navigation system
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 117
From: Pennsylvania and New Jersey Shore
I think not ponying up for Nav system would be a huge mistake. Your going to have a world class car, why not have all the bells and whistles (and necessities). Trying to get by with your smart phone is not living the experience properly (nor safe). Just my 2 cents. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 342
From: St. Louis MO
The Google Maps app on my iPad is excellent - always updated and better than the Nav. systems in most cars. I plan to get a "cup holder" mount for the iPad (4G model) and use it for the 2% of the time I need a nav system. in the Stingray. Also gives me 3 screens to look at !!
I also have nav. systems in my Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, and in my wife's MB E350 - both more likely to take long trips than the Stingray, (kids on board).
I also have nav. systems in my Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, and in my wife's MB E350 - both more likely to take long trips than the Stingray, (kids on board).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
I use Google Maps on my phone often, but I'd rather not have to do that. If it's built into the radio system, it makes things a lot easier in so many ways.
Just because the maps update for free doesn't mean the maps in your head unit are not accurate. The maps will be more than accurate enough to get you around without any problem.
Just because the maps update for free doesn't mean the maps in your head unit are not accurate. The maps will be more than accurate enough to get you around without any problem.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 1
Nav uses GPS which is both HW and SW, doubt that the Hw is already there. Unless the OnStar HW is tied into it which then raises this question:
Will the Nav work without an active OnStar subscription? And can the map be updated in the future without OnStar? I assume so but having read many negative complaints about OnStar at other websites I don't want to assume anything.
It seems that folks have been screwed because some functions that are not so obvious are also lost without an active subscription and they were never told about it by the dealer nor the OnStar people but used as selling points. Also trying to stop future subscription after the initial freebie period can be iffy, OnStar just charges your credit card anyway on some pretext and often manages to charge you for another month or two and since things are done on the phone there is no proof of prior conversations. OnStar presumably only deals with the person whose name is on the subscription, no one else not even a spouse, which might be a hassel for some. All this is based on stuff I've read recently, just google 'onstar reviews 2013'.
Btw, OnStar is a subsidiary of GM.
Will the Nav work without an active OnStar subscription? And can the map be updated in the future without OnStar? I assume so but having read many negative complaints about OnStar at other websites I don't want to assume anything.
It seems that folks have been screwed because some functions that are not so obvious are also lost without an active subscription and they were never told about it by the dealer nor the OnStar people but used as selling points. Also trying to stop future subscription after the initial freebie period can be iffy, OnStar just charges your credit card anyway on some pretext and often manages to charge you for another month or two and since things are done on the phone there is no proof of prior conversations. OnStar presumably only deals with the person whose name is on the subscription, no one else not even a spouse, which might be a hassel for some. All this is based on stuff I've read recently, just google 'onstar reviews 2013'.
Btw, OnStar is a subsidiary of GM.
I just wanted to provide a little clarification.
The in-dash Nav system does work with out an active OnStar subscription using its own individual mapping system. You can check for your vehicles NAV updates here: www.gmnavdisc.com.
Without an active OnStar subscription the only features lost are those connected via a direct connection. For example, the Turn-by-Turn (over the speaker voice commands), Destination Download (directions downloaded by an OnStar Advisor to your vehicle, if compatible), or E-Nav (sending directions to the vehicle via MapQuest or the RemoteLink application). You will still be able to input the directions on your in-dash Nav screen.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
-Jessica, OnStar Advisor
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 524
Likes: 13
I choose the my iphone over my denali's nav. system. Once you punch in or speak the address, i dont need to look at my phone again. It will talk me through the directions. My 10 denali has an extremely frustrating navigation screen and set up. :mad
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Brighton Michigan
Without OnStar does the nav system still give you voice prompts? IE: Turn left in 1/4 mile? Can you voice activate the nav system or do you have to "touch" in instructions? IE: Find nearest restaurant?
Last edited by brightonvette; Sep 3, 2013 at 06:45 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,904
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From: Kern County CA
If you get the OEM Navigation, it's probably worth it IF you update it, otherwise, you may be directed to places that are no longer there. My 2011 Acura MDX Navi is excellent, when current. It's also the only one I know of that allows user input while the car is being driven. Almost all other cars require the vehicle to be in Park to enter destination information. Super easy to use, but it's been over 2 years since I got it, and more than once it's led me to a non-existent restaurant. Using your phone app for navigation is always up to date. If you're worried about safety while using the phone, just get the address started before driving, then listen to the voice prompt from the phone. I'm not sure on this, but maybe the voice prompt from the phone can be routed to the car's audio system via Bluetooth.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,875
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Without an active OnStar subscription the only features lost are those connected via a direct connection. For example, the Turn-by-Turn (over the speaker voice commands), Destination Download (directions downloaded by an OnStar Advisor to your vehicle, if compatible), or E-Nav (sending directions to the vehicle via MapQuest or the RemoteLink application). You will still be able to input the directions on your in-dash Nav screen.
Didn't OnStar suggest it is lost without and OnStar subscription?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Kern County CA
I guess we'll have to wait for an actual C7 in customer's hand to verify this. I think it's probably very likely that you can, with an active OnStar subscription. I can send a destination to my 2013 Volt Navi via a smartphone app, or from a PC.
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The navigation system displays turn by turn on the navigation screen, on the IP and on the HUD as well as voice guidance telling you to "turn in Xx miles". You don't need Onstar to get this.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2008
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From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Definitely, navigation systems have come a long way since the C6 system was introduced. Different views (3D, Birdseye, split images) super directions showing the turn in detail via a split image. Many more, to numerous to go into detail. And car info. is also integrated into the system. Amazing stuff.
Last edited by Larry/car; Sep 4, 2013 at 07:18 AM.
