Navigation advice please
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 586
Likes: 131
From: Carlisle PA
Navigation advice please
I have an 05 vette that does not have navigation. I am very interested in having one installed. Which is better??? A factory system or the Pioneer AVIC-X910BT. I can buy a factory "like new" used one for $850 or buy a Pioneer factory refurbished one for about $600. Any advice would be greatly appriciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,464
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
One thing is for certain nothing looks better then the factory Nav. Most installs of aftermarket Navs look like a 12 year old installed it. I have yet to see one that looks even close to the factory Nav and most look out of place and like a afterthought.
You certainly will find better Navs then the factory one. However unless you have a need to watch movies while driving the factory Nav is very capable and has some incredible functions including split screen, day night mode, voice command, 3 route options, input telephone for POI. Now the factory Nav is not easy to learn. But if you read the manual and Talon90's sticky you will find the factory Nav is a pretty capable unit.
You certainly will find better Navs then the factory one. However unless you have a need to watch movies while driving the factory Nav is very capable and has some incredible functions including split screen, day night mode, voice command, 3 route options, input telephone for POI. Now the factory Nav is not easy to learn. But if you read the manual and Talon90's sticky you will find the factory Nav is a pretty capable unit.
Last edited by Vette Suspension; Nov 12, 2009 at 03:09 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
I went with the Kenwood 7140 in my C6. My 05 had the factory nav and it was mediocre at best. The KW7140 has a Garmin based nav system in it and is easily updated for around $70 vs $200 for the factory system. Plus an after market unit is not set up to play your iPod. The KW unit not only plays an iPod but it turns it into a 7" touch screen and the iPod can stay in the glove box. I am not familiar with the Pioneer products but you can bet it out does the factory unit in every way. Just my $.02 worth. 
Last edited by SB60; Nov 12, 2009 at 03:10 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
If you have the HUD, then go OEM, as Pioneer won't integrate with the HUD. If you don't have the HUD, then you may be happier with a 3rd party system, or with spending less money. Or you could add $300 and add the HUD. (Personally, I'd get the HUD before I'd get a nav system)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 762
Likes: 2
From: SLC UT
I went with the Kenwood 7140 in my C6. My 05 had the factory nav and it was mediocre at best. The KW7140 has a Garmin based nav system in it and is easily updated for around $70 vs $200 for the factory system. Plus an after market unit is not set up to play your iPod. The KW unit not only plays an iPod but it turns it into a 7" touch screen and the iPod can stay in the glove box. I am not familiar with the Pioneer products but you can bet it out does the factory unit in every way. Just my $.02 worth.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Milford NH
Depends on what you like. If you want to be able to watch movies or TV while you drive, go with the Kenwood. if you want it to look Stock, go with the factory. i think the kenwood has better graphics then the factory version and has better features IMO
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 8
From: Issaquah WA
One other consideration is the cost to update the system. Currently GM is charging $200 for the update to the maps/POI. Most aftermarket units are based on one of the GPS companies systems, and will cost around $100. Even if you only do one update every couple of years, that's still an extra $200 in cost for the GM system over 4 years.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,893
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
How stupid do you have to be to watch TV while you're driving? Please...tell us you were just kidding...because if you weren't, you need to GTFO. Now.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,555
Likes: 1,255
From: Saint Albans, WV
H@ll, if I want to watch a movie I'll stay home or get in the back seat of the Acadia "WHILE SOMEONE ELSE DRIVES!!"
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 299
Likes: 27
From: Bergen County, NJ
and here's the factory unit OUTSIDE the Vette
I think the Kenwood DDX is a good unit and the Garmin Navi works very well (and I'm saying this having an Acura TL DD with prob the best navi system out). But, the bottom line is if you want to maintain the factory vette look and have a decent navi system maintaining functionality with the HUD, stock is the way to go. If you dont mind a slight aftermarket look and are looking for some more capabilities (MP3/DVD/IPod/Amps, ect,) aftermarket is the route.
I'm probably going to sell my Factory Navi as it's just sitting in my garage with all the bose speakers. If anyone is interested in the factory unit, let me know...
Last edited by dr.stephan; Nov 12, 2009 at 06:42 PM.