Does anyone have real-life experience with the Ma'x Navi AND another brand?

What I'm trying to get is a comparison to another Navi system. For instance, I have the Infiniti M45 w/Navi, but even though it's Nissan, I know it's more sophisticated than the Max's. I haven't even seen the display on the Maxima's Navi, so I can't compare the two, but I'm hoping somone has.

So does anyone have hands-on experience with both the Maxima Navi and another Navi, for comparison purposes? I'm considering the Navi on the '07 Max I get later this year when my '04's lease ends, and I'd like some input. For instance, if it sux compared to most other Navis, I may pass.

 

The Max NAVI works GREAT, easy to use, easy to read. Sorry cannot compare to others, just my one sided perspective...

 

I have the Max Navi. Nissan makes the hardware and ties it into their cars very well. (Same for Infiniti's) They use maps from Zenrin which you can purchase annual updates for $190. The thing about Navi built-in with the car is that it can be tied into the stereo easily and drop the volume levels to speak navigation instructions to you. I don't think a 3rd party Navi can do that, unless you buy one with the MP3 player and XM radio built-in.

I doubt that '07 Maxima's will change much at all. Tail lights, and grill are all that I expect to be changed if at all. (Spy Photo's of 2007 Max) Industry watchers don't forcast a model redesign until 2008.

 

I love that feature too.

 

Thanks, 9Nails. I had seen the spy shots and knew there wouldn't be any dramatic changes.

As for the Navi, I just don't know how well it compares to others. It will have the family resemblance to my Infiniti's, but I figure some features are disabled or reduced. My Infiniti's, for example, has voice recognition for many functions and a really nice display with birdview and several split screen options. I doubt the Max's has those, but I don't know.

I'm also wondering if the joystick is a pain to use to enter data.

 

Voice recognition: NO
Slit Screen: NO
Birdview: YES
Joystick pain to use: YES

 

I have an '04 with the Navi system and in comparison to the BMW 760 li (girlfriend owns it) the Nissan Navi system is not as good as the beemers. Now granted that is a $125,000-$130,000 car but the options that you get with it is far much better. Plus not to mention the touch screen (which I still wonder why Nissan is still fugging around with the non-touch). I'm not saying the Nissan Navi is horrible because by all means it isn't but at the same time it's no where near being at the top.


I've also had the chance to be in a Mercedes Benz E-500 with the Navi and once again the Maxima's falls short. I guess it can be due to the price difference in the cars but even then the Acura TL which is in the same class as the Maxima seems to have a better Navi system from what I've heard/read.

If you're considering it, I'd recommend it because as I said it's not a bad system, especially with the features it has, but if you're looking for touch screen and voice activated features than the Maxima's system will disappoint you a bit.

 

Thanks chernmax and 2k4MaximaSE. I guess I don't expect the Max's Navi to measure up to BMW and Mercedes, but at least you're not saying it's a POS.

I had a Garmin 2620 portable Navi before I got the M45, and it was a really good unit. That and the Infiniti are the only two I've had any real experience with, so I guess I'm looking to hear that the maxima unit is at least decent.

And BTW I heard one rumor that the Navi display is one of the things being upgraded in the '07. I hope that's the case.

 

As I mentioned the Navi system in our cars is no slouch. The extra features are pretty nice such as the Point of Interest (POI), and detailed directions. As I Said I wouldn't have gotten it if I thought it was garbage. Very good thing to have in the car especially if you're like me and have no sense of direction . Also one more thing to consider if you do get the navi system is the $200 per year (if you decide to do it like that) to buy the map ugrade.

 

The best stock navigation I have ever used is the ones that come in Acuras and Hondas. My dad has an 2003 acura mdx and the navigation is amazing. Although I wished my maxima had the stock nav, it still doesnt compare to the acuras and hondas.

I use a TomTom Go300 portable nav now, its definately the best portable Nav system I have used and I tried them all out.

 

Mike, I see you have an 04 max, are you looking to trade in for an 06 with navi? If so the 06 navi is much different than that of the 04 and 05. As for other navi systems all I have to compare is a few portables and a mobile laptop. Portables are functional but of course small screen. Laptop was pain in *****, unless it has touch screen and gets built in.

My 05 navi does what I need it to.

Chernmax

I thought the 06 Max navi had split screen?

 

Sorry, it may have, not sure, I have an 04

 

As most of you know, the '06 Max has a new interface and new graphics. They're pretty cool! The graphics look like the ones in the Infiniti M. As far as dealing with diiferent Navi systems, I personally like Nissan's and Lexus' the best. In our Lexus SC430 the navi is amazing!! What I like better about the Nissan is their graphics( shows buildings,stadiums,airports,etc) and the Bird's Eye View. The '06 Max DOES have the split screen now and you can enter the phone number if you don't have the address. The Lexus is cool that evertime you start the car, the wood panel covering the Navi retracts the "reveal" the navi screen and whenever you turn the car off, the panel covers it back up. I recommend if you don't have the '06 Max brochure that you pick it up. They have a few pages dedicated to the Nissan Navigation System.

 

BTW, I don't like the way touch screens leave fingerprints when the Navi isn't on. That's just my opinion.

 

nissan and infinit navi compares to all other mentioned are far out dated... even the new ones that came out BUT if you think of it all those that was mentioned that our MAX / infiniti does not have are not really a reason for nav systems existance.. I have used other cars with nav system (acura tsx, toyota sienna,etc) but I think all those that my nav does not have are added/extra things that really wont make difference when im driving and getting my direction.. which i think is the sole purpose of the nav....yeah its nice to have the voice recognition stuff and a like but would that add extra directional fucntion to your nav? will it give a better direction.. i think not...

well I guess what im trying to say is..... I LOVE MY MAX and infinit...

 

my opinion on all of the stock navis is to save the 2k+ you spend on one at the dealership and put a pc in with a better gps and much more

 

I disagree, my NAVI is integrated with my stereo and the screen is the perfect size and in an optimum location for reading, viewing and use. It also can be switched for night and day driving and since I like to keep my ride clean, no brackets, wires and extra gear that limits the roominess for me or my passenger. Factory installed options also carry a higher resale IMO.

 

you will get maybe 1/3 at most of the amount spent on the navi




as far as wires and the such dangling i don't really know of any - i do have a laptop under my seat - so if i wanted to store something there i'd be out of luck - i see that as a non-issue

different skins switch at a preset time for night/day automatically

i could argue this point all day

 

Unless you sell soon, you'll get ZERO percent of your cost. Lets see, if I have a problem with my NAVI, I can get a new DVD drive (same as a computer), you have to buy a new laptop that is totally underutilized since it's under your seat being used for nothing more than a DVD player. Considering parts and installation cost, I’d say you paid equal or more for your setup (even if you installed it yourself, time is money, so don’t play that card). What's the replacement cost for a laptop these days anyway?

My replacement and repair is supported by Nissan, for your configuration, your on your own. My NAVI operations are integrated with the stereo, and my console buttons are unique for NAVI, which means ease of operation.

My NAVI was included as part of Nissans Journeyman package (5K), which added everything from leather seating, NAVI, Sat compus, Retracting mirrors, Bose stereo system and about 30 other features. If someone asked for NAVI alone, I'm sure 2K MAY be the price, however packaged deals would average out to be far less...


PS, your daytime resolution looks good, IMO this seems more readable...





What matters most is if your happy, have fun...

 

Another thing about factory navi is that it does "dead reckoning", since it's tied in with the car's speedometer. That means no lost signal when you go through tunnels or get around tall buildings or trees, etc. Add-on Navi's have to get a constant satellite signal to know where you are.

 

CHern a quick question, is that a newer version software? I see in the 2nd pic especially some icons I've never seen on mine. Either that or you just live in some rural side of town,

 

No it's original, I was just messing with it so I turned on restaurants, gas stations and hotels when I took a road trip up to New York City (that was my current home area display when I initialized it).

As soon as I got to the city I turned off the features because there where so many, you could barely see the Map anymore, it was actually pretty funny knowing you can never go hungry, get gas, or find a place to sleep in the city, luckily when I'm in the city, I don't need a NAVI to get around...

 

I have an 03 Acura TL and an 04 Max. Both have factory NAVI. The Max's NAVI is far superior to the Acura unit. The coolest feature of the Nissan Navi is the ability to change the view from Plan (Straight above) to Bird view (More 3-D). At first I didn't like the Bird view, it took some getting used to, but now I can not even look at the plan view.

Regarding touch screens (which the Acura has), there is always finger prints and smudges on the screen.

Over all, on a scale of 1 - 10, I would give the Max NAVI a 9, and the Acura a 6

Just mho!

 

I've used many systems, the Maxima is on par with all the rest as far as the Map and getting you to your destination, BMW, MB and Audi may have some really expensive cars but the Navs are no different, slightly more options and voice recognition but still they are the same.

Only thing I did not like about my Nav was the 2 Asian Chicks but I got use to them

 

Uhhhh ... "two asian chicks" ?

 

That keep talking to you? Guess I didn't pay close attention, I thought there was only one but she likes me.

 

Maybe it's 1 girl but she reads/speak the directions and then when a street name come up it sound like a different girl, probably just the way they tied all the sound bites into each other.

I've had it long enough that I don't realize it anymore

 

Godd info. I appreciate the input.