| ndahbar |
Yep. The 2003 Navigation system. It's just awesome. I've only had the car for 7 months now and it's already paid off in spades. Just the fact that I have my own personal 411 system (look up some place and u get the phone number...BOOM...no hassle, quick, easy, super useful).
As freakin cool and useful as it is, currently I barely used the voice control feature, so I'm not the least bit annoyed that the Honda Accord system can be used to control even more with your voice (air con, radio) because I *know* that I would never use that, ESPECIALLY for controlling fan/temp and radio! Later on, I am sure I'll use the voice thing more and more, with the find/address/display type stuff. :4:
Then there's that rearview camera. UHM, how should I put this...For the rest of my life, I will never EVER own anything as big as the MDX without this feature! It's more than brilliant. Really. I expect all SUV's to have them within a couple of years.
It certainly helps that this system truly is the best of the best on the market (did you know the brand spankin' new update to the 2nd best system in the market, the one in the Lexus cars, has 5.6m POI's, which is still much less than ours? The pre-2004 Lexus system had a paltry 785,000).
Throw in the rest of the fantastic-ness, it's EASILY the best 2 grand I ever spent! :D
DARN, speaking of 2 grand, I need another batch to pay for new wheels/tires! I really like the touring 2003 wheels, but da car needs 19/20 inch, fo' shua !! (no chrome please!) and MUCH MUCH better tires than the crap we have from the factory. Ok listen up, this car's balance/suspension is utterly SUBLIME for a car this heavy/big, and with upgraded wheels/tires it will do WONDERS as I'm sure some of you have already witnessed 1st hand. Let them put the stock MDX wheels/tires on the X5, Cayenne, FX45, ML, or Touareg, and put performance rubber and bigger wheels on the 'X, and THEN we'll see who goes home crying to momma.
In fact, what would occur is something like this: :xnuts: |
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| Captain MDX |
| Great. Now get some new rims, 19" Moda R6 or 19" Mille Miglia Action would be nice. For the tires, definaly Pirelli Scorpion Zero :18: |
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| Pauls MDX |
I second that motion that it was the best $2,000 I ever spent also!!
:18: :22: :29: |
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| jimfr |
I agree.
I've been using GPS systems for 5 or 6 years now, both built-in and handheld units, and the Nav system in the 03 MDX is the best I've ever used.
Still not perfect, of course, but it's head and shoulders above anything else I've seen.
Like you, I rarely use the voice feature, though I do frequently use it to "Find nearest gas station," which works quite well.
Great job on the Nav system, Acura! |
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| ndahbar |
quote:
Originally posted by Captain MDX
Great. Now get some new rims, 19" Moda R6 or 19" Mille Miglia Action would be nice. For the tires, definaly Pirelli Scorpion Zero :18:
Yep, I really like those Moda R6 wheels, and they are a perfect fit on da 'X.
As for the Pirelli S. Z's, yeah, they seem to be just what I would need. See, I am too lazy to be bothered to swap snow tires back and forth every year, I just want 1 set of tires that will take me through everything all year round. And while they are most certainly head and shoulders above the stock OEM Michelins in the wet/dry, they are also pretty darn decent in the snow, from what I've read. Perfect!
I was thinking to go wider than 255 earlier on...but...I think I'd prefer going 255/50R19 for perfect plus sizing. I'm worried the VSA might get slightly screwy if u mess with the overall size of the wheel/tire diameter. Also anything as wide as 275 or more makes then tires stick out PAST the wheel wells...a look I don't particularly think looks appropriate or sensible. Besides, the wider you go, the worse they will be in the snow. And that's a shame cuz the MDX is supposedly fantastic in the snow. My brother drove the car in the snow last winter and he told me it's phenomenal, better than he could have ever expected. And that's with the crap OEM tires (which honestly speaking I guess *ARE* made for "defeating winter" LOL). |
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| MDXor |
Love it!! Still not perfect, but it's above anything else I've seen.
We just need to find out how we can use that PC interface. I would like to load my most popular contacts/places from my Palm or PC.
Any ideas?
We can add new features if we can find out how we can interface with it. Any body knows who is the provider of the Nav system?
:2: |
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| mrbisoy |
| I am now in san francisco. This is the first long drive of my X. And the GPS really delivers, even on the pacific coast highway. I can no longer think of owning another vehicle without one. |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by MDXor
...........We just need to find out how we can use that PC interface. I would like to load my most popular contacts/places from my Palm or PC.
Any ideas?
That cannot be done. The Nav system is a fully integrated device and the software is proprietary.
quote:
We can add new features if we can find out how we can interface with it. Any body knows who is the provider of the Nav system?
:2:
Alpine Electronics provides the hardware for the Honda/Acura Nav systems. A division of Honda/Acura called HONDA NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGIES writes the software for all aspects of the design and user interface. The mapping data comes from NAVTECH and the POI database comes from INFOUSA.
A point to note: The new 2004 Acura TL has bluetooth technology for wireless connection to mobile phones. Bluetooth is integrated with the Navigation System. You can have the Nav system (via a bluetooth-enabled phone) automatically dial the phone-number of any of the 7.7 million POIs, or even a number from the internal address book. If I read correctly, you can also download all contacts and phone#s from the cell phone to the Nav system. A section of the instrument panel (just below the fuel and water temp. guage) indicates call status, cell phone signal strength, battery remaining etc. etc.......Now, how cool is that?? :eek:
The next generation MDX will very likely incorporate these features.
.......And yes, I also agree totally. The HONDA/ACURA Nav system is worth every penny you pay for it. Even if it was a $5000 option I would'nt think twice about buying it!! :eek: ......it's truly a work of art and a masterpiece in it's own right deserving of the NOBEL PRIZE (okay, maybe I'm getting a bit carried away here).....but nevertheless, it 's worth it's weight in GOLD!! :29: |
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| Skewbeedeaux |
Yes, a bluetooth car phone system is high on my wishlist. They are much further along with this technology in the UK. Imagine being in your car and making a hands free call while your phone is still in your shirt/pant pocket. No fumbling to place your phone in a hands-free cradle.
I'm sure some consumer group will have to test the effects of RF exposure to the 'nads'. |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by ndahbar
.......It certainly helps that this system truly is the best of the best on the market (did you know the brand spankin' new update to the 2nd best system in the market, the one in the Lexus cars, has 5.6m POI's, which is still much less than ours? The pre-2004 Lexus system had a paltry 785,000)............
Couple weeks back, the moment I read that Lexus had implemented a New enhanced next-generation Navigation system, I rushed to the dealership to test it out, and see if they had corrected all the flaws that made that Nav system so useless compared to the Honda/Acura units. IMHO, they've STILL NOT GOT IT RIGHT! :28: SHAME!!! FOR A COMANY WITH A TAG LINE THAT CLAIMS "THE PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION" ..........WHERE'S THE FRIGGIN PERFECTION?? :rolleyes:
FYI, the flaws are far more than just the ridiculous POI database!! The orignal one (2001 RX 300 etc.) had just 785,000 and then when they released an upgrade they increased it to approx. 2 million. Now they've increased it to 5 million, but here's the catch: A significant portion of that database is "searchable" only if you know the phone number :rolleyes: .....Now, who is the stupid moron that designed this?? I tried to input several small businesses in the L.A. area and could access them only by inputting their phone number using the "Phone number search" (which by the way they've finally added, and was one of the shortcomings of the system). THESE SAME BUSINESSES were even there, accessible by name/category etc. on my 2000TL/Navi, which had the first generation Acura system with only 4 million POIs!! :rolleyes:
Additionally they haven't fixed the "INPUT DESTINATION BY INTERSECTION" feature which is totally unusable :28: (for a detailed explanation see my new thread - link below)
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...?threadid=13697 |
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| jamesli |
| How is it compare to the Garmin Street pilot III. I don't think SPIII will cost you $2000 and it worked pretty good for me. I always had a feeling that stock GPS is not as up to date as the Garmins. |
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| keremoner |
| I would have gladly spent it if it wasn't for having to get the touring package as well. Ideally, I'd have my base model with navigation only but for some weird reason Acura won't let you. |
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| ndahbar |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
I would have gladly spent it if it wasn't for having to get the touring package as well. Ideally, I'd have my base model with navigation only but for some weird reason Acura won't let you.
Did u already buy the car? Change order otherwise! It's so worth it, besides, you're gonna pay installments, who cares if it costs a little more in the long run. |
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| xcel |
Hi Jamesli:
___Unfortunately, there are a few weak links in the Acura NAV system and the number 1 is the extremely out of date maps. The Second item is there is no way to get your contacts on the map ... yet.
___As for Garmin, it has its own issue. What I do recommend is for you to look at Mapopolis SW NAVI with a PDA using a GPS receiver. You receive the latest Navtech maps, latest Navtech POI’s, Contacts can be used, and its < $100.00 not including the place Guides with upgrades each and every time Navtech releases new maps for a much cheaper price.
___I am not knocking the 03/04’s NAVI (especially the rear view camera and in case you were to lose the Bird’s, the NAVI will look at the wheels data and keep you on track for a small while on the 03/04’s only :D) but for the price, I can get there from here better using a < $500.00 in total PDA/Mapopolis/i.Trek GPS receiver setup than a NAVI owner can from his $2,000 accessory today quite easily given the latest maps AND I can switch to a new program, newer or maps, newer HW at will.
___The 01/02’s NAVI isn’t even in the same league with a lower capability (8 birds and lower sensitivity) SAT receiver, ancient 98 or 99 maps, no rear view, no wheel track (I am not 100% sure on that one?), and updates are only promised for the future. What about a following update 2, 3, 4, or more years from now?
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| ucsdtriton |
I have one of the first batches of MDX's (bought ours in December of 2000), and the NAVI still works great.
Sure it's a little out of date, but it hardly ever is an issue, as soon as the new highway (SR56 in San Diego) by my house is completed in June of 2004 and is on the latest DVD, then I'll get an update.
It does have the bread crumb feature, which I think is what xcel referred to as "wheel track"
Lower sensitivity = Never really noticed
No voice function = Don't care (We have a new TSX, and the voice recognition works, but I find pushing buttons alot faster)
No camera = Wish I had this, but I'm so good at parallel parking, it wouldn't help there :p , would be I nice safety feature though, as I have one toddler and one on the way.
Even though it's 3 years older than my parent's new Navi in their RX330, I still like it better. The Lexus's system is NOT intuitive (ie: menu system sucks), and two, you can't change/add destinations or perform other functions when moving. I know it's supposed to be a safety feature so that a driver won't be programming the navi while driving, BUT half the time the passenger is doing the programming. We often start driving, and then I ask my wife to put in the destination, with the damn Lexus, you have to stop and pull over... stupid.
wow, my first post in ages.... 75,000+ miles and our MDX is still running like a champ! |
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| Pauls MDX |
The aftermarket systems are excellent, but in my opinion having the system integrated within the vehicle is priceless. They will eventually fix the update issue, and not having to install and un-install is a big plus. I also love the audio integration into the radio unit itself, and screen built into the dash. I did wish that the 01/02 would have the back-up camera installed from the factory, but aftermarket is easy enough. I still love the 01/02 navagation and of course love the 03 Nav even better. I can't wait for a phone to be integrated into the Navagation system also. It's a must option in my opinion, once you drive with the Nav you will not be able to go without it!!
:18: :22: :29: |
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| hockeyplayer |
quote:
Originally posted by Pauls MDX
The aftermarket systems are excellent, but in my opinion having the system integrated within the vehicle is priceless. They will eventually fix the update issue, and not having to install and un-install is a big plus. I also love the audio integration into the radio unit itself, and screen built into the dash. I did wish that the 01/02 would have the back-up camera installed from the factory, but aftermarket is easy enough. I still love the 01/02 navagation and of course love the 03 Nav even better. I can't wait for a phone to be integrated into the Navagation system also. It's a must option in my opinion, once you drive with the Nav you will not be able to go without it!!
:18: :22: :29:
Yeah...What he said:29: :29: |
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