Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Basically, unverified routing means going through areas that are mapped but that NaviTech (the company that does the maps for Honda, Acura and many other companies) have not physically visited.
NaviTech physically verifies the roads by sending out drivers to report the actual road details. That is one reason why the DB has only contained major metropolitan areas. To add the rest of the US quickly, they have added unverfied roads, that they have not checked themselves. Therefore they don't know whether left turns are allowed at intersections, may not know one way streets, etc. (And the road may have changed since the map they used was made). Nonetheless it is a great improvement over the old coverage.
So in other words, if you use unverified routing, it may lead you into a "Wrong Way" one-way street?
Can we assume that this new disc is pretty much the same as the Acura disc, except that the Acura (and Honda Accord) has voice recognition?
Both have 7 million POI.
Has anyone used this unverified routing and had a bad experience ? Like getting lost?
On the other hand, even if NaviTech did not personally verify the routes, they did make use of existing information, which should be fairly accurate -- just not as acurate as doing their own survey.
As far as I know the Databases used in the two systems are the same, although the software (including Voice Recognition) is different. In fact, the new database is actually newer than the one in my 2004 TSX (which was manufactured in June 2003 and has a database current only to 7/30/2002. The latest TSXs have the newer DB.
Good to know that my $191 went towards the latest update NAV.
When I bought the 2003 Ody, it was badly outdated, which stinks.
It doesn't sound right buying a 2004 model, but not getting the most up to date version.
It doesn't sound right buying a 2003 car and having to already update the NAV.
But now I am happy with the new NAV.
Thanks again for your input.
American Honda said that in the Fall there would be a new version that we could purchase for $50. I think I shouldn't have to pay an extra $50 for a $1500 system that wasn't up to par in the first place.
They gave me the phone number of the makers of the Navigation System who hung up on me twice trying to transfer me back to American Honda. They said the new system 2.11B costs $185!
American Honda told me to call our local dealership. The sales mgr there said he has no problem with his 2004 model and he couldn't do anything for me but to recommend that I call American Honda again.
The case is pending so I will update later. But for an expensive gadget, the navigation system certainly does not do what it is supposed to do!
It's weird. Sometimes I can't save any new addresses, but sometimes I can. Sometimes you can't get pass a certain screen, but then it works again after you turn it on and off. Those damn bugs.
Yeah, I think an update disc should be no more than $50, not $185.
I guess they figured if you have enough money to buy the Ody w/Nav, you have enough money to waste on future updates.
Overall, I think the NAV works fine for me, except for those construction sites and new streets. But like they say, you can't rely 100% on the NAV. You have to use a little judgement calls too.
But, if you make the wrong turn, the NAV knows.
But yeah, it can be frustrating sometimes.
Sometimes it picks a route that I think is stupid. However, it can get you eventually to your destination.
I would say it's better than nothing and it works well most of the time.
I still would get a NAV system on all my vehicles in the future.
So the streets may not change, but the POI will.
If you don't care for POI and just care about getting close to a destination, you could always use nearby intersections and the NAV should get you there.
Yeah, I did not HAVE to guy the updated disc, but it was just fun to. Even I will have to admit that NAV is a "toy". But even so, I feel 100% confident that I will never get lost with it--even with an outdated 2003 NAV disc.
Reading this group, it appears that last fall a buggy 2003 update to the non-voice Navi software was issued, with a promise of a fix by about now.
As the owner of a 2000 Odyssey with the original DVD in it, I was planning to upgrade it this year, but was hoping to hear about this update before moving.
Any word out there??
TIA
Dear Andrew
Thank you very much for purchasing the [Honda/Acura] Navigation System Updated Disc version 2.11B. We apologize if you’ve experienced a problem using this disc. A special CD disc is being sent to you via US Mail at no charge that we believe will correct these issues.
The CD is to correct certain operational functions of the navigation program. It does not contain any additional map coverage or Points of Interest (POI) data. Please read the instructions that come with the disc, as this will explain in detail what software issues were addressed.
We thank you for your patience as we’ve worked through this situation. Please do not respond to this e-mail as it is a read-only service. If you have any questions please contact us at: hondanavidiscs@alpine-usa.com or 888-291-4675 option 2
Drove my Ody over the weekend.
NAV seems to be working just fine.
Thanks!
However, the question is, since the updated disc contains bugs and required the "patch" disc, will the 04 ody also require the patch disc. If so, you need to make sure on the contract that Honda will give you the patch disc for free.
I would make them put down on contract that you are getting the latest updated Nav disc plus the "patch" disc.
If you are buying a 2004 model instead of waiting for the new 2005 model, you better be getting no less than $3K off MSRP! Plus, if I were you, I would demand on CONTRACT that they install the factory DVD for $1,500---that is if you wanted DVD player. Otherwise, they will charge you $2K plus tax if they do it afterwards.
We actually don't want the DVD. We have a portable one that runs off the cigarette lighter. While it's not as convenient as the installed one, it also prevents having to tell our 3 year old no (several times) to watching a movie on the 10 minute ride to the grocery store. Can't watch a movie if there's no player in the car...
Thanks again.
-Would you mind listing some of the makes and models that merit consideration and do any of them come with wireless headphones.
-Some of these portables sling around the front seats and I am worried that they may deactivate the side airbags.
-BTW, how does one tell if you have the latest patches for the NAV?
TIA
Examples include:
1) Some destinations being on the wrong side of the road
2) Could not save addresses in the address book
3) Some screens freezing up and you have to press cancel to get out
4) Could not access previous address sometimes
They said the patch disc would be available at the end of January or Februay. I got mine in February so I don't know if your January Ody had the patch disc yet. But I guess if you don't encounter any of those "bugs", then it's okay.
Thanks for sharing the info.
Anyhow, the installation was a piece of cake, and it works fine. The new POI and many new detailed "un-verified routes" are great. I would say the $190 or so spent was well worth the money.
Personally, I would only upgrade when I see the need. That depends on your zoaming area of course.
Had a chance to use NAVI today. Wow, the 2.11c has a different voice! It is a lower-pitch, more native English voice rather than the original voice which sounds like English spoken by a Japanese lady. Non-offense to the latter. My family enjoy the new voice. It is attractive.
One cons, though. The system seems a bit slower, but not too much.
HELP!
My personal data did not change when I installed the new disc.
I think everyone has a different PIN.
There are two users on the address book, and you have to select the correct one.
I am curious if the 04 CD is improved over some of the comments I have been reading.
Thanks-
PNC
I cannot imagine buying another vehicle without at least a touch-screen NAV, if not the new voice-activated one.
I just love taking road trips because of the NAV. I just cannot get lost because of the NAV.
But I had a scary dream last night.
I had a dream in which the NAV would not pick up any signals! It was horrible. I was in state of panic. What a nightmare! But then, it picked up signal and started working again. Man, that was close.
But really, NAV is great. Gotta have NAV.
I was thinking about getting a Lincoln Navigator with NAV. Hey, that sounds kind of poetic.
The Navigator with the voice-activated Navigation System. What kind of Navigator would it be if it did not have NAV? The Navigator must have NAV.
I think I'm going crazy with NAV. Geez, thanks a lot, man!
Q. -- If the navigation and entertainment systems *share* a dvd drive, what can the navigation system do *without* the data disc in the drive? (e.g. some, but not all data is avail with or without the disc inserted?).
I've ordered an '05 Odyssey XLS with Navigation, but my dealer doesn't have one with nav. to show me. I'd give up my deposit and buy a Sienna if I can't use navigation *and* let the kids watch movies simultaneously. I posted a similar question on the Consumer Reports discussion board and the lone responder said that he *believed* that there was a separate, hidden dvd data drive somewhere so that you could use 100% of the navigation functions while watching a movie (no compromises), but he wasn't sure.
Q: How about the Touring trim? Touring uses premium audio system, which comes with a subwoofer under the passenger seat. I saw it there myself. Therefore, where would Honda stick the NAVI DVD unit on the Touring models ???
Maybe on the EX-L it is still under the passenger seat. Did YOU see it or are you still giving us info from the prev. year models ?
GPS technology is still evolving and improving, and OEM navigation systems sold in new cars seem to carry a hefty premium. I am about to purchase a 2005 Honda Odyssey, and am weighing the value of purchasing a model which includes the factory-installed Honda navigation system.
I know that Honda sells map updates for its navigation systems (which I gather are produced by Alpine Electronics), so presumably that aspect of the navigation system can be maintained into the future. But does Honda ever provide updates to the navigation software or firmware?
Also, what about the longevity of the navigation unit itself -- how long do these factory-installed units typically last? And if they break, how much do they typically cost to repair or replace?
Any thoughts or experiences? Thanks.
I would not worry about obsolescence. Newer models will have more features, but the one you buy should work fine. I can't speak of long term reliability -- as I said I've had one for 5 years with no problems. It is possible that something will fail eventually, but as it is essentially a computer, most computers fail in their early days. Repair would be expensive. Honda does not, to my knowledge, repair them in the field. Under warranty, they replace them; after warranty I expect it would be quite expensive, if needed. (That's one of the reasons I bought 7-year HondaCare, which does cover NAV.)
If you want or need Navigation, the built in system is the best way to go, in my opinion. The add-ons are not as convenient and don't have all the features that the built-in does.
I wouldn't buy another car without a NAV system, but each person has to decide that for him or herself.
I have a 2000 Odyssey and an 2004 Acura TSX, both with the NAV systems. The Odyssey is over 5 years old, and the Nav system works fine.
Thanks for the feedback -- that's what I was looking for. Would also be interested in feedback from others.
-jaylard
I refuse to buy a car without one, and so do they.
1. Is there anyway to program around the "OK" screen when you start up?
2. Is there anyway to make a movie DVD play on the ront screen?
3. Is there anway to get the NAV to do anything cool that is not commonly known?
4. Is there anway to play a dvd in the rear and listen to XM radio in the front? (Book says no)
1)I believe there isn't because of the "Safety warning" issued on the screen.
2)No 2005 NAV system's will play DVD's in the front screen for one simple reason:
safety, that's what car makers believe
3)"Cool Like What" give examples
4)Yes, shut off back speaker, make back passengers use head phones, and turn XM in front!
To answer other question's I've seen:
yes, you can play a DVD and still use the Navigation system.....
hope your questions are resolved.