One feature that I really love on this vehicle is the GPS Navigation System. It works so much better than any other GPS Navigation System in all the cars I have previously owned. It found a very hard location that my other devices can't find. And it was pinpoint accurate down to the inch. Toyota really did a good job with regard to this feature.
Well, it's nice to hear of few good comments about the NAV system. It often gets beat up when compared to Garmin and some of the other aftermarket GPS units. That said, I like it too. I especially like having it integrated into the MFD system so that it is all built-in. Tom
I can't say the Prius GPS is one of the best ones out there. I have owned less expensive handheld units that provide much more information, like approaching cross street name. This should have been one mandatory feature. Showing the cross street name is very helpful when it is displayed and is easier to see than trying to read the street names on the map (if it is even zoomed properly) while driving.
Exactly. Handhelds are annoying in a vehicle. All those ugly looking wires and obtrusive window mounts. The Factory Unit is fantastic as is. I also like being able to hear my music and still get the voice prompt without missing a beat during a killer song. Good work Toyota. I can't wait to see what improvements the 2009 Prius has in store.
I wasn"t comparing it to a handheld device. This was a Factory OE comparison of the cars I currently own and have owned with Factory Installed GPS NAV's.
I understand the comparison was with factory vehicle GPS units. But you would think a factory unit would have better or the same features as an almost 10 year old handheld unit.
I never got around to testing one of those cars. I think I'll scoot on down to Honda next week to test drive one.
We're in the Top 3 (Denso, the maker for Toyota). I think it went Honda/Acura (so I guess Alpine?) Nissan/Infiniti (love their Bird's Eye View. Not sure who makes it for Nissan) Toyota/Lexus (Denso) as the top 3 factory nav units.
The NAVI system on new Mazda is also from Denso. The GUI (graphical interface) are very similar to that of my Prius. I agree. Acura/Honda has the best OEM NAVI system. Especially, the speech recognition part and ease of use (no need to read manuals).
Also in Canada, it's the only bi-lingual navigation system. It will recognise both English and French commands. The weird thing about US-sold Acuras (don't know about Hondas) is that the website make it seem like Canada isn't included in the nav system, only the 48 continental US states. Is that true or is the website just wording it incorrectly.
