Originally Posted by eganders
Yep. Same radio, just adds NAV. If you buy one, don't forget you'll need the 2 CD's too. Not too bad for a NAV, but a bit of a PITA to program, and no nice "map" style display.
It's not too bad for a stock radio, but definitely not the quality of a good after market unit. Also doesn't include several of the newer features in the marketplace, MP3, USB & IPods, HD Radio, NAV's /w nice color touch screen, Bluetooth, Satellite, etc., and better sound manipulation (more control over EQ, etc.). I expect that those who care will be compelled to upgrade at some point.
Actually it is not the same radio. The nav unit has more controls a better display (albeit a dot matrix, but much finer) and a considerably better sound. I didn't realize this until I rented a roadster with the standard radio. I can't say if it is worth the extra money now that the new aftermarket units have all the goodies mentioned at a reasonable cost. The nav does work well and the spoken directions "on demand" feature works very well. All you do is press the volume button and you get a voice response for the next direction and an ETA. This is especially helpful when you have long distances between directions. I have the "lady who lives in the radio" set to respond with a proper British accent!
