, but it worked fine in mid-town and the upper east and west sides.

(I did have to turn off the graphics showing restaurants -- there were so many that you couldn't see the streets...)

3senough · April 2001

We were new to the Bay area when we purchased or 2000 Odyssey with Nav. The van was a factory demo so we got a navigation system we wouldn't have sprung for if we were buying new. I knew my husband would to the gps, he loves tech gadgets of any sort, what I didn't expect it how much I love the Nav. I don't spend time mapping out trips anymore. I don't spend energy reading every sign and checking miles covered. I have gotten familiar with our new surrounding without wandering aimlessly. I am glad with gas almost $2.00 a gallon around here to drive with purpose. I would highly recommend the navigation system to anyone, even those who don't believe they would use gadgets. It too easy, too fun and too useful not to be used by anyone who can push a screen.

stever · April 2001

Hi - I am PR Director for Edmunds.com and often am approached by journalists looking to talk with consumers for various automotive stories. Currently, I'm helping a major newspaper find consumers who are experiencing "gadget backlash." Did you buy a vehicle filled with exciting techno-gadgets, and wish you didn't? Have you given up trying to play a CD, set the ambient temperature or use the navigation system because the controls are just too complicated? Did you drive off the lot in your new vehicle without getting a full explanation of all the toys, figuring "how hard could it be?" and are now realizing it's more confusing than you could have imagined? What experiences have you had with the Mercedes joystick and the Volvo radio, both of which feature a lot of functionality but seem less intuitive than traditional controls?

This story will touch on the following trends:

-the gadgets in high-end vehicles from the Lexus LS 430 and Volvo S80 to Porsches and beyond

-drivers in their 40s-60s buying sports cars

-driver distraction

If you have anything to add, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your experience to Talk to the Press and/or to jfallon@edmunds.com, including your current vehicle, daytime phone number and city and state of residence. (Your identity will be protected at your request.)

Thanks for your consideration of this opportunity to share your story!

Regards,
Jeannine Fallon
Director of Public Relations
jfallon@edmunds.com

ocuihs · April 2001

FYI...

Odyssey's NAV system rated # 6 on this to beat out BMW X5, Lexus LS, Cadillac Seville, and Cadillac Deville.

http://carpoint.msn.com/Browse/win_4019408.asp

Also Odyssey named Carpoint's 2001 Best List

amymike · June 2001

I just picked up my odyssey with navi. What is the accuracy of the navi system when traveling state to state. In general, is everyone pleased with it? Thanks

ocuihs · June 2001

FYI...Honda released 2.04 May 2001 at $152

https://esales1.alpine-usa.com/dos/honda/cover_areas_honda.htm

Cannot do link due to https:// (secured site), please copy/paste link.

To amymike: We're really satisfied to the point that we will have a NAVI from now on. Give or take 5% accuracy.

State to State: Central New Jersey to Hershey, PA (Hershey Park)
System quoted 50+ more miles compared to MapQuest and other locators.

Also compared MapQuest's step-by-step direction to Honda's step-by-step.

It was the final two steps that quoted 50+ more miles. The Honda's system just kept "Auto Recal" until it gave us 50 miles less.

amymike · June 2001

Was the routing the same as mapquest? Did you just keep hitting auto recal when you were in route or before you left? I'm assuming mapquest was correct?

Is there a way to see what a route would look like from destination B to C when you are at destination A?

ocuihs · June 2001

Honda gave extra routes on PA-743 (off and came back on later). There is no auto recal button, you will see "Recalculating" flash at the top of the screen for several seconds as the system recalculates the route. This is followed by a new route instruction. We kept going on PA-743 until 50 less miles.

+/- 5% accuracy: Certain limitations
The system uses signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS) to aid in determining its current location. The GPS is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. For security reasons, there are certain inaccuracies built into the GPS that the Navigation System must constantly compensate for. This can cause occasional positioning errors of up to several hundred feet. For example, in urban areas where streets are close together, this could cause the system to show that you are traveling on a street that parallels the street you are actually on. The system will, under most circumstances, correct itself after several seconds. Although the system will direct you to your desired destination, it may not always do it by what you consider to be the most direct route (Hershey Park example).

YES, there is a way to see what a route would look like from destination B to C when you are at destination A.

drew_ · June 2001

Actually, selective availability was turned off for friendly countries about a year ago. The GPS units are now accurate to within the area of a tennis court versus the football field it used to be. Car based units that tap into the vehicle's sensors are even more accurate since they can use the input to extrapolate roughly where the vehicle is even if it loses sight of the "birds" overhead.

Drew
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amymike · June 2001

How do you do this. Everytime I plan a trip it assumes I am at my current location? If you are able to do this, can you reference at a later date (although I know modifications that I add my disappear (avoid streets, etc))?

Thanks

dcb6538 · August 2001

I am currently selling my 2000 EX that has a navigation system installed. The problem I'm having is that everyone thinks the way I did when I purchased the vehicle -- "who wants that and why should I pay 2k for it?" Well, after the year of ownership, I won't live without mine and would like to remove from my van for two reasons, my personal use and to enable me to drop the price 2k. Does anyone know if it can be removed and if so, how hard is it? Is the GPS locator located within the system or has Honda hidden it somewhere in the vehicle? Any guidance would be appreciated. If anyone knows where I can get this GPS system aftermarket for my new vehicle, I would also appreciate that information.

drew_ · August 2001

AFAIK, the headunit was designed specifically for this vehicle and as such, it will be practically impossible to remove and get it working again in another vehicle.

Drew
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dcb6538 · August 2001

Drew: Thanks for the quick reply. Where can I find a similar navigation unit when my van is sold? I sat in an Infiniti Q45 and looked that their system and hated it. I know that Honda's is an Alpine unit, just have no idea where I would find one and Toyota (going with a Sequoia) doesn't offer a navigation unit.

drew_ · August 2001

Most aftermarket audio shops should carry GPS units as well. Alpine makes several different models and you can have them custom installed into your new Sequoia. Granted, it may not look as integrated as your Odyssey's, but you will have the same user interface that you're used to. Infiniti's is not made by Alpine.

There is a Mobile GPS discussion topic in the Aftermarket & Accessories message board that you may be interested in.

Good luck!

Drew
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jimblock · August 2001

The navigation system in the Acura is the same as the one in the Odyssey. You might take a look at a new Acura TLS or RL. I think it is also available on the MDX if you are looking for a SUV.

jimblock · September 2001

Interesting note. Each new DVD has separate software version and database version. The latest software version is 2.05 and latest Database is AB0720.

My 2000 Ody NAV came with software version 1.09j and database AB0520. A friend just got a new Acura TL-S with a navigation system. We tried swapping DVDs (his has the 2.05/AB0720). The DVDs are interchangeable. And when I inserted his DVD in my Navigation system it UPDATED my navigation system to version 2.05 -- which remained after his disc was returned. Apparently the software is installed from the DVD automatically when a newer version is inserted and stored in the Navigation System.

Of course the database is on the DVD itself, so I did not get an upgraded database. But I did get a free software update. If you have a friend with a newer version of the DVD you may want to try this.

jimblock · September 2001

Honda released a new DVD with Software version 2.05 and an updated database on 9/1/2001. It is available on the Honda Web site for $152. The coverage information links to a PDF file of over 250 pages of cities -- it appear that the detailed coverage is greatly expanded. Even smaller cities (like Taylor PA, Medford OR, Albany NY) that were not previously covered are listed in the new coverage area. It may finally be worthwhile to upgrade.

Here's a link to the PDF ( if it doesn't work, go to the Odyssey page at Honda2001.com and use the pulldown menu to find Purchase new DVD for Navigation System). [Note that the link says alpine, but that is where the Honda link goes -- apparently Alpine handles the DVD sales for Honda.)

ocuihs · September 2001

When do we have coverage for Canada?
There are no NAVIs in Canadian models.
No info on NAVTECH site.

We've the 2.03 software.

Thanks.

jimblock · September 2001

Well, I received my version 2.05 update DVD today (by 2nd day UPS air) and it was unfortunately disappointing. It is certainly more detailed than my version 1.09 was, but nowhere near as detailed as the PDF on the order page implies.

There seem to be 3 types of coverage:
1. Fully detailed where every street is listed and street addresses are known.
2. "Detailed" -- cites where some major streets are listed, and sometimes a gas station, ATM or restaurant, but no street address.
3. Undetailed -- a city or town's location is known but if selected the navigation system will lead you to approximately the center of that town.

The 225 pages of detailed cities in the PDF include (mostly) the partially detailed -- type 2 above.

There are some more fully detailed areas, but many of these were already included in version 2.03.

I probably will keep the DVD because the database of locations (points of interest) has been significantly updated since 1999. And I don't really feel like arguing with Alpine about returning an opened DVD -- of course you wouldn't know about the problem until you open it.

However, the PDF on the order page is definitely misleading.

Caveat emptor -- buyer beware!

mike734 · September 2001

Are there any noticeable changes in the software?

akin67 · September 2001

Hi Drew:

I remember you from your active participation on the Mercedes M Class board when I was looking to buy one. Thanks to your input I made an informed decision in buying my ML430.

Now I am considering trading in our 2000 Odyssey for the 2002 with the Navigation.

I am a little concerned about some cities being covered with a great deal of detail yet others almost not covered at all.

Now, the Mercedes uses the CD based (regional) navigation but has expansive coverage of my area although it is a small suburban town.

Does the Odyssey DVD based (national) Navigation have comparable coverage? Cause if it does not than I may as well just opt for the Odyssey with the entertainment system.

Thanks again.

dmathews3 · September 2001

Have you checked out the Honda web site and under Nav. it has a place where you click on it to get the form to apply for a new DVD. On that form is a place that lets you click on it to get a map of the US. Click on your state and you get a PDF of whats covered in your state. You need Accrobat REader first in order to read the file. It has all the states and their coverage.

toys4iq · October 2001

jimblock:

We also have a friend who bought the Acura TL-S with a navigation system. The Acura system has a trip computer. Is that a hardware or software upgrade. Also, what are your thoughts on us just upgrading with the Acura DVD rather than the Honda one? I would really like to have a trip computer.

Honda Odyssey GPS Navigation System

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