Hi guys,
I'm currently shopping for a 2007 RX-8 and was wondering if I should take the navigation system. I know that there is much better systems for less, but before making a decision, I would like to know the features of the navagation system that come with it. I searched and couldn't find any list or manual with all features.

Is there anyone with a 2007 and the navigation system that could list some of the cool features, such as voice activation, bluetooth telephone connection, sound system control, mp3, go home function, voice language, etc, etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

wow, all of that is available on the 07's? I'm thinking I should swap mine out for that...

 

I did not say it has all those features, it was a example of the features I want to know if it has. Sorry for the confusion.

 

I heard that the navi system on the RX8 sucks ***, worth than the $300 system you can buy at your local electronic store. I'm not sure if there is any improvement for 2007 but I think the lack of a touch screen alone makes the OEM navi very undesirable.

 

I would much rather have my OEM integrated NAV than an aftermarket one. I do agree that aftermarket ones do have some more features, but I use my NAV for Navigation alone, and for what it is, it does a GREAT job. It has helped me find many POIs and my way around cities which I have never been in before. The only complaint I have is the there is no voice commands. I would prefer giving voice commands, or a touch screen for input.

 

I looked in the Rx-8 User manual from the Canadian mazda web and there was nothing on it. There is a section with no content.
So I registered on the mazda usa web site and downloaded the manual and found the Navigation system instruction, very detailed. So I finally saw its features. Nothing impressing. Seems like a 5 years old Nav system.

 

The nav system isn't all that fancy. It's more or less like a simple GPS nav system, similar to what you might get if you rented a car with such a system. It's nothing like the voice activated nav system you see in the Odysseys or the Acura top-end products, certainly. I second the vote on going aftermarket, since those systems are infinitely better equipped.

 

The stock system is nice for aesthetics (look it up ricers) but I have a small Garmin unit for $359 that kills.

Wayyy wayyy overpriced IMHO. $3,000 are you kidding?

 

The OEM nav system is terrible. I'd rather have Stevie Wonder read the maps for me.

Save the money and buy an aftermarket unit for $400.

 

The OEM nav system works fine, not as good as some, a lot better than others. Plus one less thing cluttering up the dash or to be put away so your windows don't get kikked in to steal it. OH YES the aesthetics are sweet, no aftermarket looks that good.

 

After market is only good when you have a direct line of site to the GPS sats. The oem will function even with out the sats.

 

We've established that the NAV system is adequate. What you have to ask yourself is ... are you thinking of modifying your rx8 in anyway. If you are handy at electronics, you can wire up the NAV screen as an output for a Carputer, DVDplayer, playstation, etc. Being integrated and all, it does make the setup cleaner for a entertainment unit. But if you are just going to be using it for NAV alone, you might want to consider an aftermarket.

Personally, my navigation is my Palm pilot and costed me about $300.

BTW I'm glad that the rx8 doesn't have bluetooth phone ... we all know that driving while talking (even hands-free) is equal, if not more, impairment to drinking alcohol.