2010 Prius Navigation System is really horrible

Haven't tried mine out realy, but I always liked the Garmin better than 2007 Toyota NAV. First thing I would try is see it there are any user accessible calibration settings.

 

Did you look at the mapped route, and make sure it matched the new US95, not the old Lewiston Grade or Thorn Creek / Sprenger / Leon side roads? Are the route settings correct?

The other-brand mapping software on my PC has several route choices - quickest, shortest, or preferred roads, and 'shortest' picks a different route that saves a few miles but costs many minutes. Some newer software may also have a choice for least fuel use. Make sure your Nav is set as you want.

 

I find this thread very interesting and could save me $1800 for the nav. Does anyone else have problems or dislikes about their 2010 nav system ?

 

That sucks. I'm planning on moving to California in a few years and having an integrated, dependable Navigation system is important to me. BTW, is this a software (loaded CD problem) or is the equipment sub par? I ask because I've been using my iPhone when I travel and use rentals. If a phone can be as accurate as I've found mine to be, I'm really surprised that a dedicated navigation system can be so aweful.

 

Hang around long enough and someone will come along and tell you a 1986 Geo is a better car than a Prius, that might save you $24,000 ...







... in the short term.

 

That's a surprise. The factory Nav in my wife's 07 TCH has been wonderful from day one - wonder what changed with the new system in the 2010 Prius? Hopefully a fixable glitch.

 

Nav systems are notorious for being less accurate in the rural and non metro areas. This is both a function of the maps as well as the geo-synced satellites. Most metro cities will have no problem with the Navs. Garmins and aftermarkets have the advantage that they can be updated readily and at a reduced cost. Their disadvantage is their smaller screen size and theft worthiness.

 

I'm not surprised to hear this, actually. My experience using my friend's integrated Nav in her Prius was horrible. And yes, I do happen to have a Garmin. In my mind there was no comparison between the two--the Garmin far exceeds the integrated Prius Nav in terms of accuracy and ease of use. That it also happens to be 1/10 the cost of the Prius Nav is big icing on the cake.

 

No problem; understandable. It is helpful for the rest of us to hear this, as difficult as it may be for you! This is the one . . . and only point . . . where I personally feel like Toyota cheaped out on us. A DVD based system, first of all; second, since it is integrated into everything else that uses the screen, this weakest link in the chain brings down everything else. And the inaccuracy of the maps to boot . . . I think all of them should have a factory recall and upgrade with a hard drive and more reliable maps (and more Garmin-like features). I am deeply disappointed . . . and I haven't even purchased my 2010 yet!

 

On the plus side, because the instrument panel is no longer located behind the wheel, seems like the perfect spot to mount a Garmin. That's what I may do.

Integrated nav seems such like such an unnecessary expense, expecially for the quality.

 

Is the time set right? It can make a difference.

 

I've been really happy with Verizon Navigator on my Blackberry Storm. I use it in my own car as well as in rental cars when I travel. The maps and traffic conditions have been very accurate. Once my new Prius arrives, I'll have to find a good mounting solution, maybe behind the steering wheel as the previous poster suggested. Maybe I'll make a cradle for it if I can't find one on the market. My wife has a Tom Tom and loves it too. Either solution is a lot less expensive than the built-in Prius unit.

 

All these things may be true, but the OP has had an '07 Prius with Nav, so I believe he has a good point of comparison. Because I am trading in my '07 w/ Nav for a 2010 w/ Nav, I am particularly concerned by the opening shot by the OP. My hope is that he'll find there are adjustments he can make to the new Nav system so that it will work as well (better, hopefully!) than the '07 system.

While there are things about the '07's Nav that aren't particularly wonderful, I've found it to be very helpful and useful. We also have a Garmin 660, and it has tremendous capabilities and features, but my wife has difficulty using it. Many people have lauded the 660, but it doesn't guarantee the user interface will be easy! Perhaps the new 2010 Nav requires a learning curve that differs from the '07 Nav? (Wishful thinking?)

 

Good point...I hope that's the problem.

 

Tempus - would you post a photo of your Winter Gray? It's a color I''m considering !! Thank you!!

Very sorry to hear of your experience with the Nav - especially since it's tied to the solar roof option....

 

Sounds like OP understands nav limitations, but is now a good time to remind everyone that no GPS system finds a street address by coordinates? They just guesstimate based on standard block and lot size. Neither my Garmin nor my Hycam can pinpoint my house by address, due to being on an odd short block. It's definitely cheaper to keep a Garmin updated, but I don't personally find it easier to use than the Denso nav unit. Frankly, google maps on my iphone is far better than either of them.

 

GPS does not use geo-synced satellites.

Tom