Lexus Navigation System - Opinions

[AlanW]

I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at
least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro
or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a
very expensive option? Thanks.

Alan

[jdoe]

Post by AlanW
I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at
least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro
or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a
very expensive option? Thanks.
Alan

it's very expensive option that is needed by some and not by others, I
have it and probably would not get a car without it again

[Ray O]

Post by AlanW
I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at
least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro
or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a
very expensive option? Thanks.
Alan

A GPS navigation system is a very convenient option, especially when
traveling on unfamiliar roads. A navigation system is useful even on trips
that are less than 3,000 miles. There are aftermarket options that are less
expensive to acquire and less expensive to update, but in my opinion, the
displays on many are too small to easily read. I see many aftermarket
systems that are stuck to the windshield, and it seems like they would be
difficult to see in glare conditions, would obstruct the view out of the
windshield, and would invite theft. The other advantage of a portable GPS
unit is that you can use it in more than one vehicle, even rental cars.

In auto magazine reviews, the Lexus navigation system is usually described
as one of the easiest to use, and I agree. Visibility and clarity are good,
the in-dash installation looks much more integrated than one stuck to the
windshield, and satellite acquisition is much quicker than on my hand-held
portable unit. On the negative side, you cannot input destinations while
the vehicle is moving unless you purchase an aftermarket kit that bypasses
the safety feature, the option is expensive, and update DVD's are expensive.

[Sanj]

The Lexus SatNav is great, and the big screen helps. I use it on a
2006 IS250, and have had no problems with directions in the UK. The
only minor niggle I have is that when I enter a new destination, half
way through a journey, it comes up with an add/replace option. I wish
it would always replace, and give you an alternative set of screens to
add destinations instead. This is especially annoying when you shout
'home' to the voice recognition system to set the satnav to your home
address, and then have to click on the replace button additionally.

--------------------------
www.carshops247.co.uk/news/Lexus.html

[Max]

Post by AlanW
I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at
least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro
or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a
very expensive option? Thanks.
Alan

it's an expensive option and updates, (which depending on where you
live/travel may not be a necessary annual need), are $200+ for the
update DVDs but they're much nicer than aftermarket displays
haphazardly stuck to the dash or windshield and at least in this area
(metro DC area), are a high theft item (the portable ones that is).

I have the OEM nav system in my 02 LS430 and at first, I thought it
was an expensive luxury but I can't imagine not having it now. When
you need directions *now*, there's absolutely, positively no
substitute.

[D.D. Palmer]

I prefer my portable GARMIN NUVI 350, which I use instead of the built in
one in my 2004 Lexus LS430. Absolutely, positively the portable GARMIN is
the way to go, as you can move it from car to car and use it when
fly-n-driving. That being said, buying a high-end vehicle today WITHOUT
navigation is somewhat like buying a car without airconditioning...it will
save you money upfront and is fine if you can live without it....but if youi
don't keep the vehicle for about 7 years, you'll lose more on resale than
you will save upfront.

My suggestion, frankly, is to get both. The Garmin can be had for about $400
and the Lexus built-in unit will pay for itself at resale time.

Post by AlanW
I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at
least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro
or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a
very expensive option? Thanks.
Alan

[mcbrue]

The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little
messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows
much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read
the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the
next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of
electronics in it.

[David Z]

Post by mcbrue
The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little
messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows
much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read
the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the
next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of
electronics in it.

You should know. Nothing could be more useless than you are. <G>

[Max]

Post by mcbrue
The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little
messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows
much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read
the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the
next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of
electronics in it.

only a deaf, dumb and blind retard couldn't figure out how to use
something my 13 yo daughter figured out in 5 minutes.

[jdoe]

Post by Max

Post by mcbrue
The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little
messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows
much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read
the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the
next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of
electronics in it.

only a deaf, dumb and blind retard couldn't figure out how to use
something my 13 yo daughter figured out in 5 minutes.

you figured out this guy real fast. you and your daughter are pretty
sharp

[GIga]

What a shocker. You couldn't figure out how to use something as easy to use
as the Lexus Nav. Have you figured out how to walk and chew gum at the same
time yet?

"Whatta Maroooon!"

Post by mcbrue
The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little
messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows
much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read
the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the
next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of
electronics in it.

[mcbrue]

Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But
now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the
same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you have
to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And then
you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum
Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in for
some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to the dash
board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale when you
stopped to use the nav ...

[GIga]

Actually, the Nav makes absolutely no assumptions what-so-ever about what
state your destination is in, and will provide you with a list of matching
desinations in ANY state that's in the region you have selected... so, my
question to you is, what the hell are you talking about? As for taking 5
minutes to "erase" what you entered, it's hard to imagine how hitting the
"back" button 3 times takes 5 mintues, but I guess if your IQ is below 40,
these things do take some time. If you want to bitch about the Nav, you
should point out that the safety nazis (a.k.a. "lawyers") don't allow you to
program the Nav while you're moving because maroon's like you would sue them
for allowing them to be stupid and kill themselves. Personally, I like
Darwinian evolution, and I think stupid people should be allowed to kill
themselves if they choose to. But that's a whole nuther can 'o wormies!

Post by mcbrue
Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But
now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the
same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you have
to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And then
you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum
Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in for
some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to the dash
board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale when you
stopped to use the nav ...

[Jeff]

Actually, I agree that the Lexus navigation system is pretty good except
for - and that is a huge except - the inability to use it fully while
driving. I find that extremely annoying. There is an after market product
that changes that behavior for some models but it is not available for my
model (GS 370) so I am stuck with it. It is ludicrous that a passenger
cannot use all aspects of the navigation system without having to stop the
car on a highway.

I wrote to Lexus about it in their evaluation form after purchasing the car
but never heard back from them.

Jeff

Post by GIga
Actually, the Nav makes absolutely no assumptions what-so-ever about
what state your destination is in, and will provide you with a list
of matching desinations in ANY state that's in the region you have
selected... so, my question to you is, what the hell are you talking
about? As for taking 5 minutes to "erase" what you entered, it's
hard to imagine how hitting the "back" button 3 times takes 5
mintues, but I guess if your IQ is below 40, these things do take
some time. If you want to bitch about the Nav, you should point out
that the safety nazis (a.k.a. "lawyers") don't allow you to program
the Nav while you're moving because maroon's like you would sue them
for allowing them to be stupid and kill themselves. Personally, I
like Darwinian evolution, and I think stupid people should be allowed
to kill themselves if they choose to. But that's a whole nuther can
'o wormies!

Post by mcbrue
Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But
now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the
same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you
have to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And then
you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum
Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in for
some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to the dash
board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale when you
stopped to use the nav ...

[Max]

Post by Jeff
Actually, I agree that the Lexus navigation system is pretty good except
for - and that is a huge except - the inability to use it fully while
driving. I find that extremely annoying. There is an after market product
that changes that behavior for some models but it is not available for my
model (GS 370) so I am stuck with it. It is ludicrous that a passenger
cannot use all aspects of the navigation system without having to stop the
car on a highway.
I wrote to Lexus about it in their evaluation form after purchasing the car
but never heard back from them.
Jeff

don't blame Lexus, it's the sue happy society we live in because, even
though we're adults, some of us have this incredible urge to blame
everyone else for our own stupidity.

Sooo...now you and I are paying the price.

[mcbrue]

My 2006 LS430 nav system is a big mystery. It does give me
destinations for stores, for example, but does not tell me where they
are. I put in where I want to go - had to pull over and stop, of
course - and then it started directing me back out of town and back
450 miles away! So I just don't bother using it when I know I will
blow a bunch of time on it - I ask the parking valet where something
is instead, and use my maps. Or I use my phone. Showing the milage to
your destination sounds like a nice option to have, but mine doesn't
seem to have it. And I did have the stealership show me how to erase
things on it, and it is a lot more than hitting return three times.
You have to change screens and back in and out - real mess and takes a
lot of time. Not a winner by far, and certainly not worth the money if
you have to pay extra for it, but lots of people have lots of time to
play with that sort of hostile system. I got it because I had to take
it to get the pre-crash safety system that tightens belts and readies
brakes that is basic on a lot of cars.

[Mitchell D. Trockman]

Many of the Toyota nav systems have an override code to allow for entering
new addresses etc while the car is moving. You can search on the net to
find needed sequence. The override instructions for my Highlander are as
follows. I have been told that this works on some Lexus models

"To Override : Push the menu button, push the volume icon in the middle the
screen, push the volume icon in the top left corner of the screen, push the
bottom left corner (with no icon), push the volume icon in the top left
corner of the screen (again), push the botton left corner (with no icon)
(again). At this point a new menu appears. Some cool stuff here like the GPS
satellite data. I would not mess with stuff though, because you might screw
up your car. One of the buttons says "override" push and hold this button
for 5 seconds, then release. The button will stay blue. Then push the back
button."

Post by GIga
Actually, the Nav makes absolutely no assumptions what-so-ever about what
state your destination is in, and will provide you with a list of matching
desinations in ANY state that's in the region you have selected... so, my
question to you is, what the hell are you talking about? As for taking 5
minutes to "erase" what you entered, it's hard to imagine how hitting the
"back" button 3 times takes 5 mintues, but I guess if your IQ is below 40,
these things do take some time. If you want to bitch about the Nav, you
should point out that the safety nazis (a.k.a. "lawyers") don't allow you
to program the Nav while you're moving because maroon's like you would sue
them for allowing them to be stupid and kill themselves. Personally, I
like Darwinian evolution, and I think stupid people should be allowed to
kill themselves if they choose to. But that's a whole nuther can 'o
wormies!

Post by mcbrue
Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But
now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the
same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you have
to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And then
you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum
Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in for
some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to the dash
board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale when you
stopped to use the nav ...

[Jeff]

I've heard that some other makes (like Honda) do not have the limited access
of the Toyota navigation systems.

Unfortunately there is no sequence known to work on my 1997 Lexus GS 350
navigation. If someone knows of one please let me know.

Jeff

Post by Mitchell D. Trockman
Many of the Toyota nav systems have an override code to allow for
entering new addresses etc while the car is moving. You can search
on the net to find needed sequence. The override instructions for
my Highlander are as follows. I have been told that this works on
some Lexus models
"To Override : Push the menu button, push the volume icon in the
middle the screen, push the volume icon in the top left corner of the
screen, push the bottom left corner (with no icon), push the volume
icon in the top left corner of the screen (again), push the botton
left corner (with no icon) (again). At this point a new menu appears.
Some cool stuff here like the GPS satellite data. I would not mess
with stuff though, because you might screw up your car. One of the
buttons says "override" push and hold this button for 5 seconds, then
release. The button will stay blue. Then push the back button."

Post by GIga
Actually, the Nav makes absolutely no assumptions what-so-ever about
what state your destination is in, and will provide you with a list
of matching desinations in ANY state that's in the region you have
selected... so, my question to you is, what the hell are you talking
about? As for taking 5 minutes to "erase" what you entered, it's
hard to imagine how hitting the "back" button 3 times takes 5
mintues, but I guess if your IQ is below 40, these things do take
some time. If you want to bitch about the Nav, you should point out
that the safety nazis (a.k.a. "lawyers") don't allow you to program
the Nav while you're moving because maroon's like you would sue them
for allowing them to be stupid and kill themselves. Personally, I
like Darwinian evolution, and I think stupid people should be
allowed to kill themselves if they choose to. But that's a whole

Post by mcbrue
Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But
now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the
same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you
have to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And
then
you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum
Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in
for some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to
the dash board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale
when you stopped to use the nav ...

[Graybeard]

I bought a Garmin C-330 at Wal-Mart for $300 and it works beautifully, and
is portable.
Unfortunately, it has a Windshield mounting bracket which must be used for
charging the battery. However, I have a carpet on the dash, so attached
Velcro to the bottom of the unit and also on the steering column. Now I can
set it in several places. And it can be changed by the passenger while
driving.
But, my car is a 2000 Avalon.

Post by Jeff
I've heard that some other makes (like Honda) do not have the limited
access of the Toyota navigation systems.
Unfortunately there is no sequence known to work on my 1997 Lexus GS 350
navigation. If someone knows of one please let me know.
Jeff

Post by Mitchell D. Trockman
Many of the Toyota nav systems have an override code to allow for
entering new addresses etc while the car is moving. You can search
on the net to find needed sequence. The override instructions for
my Highlander are as follows. I have been told that this works on
some Lexus models
"To Override : Push the menu button, push the volume icon in the
middle the screen, push the volume icon in the top left corner of the
screen, push the bottom left corner (with no icon), push the volume
icon in the top left corner of the screen (again), push the botton
left corner (with no icon) (again). At this point a new menu appears.
Some cool stuff here like the GPS satellite data. I would not mess
with stuff though, because you might screw up your car. One of the
buttons says "override" push and hold this button for 5 seconds, then
release. The button will stay blue. Then push the back button."

Post by GIga
Actually, the Nav makes absolutely no assumptions what-so-ever about
what state your destination is in, and will provide you with a list
of matching desinations in ANY state that's in the region you have
selected... so, my question to you is, what the hell are you talking
about? As for taking 5 minutes to "erase" what you entered, it's
hard to imagine how hitting the "back" button 3 times takes 5
mintues, but I guess if your IQ is below 40, these things do take
some time. If you want to bitch about the Nav, you should point out
that the safety nazis (a.k.a. "lawyers") don't allow you to program
the Nav while you're moving because maroon's like you would sue them
for allowing them to be stupid and kill themselves. Personally, I
like Darwinian evolution, and I think stupid people should be
allowed to kill themselves if they choose to. But that's a whole

Post by mcbrue
Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But
now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the
same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you
have to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And
then
you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum
Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in
for some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to
the dash board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale
when you stopped to use the nav ...

[Max]

On Sat, 14 Apr 2007 07:39:58 -0400, "Graybeard"
<***@cfl.rr.com> graced this newsgroup with:

<snip>.... However, I have a carpet on the dash, so attached

Velcro to the bottom of the unit ......<snip>
But, my car is a 2000 Avalon.

I can't imagine a Lexus with carpet on the dash. Yeesh.

[Ralph]

In my 2003 Lexus ES300, the Garmin C-330 with windshield mounting bracket is
mounted in the ashtray. I put a square wood stick .5" by .5" by 1.5" wrapped
in a non-slip material on each side of the ashtray insert and stuck the
windshield mount into it, fitting perfect, powered from the centre console
outlet. The GPS has full movement up/down/sideways as necessary. This setup
solved the problem for me and best of all keeps the unit out of sight and no
marks on the windshield.
When parking the car, just remove the ashtray insert with the GPS in it and
store it into the centre console with the wire attached. This setup worked
well for us during our recent 4,500 mile trip.

Post by Graybeard
I bought a Garmin C-330 at Wal-Mart for $300 and it works beautifully, and
is portable.
Unfortunately, it has a Windshield mounting bracket which must be used for
charging the battery. However, I have a carpet on the dash, so attached
Velcro to the bottom of the unit and also on the steering column. Now I can
set it in several places. And it can be changed by the passenger while
driving.
But, my car is a 2000 Avalon.

Post by Jeff
I've heard that some other makes (like Honda) do not have the limited
access of the Toyota navigation systems.
Unfortunately there is no sequence known to work on my 1997 Lexus GS 350
navigation. If someone knows of one please let me know.
Jeff

Post by Mitchell D. Trockman
Many of the Toyota nav systems have an override code to allow for
entering new addresses etc while the car is moving. You can search
on the net to find needed sequence. The override instructions for
my Highlander are as follows. I have been told that this works on
some Lexus models
"To Override : Push the menu button, push the volume icon in the
middle the screen, push the volume icon in the top left corner of the
screen, push the bottom left corner (with no icon), push the volume
icon in the top left corner of the screen (again), push the botton
left corner (with no icon) (again). At this point a new menu appears.
Some cool stuff here like the GPS satellite data. I would not mess
with stuff though, because you might screw up your car. One of the
buttons says "override" push and hold this button for 5 seconds, then
release. The button will stay blue. Then push the back button."

Post by GIga
Actually, the Nav makes absolutely no assumptions what-so-ever about
what state your destination is in, and will provide you with a list
of matching desinations in ANY state that's in the region you have
selected... so, my question to you is, what the hell are you talking
about? As for taking 5 minutes to "erase" what you entered, it's
hard to imagine how hitting the "back" button 3 times takes 5
mintues, but I guess if your IQ is below 40, these things do take
some time. If you want to bitch about the Nav, you should point out
that the safety nazis (a.k.a. "lawyers") don't allow you to program
the Nav while you're moving because maroon's like you would sue them
for allowing them to be stupid and kill themselves. Personally, I
like Darwinian evolution, and I think stupid people should be
allowed to kill themselves if they choose to. But that's a whole

Post by mcbrue
Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But
now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the
same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you
have to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And
then
you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum
Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in
for some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to
the dash board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale
when you stopped to use the nav ...

[Max]

Post by Ralph
In my 2003 Lexus ES300, the Garmin C-330 with windshield mounting bracket is
mounted in the ashtray. I put a square wood stick .5" by .5" by 1.5" wrapped
in a non-slip material on each side of the ashtray insert and stuck the
windshield mount into it, fitting perfect, powered from the centre console
outlet. The GPS has full movement up/down/sideways as necessary. This setup
solved the problem for me and best of all keeps the unit out of sight and no
marks on the windshield.
When parking the car, just remove the ashtray insert with the GPS in it and
store it into the centre console with the wire attached. This setup worked
well for us during our recent 4,500 mile trip.

Interesting. I'm having a hard time picturing what you're describing
though.

[Jerohm]

Post by AlanW
I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at
least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro
or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a
very expensive option? Thanks.
Alan

The GPS nothing short of wonderful, when you get used to how to operate
them, BUT they ARE a driving distraction to the uninitiated, so be careful
when learning, and BE VERY CAREFUL about lending your car to those who are
not familiar with using it.

[tech]

Hi Alan-

I purchased a 2003 ES-300 with the Nav system. Initially, I did not want
this as an option and even looked into having a specially ordered vehicle
(requiring a 4 month delay). I decided to go ahead with the Nav system and
am very happy that I did. The benefits exceed the costs. It takes the
stress out of driving to new destinations. It indicates the "ETA",
estimated time of arrival, allowing me to more efficiently plan my trips.
I have even found "short-cuts" with the nav system that save time and gas.
I don't think that it is really necessary to update the DVD, unless the
streets in your area have significantly changed. I still have the original
DVD.

Now that I have it, I would not want to drive without one. It makes sense
to include this as an option in a vehicle in the class of a Lexus. I don't
think that you will regret it.

Good luck!

Carl

Post by AlanW
I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at
least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro
or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a
very expensive option? Thanks.
Alan

[stu]

GMs On-Star is the best way to go. No need to program anything and no need
to do anything but tell the operator where you want to go and listen to the
directions. Much safer....Most adults are not intellectually equipped to
handle this built in electronic wonder.

Post by tech
Hi Alan-
I purchased a 2003 ES-300 with the Nav system. Initially, I did not want
this as an option and even looked into having a specially ordered vehicle
(requiring a 4 month delay). I decided to go ahead with the Nav system and
am very happy that I did. The benefits exceed the costs. It takes the
stress out of driving to new destinations. It indicates the "ETA",
estimated time of arrival, allowing me to more efficiently plan my trips.
I have even found "short-cuts" with the nav system that save time and gas.
I don't think that it is really necessary to update the DVD, unless the
streets in your area have significantly changed. I still have the original
DVD.
Now that I have it, I would not want to drive without one. It makes sense
to include this as an option in a vehicle in the class of a Lexus. I don't
think that you will regret it.
Good luck!
Carl

Post by AlanW
I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at
least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro
or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a
very expensive option? Thanks.
Alan