I need opinions on the Chrylser NAV option. I plan on a new T&C , but the NAV package is $1300. Pretty steep considering what Garmin is offering as an alternative.
Questions:
1. Reliability and overal satisfaction? Do you think it was worth the investment?
2. Multiple destination sort? On the day you have 12 things to do, can you input all 12 destinations, and have it route you
point to point, by the shortest overall route, saving time & gas in the process?
3. Directions: Does it give specific street names?
For example, does it say:
Turn left in 500 feet.
<< OR does it say >>>
Turn left on Maple Street in 500 feet?
Thanks in advance
.

 

I will try and answer your questions.We have a 2006 T&CTouring Signature Series the NAV unit was part of the Signature package which included: the NAV unit, CD/DVD with wireless headphones, heated leather power seats, and sunroof. Getting the package saved usmoney in the long run.See if Chrysler still offers the Signature Package or something close to it. The reliability is good, but we had problems last month with the NAV unit, I took it back to the dealer the problem was the CD that runs the unit went bad so they replacedthe CD under warranty. At first I did not want the NAV, but since it came with the van I said ok.After the first try we have been hooked on this. Itgives turn by turn directions and how many miles until your turn. Sorry it does notsay street names, that would be cool if it did. The best part of the unit to me is, the directory. If your in a different city and need to find a hotel, restaurant, shopping mall, hospitalanything it will find it for you. It only lets you program one destination at a time. It does give you the options of short routepossible and estimated time it should take to get there. The only drawbackwith the Chrysler system to that of Garmin orothers is Chrysler uses a disk that can go bad oryou have buy a new one every three to five years because of road changes or business move or close. The after marketunits can be updated by going on line and down loading new information into the unit. There you my thoughts the NAV unit. Whatever choice you make I hope it works out for you.

 

We just bought an '04 Town & Country Limited with the NAV system. Mine came with the intrgrated Radio/CD/DVD, 6-CD changer, rear DVD screen, and wireless headphones. I've always wanted but have never owned a NAV system before and have been thoroughly enjoying this one for the last few days. I can say this; I will probably not buy another vehicle without one, or will purchase an after-market system if it is not so equipped.

So far, I have been completely happy with the Chrysler (made by Alpine I believe) NAV system. I've read the manual from front to back and have tried to access all of the features at least once to learn how to use it. So here are my answers to your questions.

1. The system has been completely reliable (for both the previous owner and now me) and, in my opinion, is well worth the investment.

2. Yes, it has multiple destination sort. It is called "Trip Itinerary" and can store up to 10 destinations in a single trip. It can be sorted either "In Order" or "Quickest Route."

3. There are four routing options for any destination. "Quickest Route" calcuates the shortest driving time. "Maximize Freeways" makes most efficient use of freeways. "Minimize Freeways" uses mostly surface streets. "Minimize Toll Roads" uses the least number of pay roads.

4. There are also two ways to change your route by viewing the Maneuver List. From the list you can manually select specific roads to avoid. It will then recalculate another route without the selected roads. It will also automatically create a detour if you run into road construction by selecting the detour function.

5. As far as I know, the voice prompt only gives the turn instruction and not the street name. I've looked for an option that might change the voice prompt features but have not found it if it does exist.

6. Other cool features: It gives the estimated time of arrival or the time remaining until to your destination (but not both at the same time). It gives the reamining distace to destination. It has an address book that is organized in folders to store street addresses and even phone numbers. Inputs are very intuitive and easy. Voice propmts can be turned on or off, volume adjusted, etc. Has a trail feature. Gives you your exact Latitude/Longitude/Elevation. Can display both "Map" and "Arrow" screens simultaneously. You can enter a destination with the cursor on the map rather than input street address. It has two orientation features -- North Up and Vehicle Up

7. Features I wish it had (or have not found yet): It does not give your GPS speed. It does not give the distance already traveled in a given trip. It does not give the street name in the voice propmts.

Hope this helps. Good luck with it.

Chris