'04 Navigation

[Guest]

My first post here, and although I don't own or have never driver a Solara, I did work on the design of the navi system for the '04 model.

As you may or may not know, the '04 Solara was the first Toyota / Lexus vehicle to get the next gen navi. Anyways, I'm interested in any comments you guys have if and when you have a chance to see the new navi in person. (but I'm sure very few have seen it as of yet )

Here's some pics of it installed into my IS300:
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jpierfel/lst?.dir=/Cars/Touchscreen&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/

[jp82729]

Sorry, forgot to log in for my first post. D'oh

[badjura]

Still waiting for the 04 Solara here in Canada - what improvements have been made with this new navi system when comparing it with the last gen?

[Yanks0114]

Welcome to the forums.

Can you explain what you meant by "next generation" navi. I know it has the largest screen in its class but is there anything that sets it apart. I used the navi on a 02 camry and I wasn't that impressed.

[Jackass-Jeff]

Welcome to the forums.

Can you explain what you meant by "next generation" navi. I know it has the largest screen in its class but is there anything that sets it apart. I used the navi on a 02 camry and I wasn't that impressed.

I think the 02 Camry Navi is ONLY DVD based... but you can add the GPS... the antenna costs... *gulp* about $500 and the GPS DVD costs about $500... =x I almost bought one on eBay (made for matrix, but same generation) and I had to add the antenna and 'gps dvd' for true navi... it's virtually mapquest if you don't have the gps =\

[jp82729]

Welcome to the forums.

Can you explain what you meant by "next generation" navi. I know it has the largest screen in its class but is there anything that sets it apart. I used the navi on a 02 camry and I wasn't that impressed.

All Lexus vehicles and all Toyota vehicles that have navi available (except the Solara) are using the previous gen software (what you saw on the 02 Camry).

Although the hardware looks almost exactly like the Camry hardware, it's actually quite different (and cheaper ) The navigation DVD drive in the Camry is in a seperate ECU, in the Solara, it is actually combined into the head unit.

Off the top of my head, some of the main improvements are a lot more points of interest, ability to search by phone numbers and GPS coordinates, new map display modes, building shape outlines in some cities, it's faster and (hopefully ) has improved screen design and flow.

Of course, there are dozens of other small features too.

[Yanks0114]

Very nice improvements. The ability to search based on telephone number is a great feature. I have it on my pioneer unit and it makes life a lot easier. It'll only work for business's right? (16 million I think are listed)

I'm pretty sure the 02 camry was a complete set if you bought it from the dealer. Possibly because you were looking online they didn't sell it all as a set. Regaurdless you would need some sort of antenna for the map to know where you were and to update your position accordingly

[Mole]

make that looks whup arse.

speaking of navi units, these new ones do not use Dvds? or do they still?

they cost a grip load dont they?? (navi dvd})

[Jackass-Jeff]

make that looks whup arse.

speaking of navi units, these new ones do not use Dvds? or do they still?

they cost a grip load dont they?? (navi dvd})

DVD and hard drive units are avail.

(Toyota / Lexus units) DVDs for non-gps are around 100-200 while GPS unit DVDs are in the $500 range... I researched this a few weeks ago

[jp82729]

make that looks whup arse.

speaking of navi units, these new ones do not use Dvds? or do they still?

they cost a grip load dont they?? (navi dvd})

Yeah, they still use DVDs, but not the same DVD as the previous gen system. One of the biggest complaints we hear about is DVDs being overpriced (sometimes as much as $500) but is usually a result of the dealers marking them way up. But I'm not a sales guy, so I don't know all the specifics.

[Flipside909]

Here's some pics of it installed into my IS300:
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jpierfel/lst?.dir=/Cars/Touchscreen&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/

Question for you...did you disable your factory DVD Navi that you currently have in your IS? Do you post on IS300.net?

-Ryan

[jp82729]

Here's some pics of it installed into my IS300:
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jpierfel/lst?.dir=/Cars/Touchscreen&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/

Question for you...did you disable your factory DVD Navi that you currently have in your IS? Do you post on IS300.net?

-Ryan

Yes, I do post on IS300.net. The factory installed nav (and the amplifier for that matter) for the IS300 does not work perfectly with the gen 4 nav. So it was a temporary install, unfortunately. I've tested it in a dozen or so different Lexus and Toyota vehicles so far the IS is the only one that I've seen that is troublesome.

[fotodad]

First, thanks for this thread. I've learned so much about navigation systems because of this thread. But I'm confused as to what's the best system and which system the 2004 Solaras will have. While MapQuest is nice, I thought the navigation system offered verbal directions. I'm I messed up or what!? Could someone please explain the different navigation systems, which is better, and which the 2004 Solara will have? Thanks a ton!!!

Michael

[jp82729]

First, thanks for this thread. I've learned so much about navigation systems because of this thread. But I'm confused as to what's the best system and which system the 2004 Solaras will have. While MapQuest is nice, I thought the navigation system offered verbal directions. I'm I messed up or what!? Could someone please explain the different navigation systems, which is better, and which the 2004 Solara will have? Thanks a ton!!!

Michael

Unfortunately, Toyota.com doesn't have a picture of it yet. But the ES330 also uses the same unit:



It is the fouth generation navigation system that Toyota/Lexus use.

[weezer420]

Any chance that you can put the navigation sysyem in the 2004 SE Sport?

I understand it is not an available option, BUT I would be willing to pay the aftermarket costs, up to $2000.00. It is a $1600 option in the SLE.

I have spoken with about 5 different Toyta parts guys at different dealerships, and all of them had different answers. Some said the car was pre wired, others said the whole car would need to be re-wired, and would need a different wiring harness.

Anyone have the real story... I do not want to jump to the sle... the climate control is a waste, and I lose the body kit and the sport suspension, not to mention the guages and ugly wood trim.

Thanks everyone!