[acxnpa]

I was just wondering if there was any sort of monthly subscription for the navigation system? I'm looking into buying a Prius, and having trouble decided which package to go for!
Thanks acxnpa

 

[Ron K]

No, there is no fee. Supposedly every 1-2 years you could BUY a new DVD that had newer information on it to keep current. The system does work very well. It's like having someone who knows the neighborhood sitting in the passenger seat, giving directions.

Although not a subscription service either, I heard that next years Infinity DVD Nav will be linked to uploaded information via satellite re traffic; the system will automatically route you around traffic.

 

[mrv]

This isn't GM's OnStar - you're not talking to a live person routing you somewhere, and GM isn't following every move of your vehicle...

US tax dollars put the GPS satellites up, and their signals are free to use.

You just buy the navigation system from the factory. That's it. 2002 was the first year the navigation system was available on the Prius in the US (mainland), and there hasn't been an update yet.

In a few years, you could buy a new DVD with updated maps and POI database (which includes many businesses and their phone numbers). Based on the Lexus pricing, expect in the $300 ballpark for the new DVD when you feel it's time for some newer maps.

There's a good description of the system at the Denso Australia site (particularly see the "General" and "FAQ" tabs): http://www.denso.com.au/satnav_main.htm

In Japan, the Navi also receives real-time traffic reports and will route around it...

 

[acxnpa]

Thanks a bunch!
acxnpa

 

[ym4949]

what's the geographical extent of those NAV CDs?

Does the Navigation cover the U.S. only or can you use it in Canada and/or Mexico with the standard distribution and GPS service?

 

[mrv]

The 2004 Navigation Owner's Manual is in the files section of the
Prius-2G yahoogroup. Look in 2.pdf, pages 2-3 (actual printed manual
pages 20-21).

The DVD has a total of 11 regions stored.

Region # = coverage area
US1 = Idaho, Oregon, Washington
US2 = California, Nevada
US3 = Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
US4 = Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska,
South Dakota
US5 = Oklahoma, Texas
US6 = Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin
US7 = Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee
US8 = Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey,
New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
US9 = Washington D.C., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey (again?),
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
US10 = Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
CAN = All provinces and regions in Canada (although the graphical map
for this region seems to only have the southern and eastern maritime
provinces...)

Hawaii and Alaska appear to be left out.

Mexico is not an option.