Navigation units in 2004 Lexus RX330

[Bud H]

I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lexus RX330 and am wondering how good the
navigation systems were way back in 2004.

Is the navigation system in 2004 Lexus at least decent? How does it compare
to those of today?

Bud H

[CFL]

Post by Bud H
I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lexus RX330 and am wondering how good the
navigation systems were way back in 2004.
Is the navigation system in 2004 Lexus at least decent? How does it compare
to those of today?
Bud H

It is a good one but does not have voice commands or bluetooth. Good
graphics. Map updates are about $300.

[Bud H]

Post by CFL

Post by Bud H
I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lexus RX330 and am wondering how good
the navigation systems were way back in 2004.
Is the navigation system in 2004 Lexus at least decent? How does it
compare to those of today?
Bud H

It is a good one but does not have voice commands or bluetooth. Good
graphics. Map updates are about $300.

Thanks for the reply - would you know if the navigation system is similar in
the 2005 models?

Bud H

[Bud H]

Post by Bud H
I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lexus RX330 and am wondering how good
the navigation systems were way back in 2004.
Is the navigation system in 2004 Lexus at least decent? How does it
compare to those of today?
Bud H

For the 2005 Lexus with "voice activated" navigation systems, does that mean
that YOUR voice activates commands? Does the navigation system verbally
give directions such as "turn right...."?

Bud H

[Ray O]

Post by Bud H

Post by Bud H
I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lexus RX330 and am wondering how good
the navigation systems were way back in 2004.
Is the navigation system in 2004 Lexus at least decent? How does it
compare to those of today?
Bud H

For the 2005 Lexus with "voice activated" navigation systems, does that
mean that YOUR voice activates commands? Does the navigation system
verbally give directions such as "turn right...."?
Bud H

Yes to both questions.

[CFL]

Post by Bud H

Post by Bud H
I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lexus RX330 and am wondering how good
the navigation systems were way back in 2004.
Is the navigation system in 2004 Lexus at least decent? How does it
compare to those of today?
Bud H

For the 2005 Lexus with "voice activated" navigation systems, does that mean
that YOUR voice activates commands? Does the navigation system verbally
give directions such as "turn right...."?
Bud H

You get turn by turn with voice. There are a couple of new views in
newer models like Interstate and a little different turn map. Not sure
what to 2005 has. I had a 2004 and now 2007 IS. Liked the human
interface in the 2004 while not in love with the 2007 interface. One
nice feature on the newer model is that ability to input a business
phone number and have the system determine the address. The 2004 has
French and English directions. The 2007 has Spanish as an addition.

[j***@hotmail.com]

Toyota uses electronics from Fujitsu-Ten. I wouldn't say they're as
good as the aftermarket audio or nav outfits. But for OEM should be
nearly half way decent.

A GPS leader in the US is the Garmin with NavTeq map. Tele Atlas is
improving in the US but their strength is in Europe. I use an older,
portable Nuvi 350 unit when it was twice the cost. But still very good
unit. I would prefer the combo of Alpine audio unit and Garmin GPS.

Post by Bud H
I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lexus RX330 and am wondering how good the
navigation systems were way back in 2004.
Is the navigation system in 2004 Lexus at least decent? How does it compare
to those of today?
Bud H

[Max]

I have an 02 LS430 with Navi and my wifes 00 ES300 has an aftermarket
Garmin Nuvi 680. It, by far, is superior to the my OEM navi system.

It has a LOT more features than the indash system, is consderably
cheaper than the indash option and updates are less than half.

When the day comes that I trade in my 02 for a new model, whether the
car has built in navigation or not won't be a deciding factor in
purchasing the car since aftermarket navigation systems have come a
LONG way in features, cost and user friendliness.

Post by j***@hotmail.com
Toyota uses electronics from Fujitsu-Ten. I wouldn't say they're as
good as the aftermarket audio or nav outfits. But for OEM should be
nearly half way decent.
A GPS leader in the US is the Garmin with NavTeq map. Tele Atlas is
improving in the US but their strength is in Europe. I use an older,
portable Nuvi 350 unit when it was twice the cost. But still very good
unit. I would prefer the combo of Alpine audio unit and Garmin GPS.

Post by Bud H
I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lexus RX330 and am wondering how good the
navigation systems were way back in 2004.
Is the navigation system in 2004 Lexus at least decent? How does it compare
to those of today?
Bud H

[j***@hotmail.com]

Yeah, Garmin is best-in-class and is the OEM for BMW's nav system.

If your wife bought the Garmin near a new map's release date Garmin
will even give you a free map update. So be sure to register the
product. And keep the Nuvi's software up to date with free downloads
form their website.

A Toyota courtesy driver told me the OEM nav unit in the Sienna
stinks. I believed him.

Post by Max
I have an 02 LS430 with Navi and my wifes 00 ES300 has an aftermarket
Garmin Nuvi 680. It, by far, is superior to the my OEM navi system.
It has a LOT more features than the indash system, is consderably
cheaper than the indash option and updates are less than half.
When the day comes that I trade in my 02 for a new model, whether the
car has built in navigation or not won't be a deciding factor in
purchasing the car since aftermarket navigation systems have come a
LONG way in features, cost and user friendliness.

[Max]

Thanks for the heads up. Yes, we registered it right after receiving
it earlier this summer. My wife loves it.

Post by j***@hotmail.com
Yeah, Garmin is best-in-class and is the OEM for BMW's nav system.
If your wife bought the Garmin near a new map's release date Garmin
will even give you a free map update. So be sure to register the
product. And keep the Nuvi's software up to date with free downloads
form their website.
A Toyota courtesy driver told me the OEM nav unit in the Sienna
stinks. I believed him.

Post by Max
I have an 02 LS430 with Navi and my wifes 00 ES300 has an aftermarket
Garmin Nuvi 680. It, by far, is superior to the my OEM navi system.
It has a LOT more features than the indash system, is consderably
cheaper than the indash option and updates are less than half.
When the day comes that I trade in my 02 for a new model, whether the
car has built in navigation or not won't be a deciding factor in
purchasing the car since aftermarket navigation systems have come a
LONG way in features, cost and user friendliness.

[j***@hotmail.com]

BTW, just to mention that the Garmin free map update was by request (I
actually don't know if the CD is automatically mailed, but I requested
it and got the confirmation).

http://www.garmin.com/unlock/update.jsp

The 2009 map CD is available starting next month (April)!

Post by Max
Thanks for the heads up. Yes, we registered it right after receiving
it earlier this summer. My wife loves it.

[ackerberg]

Post by Max
I have an 02 LS430 with Navi and my wifes 00 ES300 has an aftermarket
Garmin Nuvi 680. It, by far, is superior to the my OEM navi system.
It has a LOT more features than the indash system, is consderably
cheaper than the indash option and updates are less than half.
When the day comes that I trade in my 02 for a new model, whether the
car has built in navigation or not won't be a deciding factor in
purchasing the car since aftermarket navigation systems have come a
LONG way in features, cost and user friendliness.

Post by j***@hotmail.com
Toyota uses electronics from Fujitsu-Ten. I wouldn't say they're as
good as the aftermarket audio or nav outfits. But for OEM should be
nearly half way decent.
A GPS leader in the US is the Garmin with NavTeq map. Tele Atlas is
improving in the US but their strength is in Europe. I use an older,
portable Nuvi 350 unit when it was twice the cost. But still very good
unit. I would prefer the combo of Alpine audio unit and Garmin GPS.

Post by Bud H
I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lexus RX330 and am wondering how good the
navigation systems were way back in 2004.
Is the navigation system in 2004 Lexus at least decent? How does it compare
to those of today?
Bud H

I have a 2003 RX 300 with a Navi system, which works fine. I know that
there are better non-built in systems out there and I have 2 of them.
However it is a pain in the butt to remove those systems from your dash
everytime you park your car. I am willing to accept a system like the
one built in rather than worrying about having the better one stolen
from my car and the possibility of a broken window or door used to
remove it.