Pioneer AVIC-D3 In-Dash GPS Navigation System with DVD Player

Inexpensive, easy to use, great features. Far superior to my wife's OEM Lexus in-dash Nav. The iPod adapter is a must.

Why I like it:
1. Very Inexpensive.
2. Bluetooth Integration. ND-BT200, works great with this set. I was even able to upload my phone book to the unit, so I don't have to go to my phone every time.
3. Rear-View Camera integration. I got the camera custom for GM SUVs. Works great, very crisp and clear view. It even has its own gain at night so things don't appear dark, even in complete darkness, though I believe that comes from the camera itself, not the D3.
4. I was able to add a 12-Disc CD-Changer for about $150, so I don't need to remove the Nav DVD from the head-unit each time.
5. Using an adapter for my 2005 Denali I was able to keep my steering wheel controls for volume, Source Select, etc.....I lost OnStar though I never used it.
6. To use a few more features, I added a steering wheel remote control CD-SR1 (recommended for AVIC-Z1/Z2), but I added it anyway. Lo and Behold, it works like a charm. Bought this online for $15 shipped.

Why I don't like it (sometimes):
1. It tells me I have reached my destination about 100~200 feet before I reach it, always, every time, compared to the portable el-cheapo models that are off only by 5 feet or less.
2. It doesn't always take the fastest or the shortest route. If I ask it to give me more than one options, the optimal choice is in the list, but its not D3's first choice. So, I have to select it myself. Of course, these are the destinations I used for testing the unit, when I already know how to get there just to see what route it takes me. :( No use, it doesn't take the most optimal route. It will get you there though, won't get lost.


3. When you first start the engine and start moving, the current location is off for about the first minute, and then it comes to corrects itself.

Overall, the unit is good enough for its price, the Z1 and Z2 are about $800 more. I was able to get the complete system installed Bluetooth, CD-Changer, steering wheel adapter, rear-vew camera and of course the D3 for about $1800. Not bad for an in dash Nav system.

Having used portable GPSs for years I was inclined to get a built in one but they were so expensive. Not anymore. I picked this AVIC-D3 up at Best Buy for $699 with INCLUDED bluetooth adaptor (typically cost $100 and up). The unit looks great in my '07 CR-V. Looks factory installed. The sound is great once you figure out how to use the equalizer. At first the bass was so vibrating that it sounded awful but once I figured out how to use it its great.

I bought the ipod adaptor ($30) and that is the best adaptor you can buy. I use my ipod with thousands of songs so I'll never need to put in a CD anymore. It lets me use the playlists, Artists, song, etc just like on the ipod. The drawback of this system is that it doesn't have a search feature so if you want to find say, "Madonna" there is a LOT of scrolling to find it. THey should have had letters to find something, like press "M" for all beginning with M. But if you organize your ipod by Genre, the search is much easier. You have to do that on itunes but well worth the time.

The Radio is wonderful, sounds good and picks up signals my other factory stereo did not.

The bluetooth works good. Although it syncs everytime I get into my car, it will not allow it to get my phonebook off of it so I have to dial from my phone but then put it down as I talk into the mic and the sound comes out of the speakers. Works very well and worth having since starting this summer in California, you must have a hands free unit otherwise risk getting a ticket.

Ok, now for Navigation. The screen is wonderful. The maps look good and the unit is very accuate "most of the time". The one thing this does not have is Text-To-Speech like my other portables have. But I have gotten used to it now as the screen is easy to see and follow and the voice announcements without the TTS works very good. I don't think this unit uses SIRF III gps receiver as it seems a bit slower picking it up once I get out of the garage but still works.

The DVD player works great. You must take out the NAV DVD in order to watch a DVD but the unit does have a memory to go by for areas you recently went to without the disc. I put in "I AM LEGEND" and the sound is incredible. Sounds like you are in a theater with surround.

A HONDA CRV with Nav costs close to $29,000. My basic CRV was only 20,500. With this unit and installation it was about $1100 including tax. Well worth it compared to STOCK GPS NAV systems. Now I feel like I'm driving a more expensive luxury vehicle and am very happy with my purchase.

Awesome product. Nav works good. Sound & Movie quality is Great! Bluetooth works amazing and calls are really clear.

The Pioneer AVIC-D3 is a great after market In-Dash GPS Navigation System. The multitude of features and additional accessories make this system a must have for mobile video/navigation enthusiasts. As with most "all-in-one" type technologies, it does take a while to get used to the interface and menus. Though once you become familiar with them, which doesn't take much time at all, you'll probably find yourself wanting to cruise around just for the heck of it. One slight annoying design flaw is "the system's single disc slot means that users will constantly have to switch between navigation discs and media sources to make the most of its many features." But if this is not of a particular concern to you, then you'll be generally satisfied with this product.